The Philosophical Degrees  ( 17° – 18° )

The degrees of Chapter of Knights of Rose Croix, also known as the Philosophical Degrees. They do not use Historical or Biblical scenes to convey their Lessons. Instead, these two degrees encourage a Scottish Rite Mason to examine his own life to find and apply the major truths outlined in The Bible.

The 17th degree, Knight of the East and West, and the 18th degree Knight of Rose Croix of H.R.D.M., known as the Philosophical and Doctoral Degrees of the Scottish Rite, confer in a Chapter of Rose Croix. They open a new development of Masonic teaching. A distinct departure and advance from the Symbolic Lodge’s symbolism and the preceding Scottish Rite degrees.

These deal with the teaching of Jesus as Teacher, Prophet, and Martyr. Whatever your religious faith, we encourage you to ponder the philosophy and teachings of the Nazarene. Especially the doctrine of fraternal love and service toward humanity. You learn how the life of Christ beautifully illustrated the three cardinal virtues of Freemasonry – Faith, Hope, and Charity.

These lessons give spiritual underpinning to the central Masonic concept of “The Brotherhood of Man Under the Fatherhood of God.” The Rose Croix Degrees are the spiritual center. They are among the most important in the whole body of Freemasonry.

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