Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.

This episode explores the 10th Degree of the Scottish Rite, "Elu of the Fifteen". The episode begins with a discussion of the mythological setting, where Solomon forms a group of fifteen men to bring justice to the murderers of Hiram Abiff. The episode delves into the teachings of the degree: tolerance, respect for private religious beliefs, and the distinction between Masonry and religion. The hosts discuss the universal moral principles shared across different religions and highlight the importance of education, moral improvement, and charity as Masonic duties. The episode concludes with a philosophical discussion on the nature of truth, tolerance, ambition, and the interconnectedness of all beings, drawing insights from various religious and philosophical perspectives.

This series on the Scottish Rite uses the following primary sources (which you are encouraged to read as well):

• Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition 
• Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide  
• A Bridge to Light

Diagrams:

• Elu of the Fifteen (engraving by Pierre Mejanel)
• Tree of Sin (WayOfTheHermit)

Overview

• 01:14 Introduction
• 01:39 Mythological Setting
• 03:00 Morals & Dogma
• 03:28 Respect of Private Religious Beliefs
• 05:01 Freemasonry Preserves Faith, But is Not a Religion
• 07:42 The Moral and the Good
• 09:41 The Dangers of Intolerance
• 11:23 Most Receive Religion At Birth, Not By Choice
• 14:20 What is Truth?
• 16:15 Freedom of Religion
• 17:43 Moral Precepts - Summary
• 19:39 Education and Moral Improvement
• 20:46 Charity is a Mason’s Duty
• 21:56 The Rewards of Persistent and Steady Labor
• 22:47 Scottish Rite Ritual - Monitor & Guide
• 24:03 Conclusions

Links:

• Persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire (Wikipedia)
• Inquisition (History.com)
• Martyr (Wikipedia)
• Amsterdam Torture Museum
• Reformation (Wikipedia)
• Martin Luther (Wikipedia)
• Salem Witch Trials (History.com)
• Seven Deadly Sins (Wikipedia)
• Monty Python Spanish Inquisition Part 1 (YouTube)
• Zoroastrianism (History.com)
• Hávamál (Wikipedia)
• The Meaning of Namaste (Yoga Journal)
• You Cain’t Whup a Bear (Ed Francisco - AppalachiaBare.com)