Thank you for downloading this episode of our podcast. Hi and welcome to the podcast for Solomon staircase. Masonic lodge, number 357, where we talk about all things related with Freemasonry including traumatic teachings. Philosophy reason spirituality and much more we're located in Buena Park. Southern California, tuned in as we continue to update our podcast with informative talks and articles for Mason's worldwide.
And those who would like to inquire within The following article is from the September 2004 fraternal review, Faith, religion, and Freemasonry by Grand Chaplin Rady. Heil born. And this is a reprint from the January. 2004 Wisconsin, Masonic Journal. In recent weeks, a number of inquiries have come across my
desk. Relative to questions of Faith where Works in religion conservative or liberal Christianity, fundamentalism, radio, preachers, and other areas of concern to persons actively engaged in religious Faith or knowledge. Most particularly has been how all this relates to Freemasonry first of all, let me emphasize. Once again, Freemasonry is a voluntary fraternity of men of all faiths and religious practices. We're not a religion or a cult of faith.
We as Mason's, do not espouse any religion, nor do we deny any of our members, the right? And privilege to practice, whatever Faith, he may desire s, every Freemason is required to acknowledge his faith, in a Supreme Being in whatever manner. He accepts his version of deity, Freemasonry does not sit any standards of Faith or belief each member must make. That choice for himself third. I remind you that religion is one subject. We do not discuss, nor do we debate.
The matter in any of our lodges were Masonic meeting. He's outside of the lodge or away from a masonic meeting, any member May conduct his faith or find disagreement with any other
Faith, how he may choose. Without any doubt, there are members of Freemasonry who acknowledged deep friendship and harmony with each other in a masonic lodge setting, but who may be in a sharp disagreement over matters of faith and religion outside of the lodge, that is not only acceptable, but Mason's are encouraged to be true to their individual faiths
forth. There are very few adequately trained and dedicated religious scholars in any of our face, but those who are are finely tuned Scholars. I suggest that we leave it in their hands to debate the finer points or variations and differences that exist within the fields of religion. I must admit that after all my years of scholarly research, I find that there is so much more that I do not know as compared to what I do know about
religion. That I'm very reluctant to make any absolute statements in the areas of faith and religious practices. Fifth in our Masonic rituals, we make references to certain portions of sacred writings, but they are purely for ritualistic purposes. They do not in any way manner or form indicate that Freemasonry, accepts them as statements of Faith or practice. They are used as examples for guidance and consideration. Only, they are never to be construed.
As Masonic statements of faith. We are a fellowship of men endeavoring to make the world a better place for all of humanity. Finally, my brother's. I will say that there is not and there should not Not be any connection or relationship between Freemasonry and the religion but that we encourage each of our members to be faithful to his faith. Whatever that may be for, that is surely part of the measure of the quality of man.
The following article is from the September 2004 fraternal review and is a reprint of an article from the October 2003 in November 2003, Wisconsin, Masonic Journal. The Monument of the broken column and then there's an editor's note in this paper Brother, Richard Demarcus will
take readers on an in-depth. Look at the different levels of meaning carried within Freemasonry is most treasured symbols and allegories brother Marcus is an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, School of Business, enjoy My brother, Richard Demarcus George Washington 1776. Lodge number 337 Freemasonry uses symbols and allegories to teach lessons about Brotherly. Love relief and Truth are most familiar symbol. Of course, is the square
overlaid with the compasses. Speculative masonry or symbolic masonry as it is sometimes called transforms. Seemingly common craft tools into symbolic devices intended to teach higher lessons of morality. The first degree teaches us to square our actions with virtue and that the compasses are to keep our Behavior within do bounds. To each tool, there is both a literal use for a Craftsman and a higher meaning.
But if we stay particularly attentive to the historic lectures and Lodge, we are often treated to two or more higher meanings of the same symbol. The frequency of finding multiple meanings for the same object is astonishing.
For example, the letter G is literally a letter, but we learned that it denotes geometry which is viewed as a synonym for masonry at a higher level, the letter G, also turns our attention to God, the great architect of the universe levels of meaning, Literary critics call the use of multiple levels
of interpretation for that. Same symbol policy me originally Aristotle pointed out in his book on Poetics that symbols and words have the simple or a double meaning four levels of meaning were introduced in. Medieval times Thomas Aquinas analyzed scriptures and four levels in his Summa theologica the four levels had various names but they were typically called the descriptive allegorical Trope, illogical and
anagogical meanings. While these terms seem excessively, technical, they merely help us. Look at symbols art or literature with an eye, to finding richer or higher, meaning at the descriptive level, which Aquinas called the historical or literal level. We find the meaning that most would see, in the context of the term, or symbol at the descriptive level. A square is a tool for finding right. Angles, the allegorical level refers to an understanding of
the symbol representing. Another concept or idea, this square is seen as the square virtue. The Trope illogical involves the moral, or biblical interpretation of the image, a Mason seeks to live on the Square and is associated with right living. The highest level is the anagogical which seeks a spiritual or mystical meaning in Greek. And agogic. Literally means to lead to more, which is the highest sense of meaning.
The square is the jewel given to the master of the lodge to designate his authority in large matters. This fourfold classification, system was expanded to five levels by the Spaniard Juan Perez. De Maya, it has philosophic Secrets, 1585 he added a physical or natural level below the for Medieval levels. Most English-speaking users learned of the fivefold policy - levels in Northrop phrase influential 1957 book anatomy of criticism. Nevertheless, we will revert to
the fourfold medieval levels. The monument to the master builder. Masonic tradition holds that there was erected a marble Monument to commemorate the death of the master builder, the monument consisted of many symbols which are explained in the historical lecture in the
third degree. But if we spend a little more effort in examining the collection of symbols, and how they relate to each other, we find multiple meanings even Beyond. Those told us this effort of concentration, has its rewards on a visit to an art museum. We could walk briskly through the Landscapes impression. In modern paintings and still enjoy their beauty. Alternatively, we could sit quietly examining a work of art to taken all that it has for us today.
Let us also take in the Paula tzimmes meanings presented in the marble Monument of the beautiful virgin weeping over a broken column. Weeping over a broken column. Death is sad, it is sadder. Still, when a person is struck dead in the prime of his life at the descriptive level, the central figure is the beautiful. Girl in morning, we feel the sadness of the young girl weeping.
It is compelling to Men Who find tears hard to ignore at her feet lies a broken column, which is an image of premature death in the symbolic. Language of cemeteries, we are informed of several allegorical meanings contained in the monument. The broken column suggests the unfinished date of the Temple of Solomon. It also alludes to the untimely death of the master builder of
the temple. The Tropa logical meaning of the broken column reminds us of the grief and mortality that comes to all of us. The monument is itself, a commemorative grave marker if there is still a higher-end agogic meeting, Perhaps it is the overwhelming sorrow of the beautiful virgin who's weeping that touches our hearts, as the third degree reminds us of our own mortality the marble Monument embodies this meaning for us The open book before the
Weeping, girl lies an open book a descriptive level. It may simply be any book. The allegorical meaning of the book we are told is that the master-builders virtues there, lie In Perpetual record books, symbolize learning. They Remain the primary method to convey information or records overtime books. Continue to be used in churches and synagogues to record births marriages and deaths of their parishioners that book is known as the book of life and death.
At the trouble. Logical level of interpretation, we can easily visualize an open book before us as an image of the Holy scriptures lying open on an alter. The book is set on part of the broken column as the altar itself. At the end of gajak level, The Book of Life is an image of profound ultimate judgment with the Divine whose name will or will not appear is not in our hands. The sprig of Acacia.
The marble Monument prominently draws our attention to the sprig of Acacia in the girls, right hand. The bow appears to be a branch of any kind of plant at the most basic level, the branches and element from our natural world. But we are reminded of the allegorical, meaning of a cedar tree. It is used to conceal the grave and also to Mark the location of the Grave if ever it were to
become necessary. Have the trouble, logical level, there exists, a higher meaning of the timely, discovery of The Hidden, Grave luck often AIDS, those who persevere in the, we research for their goals, the anagogical meaning May refer to the clear symbolism, in the choice of an evergreen Acacia within the scene of a stone monument, the Evergreen reminds us of the immortality of the Soul. The urn in her left hand, whereas one hand holds a branch of Acacia from the natural world.
The other hand holds a distinctly man-made object, this isn't the descriptive level yet in the context of a grave marker and earn is likely used to Stow ashes of The Departed, indeed allegorically, this urn holds the ashes of the master builder, the historical lectures, give a higher possibly tropical
logical. Meaning that reminds us of the three times at the master builder was buried our buried bodies, ultimately turned to Ash whether cremated or not, whether the Departed is safely, deposited in a grand Temple or buried on the brow of a hill, we continue to remember and honor our loved ones at an anagogical level we sense the tension between the Evergreen and one hand as the symbol of life and
the ashes of death held. In an urn in the other, the monument causes us to contemplate the mysteries of life and death Father time the most unsettling of the symbols in the marble. Monument is the figure behind the girl at the descriptive. We see an old man playing with the hair of the girl allegorically. The old man is unfolding and Counting her ringlets, like the years of Our Lives or the ring was found in the cross section
of a tree. The old man symbolizes, Father Time, perhaps he has Chronos the Greek god of time, who stands behind the young girl, with this Sinister side in the crook of his arms and his imposing Wings overarching the Montage. Judge lest we be uncertain that the figure symbolizes time, an hourglass frequently appears at the old man's feet. The moral interpretation or tropical logical. Meaning is less obvious, but we are told that time persistence and perseverance will accomplish all things.
Just as Ichi Subs, Fable has a moral lesson, the marble Monument teaches us to maintain hope that with time and perseverance, we shall reach our goals. The anagogical, meaning emphasizes mystery Father. Time reminds us that we know not the Brevard years. Nonetheless, a symbolic deity stands behind us all in everything we Endeavor to do. The whole Tableau, the arrangement of a lodge is focused towards the east, the arrangement of the Tableau of figures appears to mimic the
compass points of a lodge. If we imagine the girl at an altar with a book open before her, she faces the Rising Sun, the branch of Acacia and her right hand is closest to the South, which is the beauty and glory of the day, they earn held
at her left. Hand is in the north, where there is no light time stands behind her in the west where the sun sets in myth and literature traveling, west is an expression, suggests Eating the end of our days as we Fade Into the sunset contemplating this Monument. We are reminded of the tension between the limits of our Earthly time and our ultimate belief. In the immortality of the soul, the Weeping is for the Earthly death. We are surely all going to meet.
There is also the reassurance of the father-like figure counting every hair on our head, Matthew 10:30, Historical issues, the marble monument that we have been examining could not have been constructed at the time of King Solomon as Masonic short talk bulletin on the broken column volume 34, February 1956 number two pointed out there were no Vellum or Papyrus books. At that time there were only Scrolls No Jewish Builder would have been cremated at that time. Furthermore monuments, that
included, a Greek god. And the image of a human would not have been accepted at all. The idea of a visual. Depiction of a foreign God. At the time of Solomon's Temple is preposterous the generally accepted view of this Monument is that it was created in 1819 by Jeremy cross. The illustration was done by Amos, do little brother cross felt as we do that, when great men died, they must have a suitable Monument. The symbol of a broken column
was widely used. In 1813, the grave of commodore Lawrence, who fell in battle was marked with a broken column in Trinity Church graveyard in New York City. This famous grave was known to Jeremy cross. The rest of the figures in the monument were designed to tell a story. And to point out moral ideas, we find that the story is profound with polysemous meetings, we need not apologize for the evidently non historical elements in the story of this Monument.
We learn only that Masonic tradition, informs us that a marble Monument. Mark, the grave of the master builder. And in conclusion, the language of symbolism is one of the oldest deepest, and richest means of communication by seeking deeper meanings embedded in our symbols. We Help along life's path. We grow in our understanding and appreciation Masonic symbolism teaches us valuable lessons at the descriptive allegorical trouble, logical, and ultimately the anagogical level if we.
But look for them, the monument to the broken column reminds us of the Lessons Learned when we were raised to be Master Masons. The following article is from the September 2004 fraternal review and is a reprint from the Masonic voice volume 3, fall/winter 2003 Hiram, a different look by Daniel L Mathews. What images do you have in mind when you use the word lead? How do you see yourself in your
future role as a masonic leader? If the position is a prominent one, you will probably be tempted to attach to leadership some of the same features that popular culture attaches to it
glamour toughness and power. You would like to see yourself as respected by your enemies admired by your friends and colleagues you will in short want to savor the benefits of leadership before counting the cost wch Prentiss said, in the Harvard Business Review, in 1961 attempts, to analyze leadership, tend to fail because the would be analyst Miss Seems his task. He usually does not started leadership at all. Instead, he studies popularity, power, Showmanship or wisdom,
and long-range planning. So from this, we can arrive at the following definition as per dr. John H haggai leadership is the discipline of exerting special influence within a group to move it, toward permanent beneficial goals. That fulfill the group's real needs. This has three implications for you as a potential leader. First leadership is not the same as dominance. You don't force others to do what you want. You motivate them.
Second you operate in the context of a group, a collection of individuals who share, certain characteristics, or interests, and whose cohesion depends on Unity of purpose. It is the ability to mobilize Unity Often by visualizing goals and visible to others, which sets you apart as a leader. Third. The goal is, you ain't for must
be high quality goals. They must establish changes that are both beneficial and permanent and enhance the future of the group, the importance of the definition is clear. If you remember what happens to leadership once the restraints have been removed, The Paradox of leadership is taught in the Bible. Nowhere in the New Testament. We find any approval for the power concept of leadership. The Lord Jesus made himself of no reputation taking the form of
a servant, Philippians 2:7. Thus laying down a pattern of leadership for his disciples which is totally at odds with the one commonly practiced in the secular World in order to lead, effectively he says, You must regard yourself in relation to your group as a servant most mothers will relate to this. However, even leaders of multinational. Corporations will see immediately in Jesus's words, the closely can leadership between love and humility.
It's a combination that is fatal to the ego but great for group cooperation. As man began to comprehend his place and purpose. In the universe, the spiritual aspects of his existence began to exercise, his ability, articulate speech became an Ever more pressing. Necessity has man sought to communicate his thoughts and wishes to others, and his mind strive to Fathom the significance of his mortal existence in an Endeavor to
express his thoughts, man. Drew on his experiences and devotion of time and energy to acquiring great leadership, capability, recognizably dependent on access to that array of Thoughts has the impact of those influences accumulates over time and makes us the leaders. We are at any point in our lives. The qualities of leadership need to be brought to life and given meaning, they can be made alive through the personalities of
well known and proven leaders. They can also be brought alive for us through our own dedicated. Identification of our personal role models from the pages of every chapter of Our Lives. Most importantly, for each of us individually, Masonic leadership. Qualities must be, brought alive and given meaning by Some measure of devoted personal study from such study, we can each draw our icons and thereby gain the necessary, stimulation to bring Masonic leadership to a higher pedestal where it
belongs. Masonic leadership contains many elements but passivity is rarely among them life. And our great fraternity can be dynamic, it could move with or without Direction its leadership provides Direction by influencing events toward a particular end action. Therefore constitutes an essential element of leadership action, not confined to physical activity, but words alone is usually not enough to sustain Masonic activity for long.
Generally, the most effective form of action is that which provides an Example for others to follow. Well, clearly indicating that they were expected to follow it. Examine for a moment, the career and records of three individual leaders from the building of Solomon's Temple three. That knew the importance of assembling a strong Inner Circle, knowing the talents skills and weaknesses of the working class and matching those to the demands of the job.
Each of these leaders was a master of change, King Solomon might be identified as a coalition Builder or an imperial strategist. King Hiram as a master campaign designer and Brilliant Warrior and Hiram Abiff was known for his organizational. And Active abilities, as well as his ability to teach. All came from essentially the same generation. All had great dedication and Limitless work ethics, however. All had very different types of
leadership. The building of King Solomon's, Temple required International cooperation on a large scale. King Solomon already. Had 70,000 haulers in 80,000 Quarry men, besides 3300 Foreman in charge of the work who superintended the laborers. However, in order to facilitate the Work. He would have to enter into a covenant with the king of Tyre. For this would be the only way. The king of Tyre would permit King Solomon to obtain Cedar, and Cypress Wood and blocks of Stone from Lebanon.
Furthermore, King Solomon's workmen would be permitted to fell the Timber and to query the stones Hiram king of Tyre provided that cooperation, whatever the circumstances, certainly King Hiram, aided Solomon in every facet of the construction of the temple. Without King Hiram Furnishing workmen and material for this great project. It would have been more Or strenuous, if not unattainable, most importantly, he sent the master Craftsman, educator, and supervisor Hiram Abiff in the future.
He would take charge of the castings fabricate valuable furnishings and would be able to work with King Solomon's own skilled Craftsmen to execute any design submitted to him. King Solomon. Knew he would need an individual with such talents Solomon wrote to Hiram of Tyre. Now, send me a man with skill and Engraving in working gold, silver bronze, and iron, and it making blue Purple and red
cloth. He will work with the Craftsman of Judah and Jerusalem. Who my father David selected from 2nd Chronicles 27, Hiram replied. I am sending you a wise and skillful Master Craftsman named Hiram. His mother was a member of the tribe of Dan and his father was a native of Tire. He knows how to make things out of gold, silver bronze Iron, Stone and wood. He can work with blue, purple, and red cloth, and with linen, he can do all sorts of Engraving
and can follow any. Design suggested to him, let him work with your skilled workers and with those who worked for your father King David. So now send us the wheat. Barley wine and olive oil that you promised second chronicles to 13 through 15. So Hiram starter for the place, the Great temple was to be built. Hiram was fully aware that the construction of this. Great temple would be no easy task.
It became his duty to implement King Solomon's Vision quarterback, the workmen and examine the reports of the foreman to ensure that they met certain Hiram also understood that providing Direction was critical to communicating the new designs from day-to-day, any neglect to provide the Forum in with them, on each consecutive morning, would have impeded the labors of the whole body of workmen for that day.
Without this coordination of activities between elements external and internal circumstances would be so overwhelming that they would produce disorder and confusion externally. He created units and teams at understood his vision and could respond with the necessary skills to accomplish Accomplish certain tasks without supervision and assist in the development. In the classification of the workmen. Such Arrangements, were made by his advice as to avoid any
Discord or confusion. Although about 200,000 Craftsmen and laborers were employed. So complete were his Arrangements that the general consensus was never once Disturbed internally. He could articulate. The problems positions, ethos, and philosophy of the workmen so that the activities received the necessary support.
In the character of the Chief Architect of the temple, one of the peculiarities, which strongly deserve attention was the methodical manner in, which he conducted all the extensive operations that were placed under his charge Hiram possessed, numerous executive, qualities and abilities to perform and to cause others to perform, effectively his Clarity of vision, inquisitive mind, and determination linked with flexibility, as well as the goal to be attained.
These qualities also allowed Hiram to foresee the obstacles, likely to hinder its attainment, and the methods needed to overcome them. Hiram was constantly demonstrating value through his ability to understand the big picture, his energy and focus would be centered on goals and objectives. Instead of self-preservation, there must have been a kind of Amity between the two kings and their Chief Architect. It is likely that in the communal life of King Solomon's kingdom.
Hiram Abiff was one of the inner circle of friends with whom the two kings encircled themselves. Leadership has sometimes been described as taking people to a place, they would not normally go on their own. Once a sound strategic planning process has determined what that place should be. It is the leaders Prime and fundamental responsibility to assure that the full resources of the organization are effectively brought to bear to achieve that destination.
Hiram believing in King Solomon's Vision. Regardless of how passionately was not enough. Hiram must have been able to communicate that Vision frequently and effectively he needed to be capable of articulating it in different ways to different constituencies. He needed the ability to take something complicated and make it simple. A comparison between two kings, King, Solomon and Hiram.
King of Tyre is appropriate Solomon while generally uninvolved in the details which is considered to be a most inspiring leader due to his Mastery at conveying Vision in a way. People could understand. On the other hand, some would believe that Hiram king of Tyre was the most intelligent and best informed. Yet he is not thought to have been an effective leader because he wasn't skillful and communicating his vision.
Hiram could never assume that the vision of the temple was fully understood by all he understood that he had to be almost missionary in style as he continually and consistently preached. The gospel in doing, so this would allow him to change the perception of workers as to what was important for them and the building of the Temple. Strength and durability of the Great temple found in its foundation was through Hiram's leadership.
What he accomplished in the effect he had on those around him is not only in what he was but who he was. In fact, if we look Beyond certain signs and tokens in what we do in masonry, it's driven by who we are, what we believe in the values that we live. By in Masonic ritual, Hiram Abiff personifies, a large, and vital part. In the way, we should conduct ourselves through our Masonic Endeavors, especially when it comes to Leading.
He embodies and exemplifies all the virtues that Mason's should strive to achieve. But above all he symbolizes Integrity, he adhered to a code of conduct that embodied all Masonic virtues and gave his life rather than break the obligation of that code Masons have honored him for this, and use his example to illustrate. The moral lessons of the degrees, the life and death of Hiram Abiff could be said to constitute the underpinning of Freemasonry.
The following article is from the August 2004 fraternal review. It is written by Ralph her bold Brethren, I read an editorial comparing presidential candidates by Jack Walsh, former chairman and CEO of General Electric company and one who could be considered an expert on leadership as he sure was successful as leader to him.
The four essential traits were energy, energized, Edge, and execute It should go without saying that one who aspires to the station is Master of the lodge should and must have a boundless amount of energy to guide a launched through a successful. And I don't mean the number of degrees conferred here, he must be a tireless worker as we sometimes say in the quarries, brings a thought to mine. What could be a greater task than that of making Freemasons
out of members? It should also go without saying that he must be able to energize his fellow officers for without their work. And cooperation he would not Be up to accomplishing his goals, he cannot do it alone as does the Energizer Bunny. He must also be able to energize the Brethren of his lodge and at the risk of sounding redundant, what better goal than energizing those Brethren? It could be coming, true Freemasons so they can go out into the world. Fully able to communicate the
wonders of our craft to their friends and other contacts. he cannot leave this up to the catechism coaches as they can only lay the foundation on which to build to be blunt. Catechism coaching alone does not make Freemasons out of members. The master should have the edge, the ability to make tough decisive decisions and then execute do in this gives others the confidence that he is more than up to the task of leading, his lodge Welch.
Goes on to say that if the candidate has the for he's look for a final treat Passion by that. I mean a heartfelt deep and authentic excitement about life and work people with passion care. Really care in their bones about neighbors employees, colleagues, and Friends winning. They love to learn and grow themselves and they get a kick when people around them, do the same repeated for emphasis learn to love and grow for.
You cannot be enthusiastic about something, you know, little about I'll paraphrase Welsh's conclusion, but I'm enough of a realist to know that no matter who gets elected at the end of the day, we all win. If he could move this great fraternity, forward only a real leader can do that. Return Lee Ralph a her bold. Thank you for listening. If you like what you heard, Please Subscribe and leave us a comment. We enjoy hearing from our
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