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This is a parallel podcast to the presentation made by Greg Kearney at the FAIR conference in 2005. Greg used the title “Message and the Messenger” to distinguish how a teaching, principle or concept can be illustrated by symbols. There are those who see this system as a secret combination designed to avoid public inspection. Yet in this podcast we explore the symbolic teaching method used in Masonry and in the temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints in more detail, to offer insight into what might be considered a deeper understanding of the sacred commitments we make to each other and Deity.
Ned,
I enjoyed your presentation, even though as you know we don’t agree on everything.
I was interested in what you were saying about the acacia sprig. I am not a Mason, but was a member of the Acacia Fraternity, at Iowa State University, many years ago. As you probably know, the Acacia Fraternity was founded by Masons and taught many of the same good principles. I still have my right-triangle pin. As you mentioned, the Ark was made of acacia (shittim) wood, and acacia was used extensively in the building of the Tabernacle of the Wilderness, including the frame of the Alter of Sacrifice and the Table of Shewbread. In ancient Egypt it was representative of the Tree of Life. Rich in symbolism.
I’m glad you liked my presentation. The teaching system of symbolism is rich in history. We can embrace it and make our lives richer.
And thank you. Most Mormon encapsulate themselves in their dogma and lead happy lives. Ignorance is of course, bliss. Matt. 25, Gen. 15, Jer.34 and Is.40 is as big of mystery as walking on water(a seasonal gift for me). The five points of fellowship are read over unnoticed. This world in in every way a type and shadow of the one we left and the one to which we retire. “I see” said the blind carpenter as he picked up his hammer and saw.