By Paul R. Swanson, 32° KCCH
Threes seem to make up the world. What about the Scottish Rite?
In children’s stories, many things are seen in threes. Goldie Locks and the three bears. The three blind mice are another example. The three little pigs. You get the idea.
We all know, “Three strikes, you’re out! This is of course on a field with three bases.
In religion, Christianity sees the number three pop up frequently. The three wise men give three gifts to baby Jesus. On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead the Bible tells us. The idea of the Trinity is also a religious expression for many Christians, but not all.
In Masonry, we have lots of threes too. We have three degrees for instance. The first three steps in the middle chamber lecture. The lengths of three, five, and seven also represent a triangle, another three, from geometry. Three distinct knocks also come to mind.
The seven liberal arts are broken into two groups, the trivium and the quadrium. The three making up the trivium, namely grammar, rhetoric, and logic are the foundation for everything else, so we can see that the number three is a good foundation for many things masonic.
In most Masonic lodges the square, compasses, and volume of sacred law make up a three-part experience and explanation for the initiate.
In written and oral presentations, the experts say that if you can explain your topic or issue in three short thoughts, your audience will be more inclined to remember them.
What three statements should describe our Scottish Rite fraternity?
- As above, so below, brother.
- We are the college of Masonry.
- We hold the Royal Secrete. Join us!
I welcome your input and suggestions brothers and keepers of the Royal Secret.