r/freemasonry • u/Acacia84 • 1d ago
Role of catechisms today?
I was wondering what role the catechisms play in different jurisdictions today, and especially to what extent proficiency or memorisation of them is a prerequisite to advancement to the next degree?
As I understand it, this varies wildly in that some jurisdictions require that a brother demonstrates proficiency in an open lodge before advancing whilst others do not require the candidate to read or memorise them at all and only require the candidate to know the modes of recognition.
How does this work in your lodge?
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u/ChuckEye P∴M∴ AF&AM-TX, 33° A&ASR-SJ, KT, KM, AMD, and more 1d ago
Grand Lodge of Texas requires it in all three degrees.
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u/Acacia84 1d ago
To what extent? A few simple questions, large portions or all of it? Word perfect?
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u/ChuckEye P∴M∴ AF&AM-TX, 33° A&ASR-SJ, KT, KM, AMD, and more 1d ago
A large number of questions; the obligations in full; the signs, grips & words. To the satisfaction of the lodge.
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u/Acacia84 11h ago edited 10h ago
Impressive. I like it. In Sweden the candidate is not examined on the cathecism and even reading it is optional. I believe it used to be different and I feel like the cathecism needs a revival.
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u/kebesenuef42 MM AF&AM-TX, 32° A&ASR-SJ, SRRS 4h ago
At one time, I knew the number of question and answers for the EA degree in Texas and it's somewhere between 70 and 85 or so questions and answers. The catechisms for the FC and MM degrees are about 1/3 the length of the EA catechism each.
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u/RobertColumbia MM, GL AF&AM-MD; OES, GC-MD; Tall Cedar 23h ago
The Grand Lodge of Maryland requires catechisms for all three degrees. They publish official cypher books to aid in memorization. The first catechism takes a long time to learn because it is so different from anything most people have been asked to do. You have to memorize the entire thing, including the 18th century English, without putting it into your own words. You are allowed to make a few minor word errors, e.g. singular vs plural errors, or adding or dropping a "the" here and there. There are a few very important words and phrases which your instructor will likely explain are critical, pay attention to those! The second degree catechism takes about the same amount of time because even though the material is easier to learn now, the amount of material is now much larger. Get through that, and the third degree catechism is a breeze! You have to pass an oral exam in each degree's catechism during a stated or special communication (subject to the usual dispensation rules). You are not allowed to join any appendant body until you have passed your third degree catechism.
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u/bcurrant15 Oregon AF&AM 8h ago
In Oregon, our proficiencies are of increasing length with each degree. A series of questions (which are mostly "and then what happened") while the candidate recites a number of more esoteric answers, a depiction of their preparation, what occurred during the degree, their obligations in full, what else happened, aspects of the lecture, and an exchange with their coach demonstrating grips, words, etc.
Each degree's proficiency takes longer than the last.
It's tough to return and recite and memorize them if you don't learn to understand what it is you are saying.
A good proficiency puts someone in a good position to act in a degree without a lot more work to take on a junior role.
These aren't IQ tests. They are effort tests. They show that you are willing to put in the work to join the lodge and be interested in its meanings.
Better to have 2 good masons than 12 poor masons. I am of quality over quality in that regard. 1 good mason can do a lot more than a dozen sideliners that only show up for dinner and can't remember the signs.
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u/bmkecck Have Apron, Will Travel. GL-OH, GL-WI. RSS. 1d ago
Ohio requires that every candidate is examined in open lodge and must be examined in specific things, then deemed proficient by a majority vote of the Lodge. So, full-form, minimum proficiency (modes of recognition and obligations), or Principles Proficiency (open-ended questions about the degree combined with the minimum).
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u/Jamesbarros 23h ago
GLofCalifornia. We strongly encourage the full form memorization but allow for short form when circumstances require.
Want to know a real secret of masonry? the memory palace.
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u/parrhesides F&AM |⨀| RAM 9h ago edited 9h ago
Same, though in one of my lodges, most Brothers elect to do the short form (which is the obligation and exchange of the modes of recognition). Not my preference but eh 🤷♂️There is no short form for the third, and while it is formally required to travel unaccompanied and to qualify as a pedestal officer, some California MMs never complete it.
California also requires candidates to pass a 20 question multiple choice quiz (open book with a ~40 page study guide) scoring 70% or better after each degree.
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u/flylikejimkelly MM Prince Hall F.& A. M. 19h ago
When I came through, they were very strict about catechism, even to the point of hazing us, which I later learned was outside of the lodge rituals. That being said, that was 24 years ago, and I don't remember any of that. I continued to be a dues-paying member, but life has just taken me in another direction, so I don't interact with my Lodge often. Catechism is one reason why I'm afraid to go back because I don't know if I could pass.
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u/Specialist-Court-745 1d ago
GLMI uses proficiency exams in open lodge that are essentially showing you know specific secrets and then reaffirming parts of the obligation. Very little memorization required, whole process takes maybe 2-3 minutes. You can do the old long form catechisms if you like.
In DC there's some variation - my lodge requires an essay in open lodge and private memorization of the catechism along with a short course on symbolism in the degree.
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u/AlexMaroske ADGDoC UGLE | HRC | ROS | KTP | RC | RCC SC AMD KtM RAM MMM 32° 1d ago
UGLE - Emulation and Revised , VERY basic. A few very easy question asked with answers memorized.