Focus on the Value of the Lesson, Not the Source

How can we achieve balance and maintain our equilibrium if we do not continually strive to learn from all sources, not just those that we are partial too?  One of the things that often prevents us from learning some of the most valuable and enlightening lessons is that we are so focused on the source that we miss the lesson.  There are many sources that we can learn moral and spiritual lessons from but we often overlook these because of preconceived beliefs that we have about the source.  In many cases, these preconceived and often ill conceived beliefs have no basis and are, in fact, not our own but the opinions that we have borrowed from others.  It is only when we start to value the lesson and focus less on the source that we can realize the full meaning of life and be truly enlightened.

The Scottish Rite degrees give us a real glimpse of the lessons that we can learn when we open our minds, lower our defenses and have a willingness to consider other sources.  For example, in the 23^rd, 24^th, and 25^th degrees, we are taught that regardless of our personal religious beliefs, there are lessons that we can learn from the sacred text and teachings of the Jewish, Islamic, and Christian faiths.  This equal treatment is a striking lesson that should also apply to other parts of our life.   Applying this to my own life, I am a Christian, and I have some very close friends from both the Jewish and Islamic faiths.  As we have talked and interacted over the years we have discovered that many of the same lessons transcend each of our religions and although the players and story will vary, the fundamental truths are constant. 

The great thing is that anyone can take away learning’s from each of these degrees regardless of their religious background and beliefs.  These teachings are then summarized in the 26^th degree into a common set of truths that every Mason, regardless of religion should be able to believe in and agree on.  Focusing on these common themes and beliefs reinforces the universality of Masonry.   These universal beliefs, a belief in God and the immortality of the soul, are what allow the Israelite, the Christian, and the Mohammedan to live in harmony. 

We should be open minded enough to see that almost any Holy Book(s) can be used to enlighten one’s mind, regardless of their faith when it is made clear up front that the purpose of studying diverse sources is not to endorse or teach a religion but rather to learn the moral and philosophical lessons tends to remove the protective defenses.  At the end of the day it seems much better to synthesize among a group of beliefs which unifies, rather than to focus on the differences which will ultimately divide us. 

There are also many other sources that we should study and give consideration to in our quest to become enlightened.  These include but are not limited to the teachings of Confucius, Zoroaster, Seneca, Plato, Aristotle and other great Philosophers as well as the Poets, Astrologers, and Theologians.  We should not just study others interpretations of their works but should also seek to read and study the original works. 

I want to leave you with one final thought and sincerely hope that you will give it serious consideration.  If we are to believe what we are taught in the First Degree lecture that “Masonry unites men of every country, sect, and opinion and conciliates true friendship among those who otherwise might have remained at a perpetual distance” then we must be willing to consider multiple sources during our Masonic journey.  How can we have an understanding and respect of others if we don’t take the time to consider the sources that have shaped them into the Men and Brothers that we know them to be?

Why the Catechism?

Since joining the Fraternity I have often heard brethren discussing the catechism and its relevance.  I have heard both pros and cons of requiring the candidate to return a catechism prior to advancing to the degrees of Fellow Craft and Master Mason and would like to share my thoughts on the subject and the reasons why I am huge proponent of its value and continue to believe it is an essential element to the new Mason’s assimilation into our Craft.

In the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, where I reside, we have a requirement for both Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft to learn a catechism and be examined in open lodge prior to advancing to the next degree.  In addition, a Master Mason must return their catechism in order to become a Line Officer.  These catechisms are taught and learned via mouth to ear and the new Mason is not allowed to possess or use the Official Standard of Work (OSW) until they have been raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.  

The catechism, first and foremost, puts Masonry front and center in the candidates mind.  A large portion of the catechism focuses on the ritual that the candidate has recently went through.  In many cases we know that the candidate is so nervous during the degree and the lecture that they scarcely remember what they have gone through.  Learning the catechism forces them to think about what they have been through and understand its meaning and relevance.  In addition, they are likely to have many questions and the coach can share additional insight that the candidate might find interesting and valuable.

The catechism allows the new Mason an opportunity to form a lifelong bond with an experienced Brother.  Since the catechism is taught mouth to ear, it requires the new Mason to spend a substantial amount of time with a well-informed brother.  As naturally occurs, there is a lot more that is accomplished during the coaching sessions than strictly the study of the catechism.  One of the outcomes is that the new Mason will learn about his coach and how Masonry has had an impact on his life.  In addition, the coach will learn about the new Mason and be able to provide not only encouragement, but also help form a tie that will hopefully inspire the new Mason to work hard and continue to come back to the lodge through the remaining degrees and ultimately become an active and faithful member for many years to come. 

The catechism teaches lessons that will be used throughout one’s Masonic career.  Since the catechism teaches portions of the degree work and the opening and closing ceremonies, learning it once and learning it well will make it easier whenever one progresses through the chairs and takes part in degree work.  It will also be invaluable in the future when coaching candidates.

The catechism forces one to learn the obligation in its entirety and reflect upon its meaning to oneself.  Learning this portion of the catechism results in the new Mason giving serious thought to what is expected of an Entered Apprentice, a Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason as well as the symbolic penalties.  Since the obligations are taken upon the Volume of Sacred Law each of us should give serious thought to their meaning and what we have solemnly swore to keep and perform before God and our brethren.  The catechism provides us this opportunity. 

The catechism offers one final thing that I think is missing in a lot of organizations and that is commitment, or as I like to call it, skin in the game.  Since the degrees are progressive, you must return the catechism of the Entered Apprentice degree to advance to the Fellow Craft Degree and then return the catechism of the Fellow Craft Degree to be raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, it requires the candidate to invest time and effort in order to advance.  This means that the candidate must work for their advancement; nothing is given to him for free.  This results in some ownership and it also weeds out those who are not willing to labor in the quarries.  In my opinion, if a candidate is not going to invest the time and effort required to properly learn and return the catechism, they most likely will not invest the time and effort to be an active member of the Lodge.

It is important to note that not all jurisdictions have catechisms and in some jurisdictions other forms of proficiency are used and many of the reasons outlined above are applicable to these other forms as well.  I hope that you have found this information useful and I sincerely hope that the Grand Lodge of North Carolina will continue to have this requirement for our new members due to the advantages outlined above.