CURRICULUM I - The Initiate Forum

            Purpose. To provide the newest Masonic Initiates a “Quick Start” education to the world of Freemasonry.  And, to provide each Initiate a vehicle for fellowship, association, and networking with other Initiates who have recently begun their Masonic Journey.

            Who Should Attend? This group was designed for the newest Masonic Initiates, however we recognize that many other Brethren may be interested in the topics discussed.  Thus, we welcome all interested Masons.

           What is the Format? Curriculum I is a two-month educational program consisting of four educational topics.  The curriculum cycles every two months, thus if a Brother misses one and wishes to make-up, he only needs to wait until the next two-month cycle. Generally, meetings occur for about two hours on a Saturday morning, the second and last week of each month.

           What Happens When the Four Courses of Curriculum I Ends?  There is no harm in re-attending the next cycle of this Curriculum, however it is hoped that interested students will want to join the permanent and ongoing Curriculum II (The Leadership Forum - both Parts One & Two) and/or enroll in Curriculum III (Votaries Forum).

           How Do I Find Out About Initiate Forum Workshops - Dates/Times/Places?  You need to be a Mason (EA or simply an Interested MM) and you need to contact Richard.McNeill@nau.edu to be subscribed on the Initiate-Talk listserv. 

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The Four Workshops in Curriculum I – The Initiate Forum

(Timeline: One Workshop Held per Month and Cycling Every Four Months)

Click to See the Calendar for Workshops

WORKSHOP "A":  ENTERING FREEMASONRY &  E.A. SYMBOLISM

1.               Introduction

a.                   The Masonic Builders

b.                   Masonry’s Mission & Purpose

c.                    What Do You Say When Someone Asks, What is Masonry?

 2.              Symbolism and the Entered Apprentice Degree (EA)

a.                    Esoteric Symbolism – Philosophical and Speculative

b.                   Exoteric Symbolism  - Experience of Walking-Through-The-Degree

WORKSHOP "B": WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?

            1.        Mission/Purpose; Vision/Core Values, and Strategy/Tactics

          2.        Definitions

                        a.         Exoteric Definitions:  Published and Historical Definitions

                        b.         Esoteric Definitions:  Masonry and Western Mysticism

          3.         Organization

                        a.         The Big Picture – The Masonic World

WORKSHOP "C": WHAT "REGULAR" FREEMASONRY IS NOT!

            1.       Conspiracy and Anti-Masonry

   2.       Anti-Masonic Objections and Themes through History

   3.       Continuum:  Regular to Appendant to Irregular to Fringe to Cults

WORKSHOP “D”: THEORIES OF THE ORIGIN OF MASONRY

   1.       Three Schools Explaining the Origin of Freemasonry

              a. Authentic School,

              b.Romantic School,

              b. Fantastic School