Reading from another post, and not wanting to stray it off topic, got me thinking regarding men interested in Masonry or newly initiated in Masonry run out and get a copy of Morals and Dogma, and I have no idea why.
When I became a Master Mason my mother sent me two copies of Morals and Dogma, one was my Grandfathers and the other is my Great Uncle, both whom had passed to the celestial lodge above. When I started to read the first degree, I realized that this was difficult and wasn't really making sense for what I have learned so far in the infancy of my Masonic journey (I would say that now I am a barely speaking toddler, maybe).
I notice that as new initiates or men interested in Freemasonry a lot run to Morals and Dogma, which I think is just a bad idea. The lessons taught in the Scottish Rite third degree differ from what the 99.9% of lodges do (except for Red Lodges), trying to read the first three degrees could be confusing for any man making his masonic journey. Also, Morals and Dogma was written by Pike as to be the lectures after every degree is received, it isn't by any means an explanation of the degree, but expounding on the principles of the degree. If you haven't received the degree, how are you suppose to really grasp what Pike is eluding to?
I am currently trying to capture the impact the Scottish Rite degrees had on me, and trying to share the internal light it shined upon my soul. This is a long process to write a page long essay. I always read the following books:
Morals and Dogma
Morals and Dogma for the 21st Century
Scottish Rite Ritual - Monitor and Guide
Clausen's Commentaries on Morals and Dogma
A Bridge to Light - A Study in Masonic Ritual and Philosophy
Over and over again, which really helps solidify my thoughts and understand the light even more. I usually read the degree lecture in Morals and Dogma a couple of times, ping on what Pike writes, and cross check it with others.
While some here believe that reading books before getting the degrees is a bad idea, I do believe that you can. If you were to ask me for one book recommendation on the esoteric nature of the first three degrees I would recommend "Making Light - A Handbook for Freemasons" by Julian Rees, for historical information, and myths about Freemasonry then "Freemasonry for Dummies" is a great pick.
So if you haven't received the degrees of the Scottish Rite, than gently put down that copy of Morals and Dogma, it may confuse more than enlighten.
S&F,
-Bro Vick
When I became a Master Mason my mother sent me two copies of Morals and Dogma, one was my Grandfathers and the other is my Great Uncle, both whom had passed to the celestial lodge above. When I started to read the first degree, I realized that this was difficult and wasn't really making sense for what I have learned so far in the infancy of my Masonic journey (I would say that now I am a barely speaking toddler, maybe).
I notice that as new initiates or men interested in Freemasonry a lot run to Morals and Dogma, which I think is just a bad idea. The lessons taught in the Scottish Rite third degree differ from what the 99.9% of lodges do (except for Red Lodges), trying to read the first three degrees could be confusing for any man making his masonic journey. Also, Morals and Dogma was written by Pike as to be the lectures after every degree is received, it isn't by any means an explanation of the degree, but expounding on the principles of the degree. If you haven't received the degree, how are you suppose to really grasp what Pike is eluding to?
I am currently trying to capture the impact the Scottish Rite degrees had on me, and trying to share the internal light it shined upon my soul. This is a long process to write a page long essay. I always read the following books:
Morals and Dogma
Morals and Dogma for the 21st Century
Scottish Rite Ritual - Monitor and Guide
Clausen's Commentaries on Morals and Dogma
A Bridge to Light - A Study in Masonic Ritual and Philosophy
Over and over again, which really helps solidify my thoughts and understand the light even more. I usually read the degree lecture in Morals and Dogma a couple of times, ping on what Pike writes, and cross check it with others.
While some here believe that reading books before getting the degrees is a bad idea, I do believe that you can. If you were to ask me for one book recommendation on the esoteric nature of the first three degrees I would recommend "Making Light - A Handbook for Freemasons" by Julian Rees, for historical information, and myths about Freemasonry then "Freemasonry for Dummies" is a great pick.
So if you haven't received the degrees of the Scottish Rite, than gently put down that copy of Morals and Dogma, it may confuse more than enlighten.
S&F,
-Bro Vick