Brother seeker of enlightenment,

We have just completed study of the Twentieth degree and will move on to the Twenty-first Degree in the  Council of Kadosh at our next session will be held on Wednesday, December 18th at 7:00 p.m. This is our first encounter with a Chivalric degree so this should provide lively discussion and a lot of fun. The 21st degree is everybody’s favorite because of the stirring action. However is there more to this degree than just a story of trial by combat? Come and find out. There will be dinner before this session at 6:30 p.m. with the class to follow. Even if you have not attended before each session is a separate degree so there is no need to feel that you have to had prior experience to enjoy the class. 

As before the resource material for this and all subsequent degrees is as listed below. It is suggested you bring your copy of “A Bridge to Light” to class and study the degree beforehand at home.

Important Symbols

  • The full moon
  • The winged human figure with one hand on his lips and the other holding an Ankh
  • The sword of a knight
  • The Ordeal

Lessons:

  • Respect all men and women for themselves
  • Be equitable in dealing with others
  • Guard against arrogance of belief
  • Be humble and modest
  • A free and independent judiciary is necessary for human progress

Topics for Discussion

  • What does a free, independent and impartial judiciary teach us about human freedom? What is essential for justice to be rendered impartially? Is impartiality compromised when a judge is appointed rather than elected?
  • One of the common failings of mankind is our own arrogance towards others. How does the lack of modesty, humility and honesty lead us to make unfair judgments of others?
  • The more open a society, the more difficult to protect the individual from lies, slander, and gossip. Discuss the case for individual protection versus civil liberty and why it is essential for individual protection, growth and happiness.
  • Humility and modesty were virtues discussed in the fourth degree. Discuss how the higher application of these two virtues might aid in promoting world peace, or personal fulfillment in one’s life.
  • What do you believe constitutes arrogance towards God.
  • Do you believe any human has a right to condemn another to die? If so on what basis is it justified?
  • The 21st degree is a story in principles and ethics. Do you consider yourself a man of integrity? Would you lie to save yourself or a friend? Should you? Does it make any difference whether we violate our own ethics to benefit ourselves or others?
  • Masonry warns that a man can be a virtuous being and yet live an immoral life. Likewise, a man can have high morals and yet be an unvirtuous person. Is integrity a matter of action or perception?
  • The degree presents three ideals: A man’s word of honor (trial by oath); A man’s strength and power (trial by battle); and the intervention of divinity (trial by ordeal). How do these interact in this degree and are we led to prefer one over another?

Looking forward to an interesting and rewarding session,

Ill. Harry Eisenberg, 33°