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Running Towards Morals & Dogma

Bro_Vick

Moderator
Premium Member
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
 

Frater Cliff Porter

Premium Member
Morals and Dogma does not contain the degrees of the SR at all. It provides a social, spiritual, and political commentary on the lessons of the old degrees without much illusion to the degrees themselves. I read M/D before I was a MM and it was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. When the church decided that I had to be a Freemason or a Christian and I chose both but no longer as a member of the church...the comparative religion lessons of M/D were an anchor for me.
 

widows son

Premium Member
Running Towards Morals & Dogma

Is not that one wont understand what is being said in M&D, but the import is much more meaningful once one becomes a MM. I've read three times, twice before I was a mason, and when I read it the third time after becoming a MM it became much more clear, at least in the blue degrees. I haven't join the AASR, yet
 

Bro_Vick

Moderator
Premium Member
Re: Running Towards Morals & Dogma

Is not that one wont understand what is being said in M&D, but the import is much more meaningful once one becomes a MM. I've read three times, twice before I was a mason, and when I read it the third time after becoming a MM it became much more clear, at least in the blue degrees. I haven't join the AASR, yet

The bigger issue is that since Pike is discussing degrees, and assuming you have received the degrees, it is entirely too easy to take him out of context. The assumption he makes during the writings is that you know what he is talking about. People read Morals and Dogma all the time who have nothing to do with Freemasonry or an interest in it. Still to full enjoy reading Morals and Dogma, you need to have experienced the degrees.

People can read a book on Quantum Physics and understand parts of it or all of it, but won't fully be able to comprehend it, apply it without a sound knowledge of the preceding fundamentals.

Also, this is post count #300! w00t!

S&F,
-Bro Vick
 

widows son

Premium Member
Running Towards Morals & Dogma

I agree,and I am going to purchase those books you recommended a few posts ago in this thread. Thx bro. Vick
 

Bro_Vick

Moderator
Premium Member
Re: Running Towards Morals & Dogma

I agree,and I am going to purchase those books you recommended a few posts ago in this thread. Thx bro. Vick

You get the Monitor and Bridge to Light when you receive the degrees, so keep that in mind. :)

S&F,
-Bro Vick
 

Pscyclepath

Premium Member
Re: Running Towards Morals & Dogma

You get the Monitor and Bridge to Light when you receive the degrees, so keep that in mind. :)

I got a copy of de Hoyo's new annotated edition of M&D, and a copy of "A Bridge to Light" once I completed our reunion last month... The Monitor is $75, ordered from the Supreme Council, but you can get it for $35 if you enroll in the Master Craftsman program, since they use that along with "Bridge to Light" as the principal textbook. That's the route I took, and the Monitor is definitely a great deal in helping you get your feet better settled with the SR...
 
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