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Posted at: 11:44 am Albert Pike is probably the single most well-known Masonic thinker that exists. His Tome, Morals and Dogma, is forever referred to as the quintessential Scottish Rite authority. What most Masons fail to realize is that Pike discusses the first three degrees…the “Blue Lodge” essentials in the first three substantive chapters of that great work. Too many of us discount Pike as ‘unreadable’ or ‘overly laborious’. Too bad. The information and attitudes in this work, if carefully read and understood by all Masons, would go very very far in helping the Craft to cure what ails it. I am, of course, only speaking of the first three chapters of the book. Is it too much to ask your mentors, Masters and Wardens that they read this? Is it too much to ask that each EA be given the first chapter to study prior to his passing to FC status? Of course not. And the benefits of making these demands on ourselves are so far beyond the inconvenience that opposing such a task is laughable…as much as it is lazy. So why don’t we do this? What do we have to loose from becoming smarter and more well-read? Perhaps the proof is in the way we maintain our Craft. We, generally, don’t expect anything from our “brothers” more than attendance and a good slap on the back once in a while. This attitude of low expectations and menial mental challenges is a disease that we call “brotherly love”. WE tell ourselves that we cannot expect more from our brothers…because it would be asking too much. Balderdash! EXPECT MORE FROM YOURSELF AND YOUR BROTHERS!! Masonic Leaders…I emplore you to ask more of the men standing next to you! Help them to realize that; while ignorance may be bliss, it is still ignorance! Look to Pike. But before you do…ask yourself this question…have I read it yet? Have I bothered to make the effort to improve myself in this particular way? If you cannot honestly say yes…then you must act first. Pike is a great teacher. And while I truly enjoy re-learning my early Masonic lessons from his perspective, I accept that it is his perspective, nothing more. I am not a blind promoter, nor do I think he has the magic key to all knowledge…it just seems that his perspective is more thorough and more reality-based than so many others. Rad the first three chapters of Morals and Dogma. But don’t do it like so many do…just looking at the words so you can say you’ve done it. READ them. THINK about them. MEDITATE on them. Then try to ask yourself why it has taken you so long to understand the value of this exercise. And finally…No more balderdash…please. |
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November 20, 2007
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I have read the first three chapters of Morals and Dogma, and have found much thought provoking material.
Some of the problems folks have with Pike may actually stem from the view that anti-Masons have of him; which is a shame.
One Brother I am acquainted with does indeed have a problem with him because of his racist attitudes.
Alas! There are many authors with whom I disagree, but read to glean what I can from them. After all, (and this is especially true in Pike’s case), one doesn’t have to accept the entirity of their work to benefit from it.
Be Well,
Traveling Man
Comment by Traveling Man — November 20, 2007 @ 2:52 pm
I find Pike to be very illuminating, but I think its about how you read him. just taking it by degrees is not sufficient, because the analysis is meant to accompany something, and one without the other breaks the chain. Its taken me a few years to really get into what he has to say though. The truer deeper meaning.
Comment by Greg — November 20, 2007 @ 6:46 pm
I agree on reading M&D. On my own, I read each chapter after having gone through each degree. While it was a little deeper than I was prepared to deal with, I did find it very rich. Now having been raised for almost a year, I plan on revisiting those chapters again and seeing how my knowledge has evolved. I truly feel having read these chapters gave me a firmer footing on my my endeavor.
Comment by Carter — November 21, 2007 @ 8:47 am
One of the biggest problems with Pike is not Pike; it is some of those who have read him and don’t understand. A lot of Pike is not necessarily his opinions but what he perceives as societies attitudes and opinions. Pike was a devout Trinitarian and an active participant in his church. Many of his writings are history lessons, as it was seen at the time, not to be taken as religious instruction. The Brothers need to read more than Morals and Dogma and they need to read more than Pike.
Many of us became Masons to learn, seeking more light. We promote learning by learning ourselves, spreading light. To do neither is not Freemasonry.
Comment by Mr. Ed — November 27, 2007 @ 3:04 pm