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Originally posted by Erbal
What, exactly, is the complete purpose of Freemason rites/rituals imitating Hiram Abiff? Does it involve salvation?
Am I correct in assuming we have an unspoken agreement there is a clear distinction between salvation in general and salvation specific to Jesus?
Originally posted by network dude
Originally posted by Erbal
What, exactly, is the complete purpose of Freemason rites/rituals imitating Hiram Abiff? Does it involve salvation?
It's a very important part of the masonic journey. Going into detail is one of those things best not said by a mason.
I will tell you what it's not. It's not giving salvation, nor does it have anything to do with Ascension to heaven in the Jesus sense. It does teach an important lesson and done right, it's one of the most moving things in masonry to be a part of. (IMHO)
The ritual is on line different places, but if you have any ideas of going through it, I suggest not looking it up. It's best to experience it with wonder and surprise to get maximum effect.
Originally posted by Erbal
Well then we agree to disagree on the definition of salvation. Would you consider Masonry and/or Masonic teaching of Hiram Abiff to be in accordance to my definition of salvation?
Originally posted by KSigMason
Although you're not addressing me, I would say no. The legends of the 3rd degree gives us only a lesson of fidelity and integrity, not a promise of safety, well-being, or salvation.
You have this evening represented one of the greatest and best of men...a man who fell a victim to his fortitude and fidelity.
I define salvation as a deliverance from harm. In a religious context, salvation is deliverance from a transcendent harm. For example, a deliverance from mortality or sin (in the context of an afterlife) would be a religious salvation. A deliverance from a life separated from the knowledge of how to live a more rich and full life would be a philosophical salvation, if it were for the intent of a transcendent reward or prevention of harm it would be religious salvation.
No, by your own definition, the Hiram Abiff allegory does not involve salvation.
Originally posted by Erbal
What, exactly, is the complete purpose of Freemason rites/rituals imitating Hiram Abiff? Does it involve salvation?
...
I define salvation as a deliverance from harm. In a religious context, salvation is deliverance from a transcendent harm. For example, a deliverance from mortality or sin (in the context of an afterlife) would be a religious salvation. A deliverance from a life separated from the knowledge of how to live a more rich and full life would be a philosophical salvation, if it were for the intent of a transcendent reward or prevention of harm it would be religious salvation.
Originally posted by JoshNorton
No, by your own definition, the Hiram Abiff allegory does not involve salvation.
Originally posted by Erbal
What, exactly, is the complete purpose of Freemason rites/rituals imitating Hiram Abiff? Does it involve salvation?
...
I define salvation as a deliverance from harm. In a religious context, salvation is deliverance from a transcendent harm. For example, a deliverance from mortality or sin (in the context of an afterlife) would be a religious salvation. A deliverance from a life separated from the knowledge of how to live a more rich and full life would be a philosophical salvation, if it were for the intent of a transcendent reward or prevention of harm it would be religious salvation.