Salt Lake City Study Center

What insight can be found in the Mystic Writings of St. Teresa of Ávila?
Date: 2/22/2020 4:00:00 PM
Topic of Study: Esotericism
Presenter: Helen Cox
Synopsis: Saint Teresa of Ávila, a sixteenth century Spanish Carmelite nun, lived in a culture dominated by the Spanish Inquisition. Under these conditions, Saint Teresa, a mystic daughter of a Jewish convert to Catholicism, had to operate carefully. In crafting her writings, St. Teresa utilized a variety of tactics to ensure that she did not provoke the wrath of the Inquisition. Just as Freemasons have had to practice their craft in secret, in some cases taking extreme measure to avoid detection, Saint Teresa was able to present her controversial mystical experiences and teachings in a way that kept her out of the hands of the Inquisition’s executioners.

How does experiential learning enhance the creation of knowledge?
Date: 3/28/2020 4:00:00 PM
Topic of Study: Behavioral Science
Presenter: Jennifer Klenk
Synopsis: “For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.”? Aristotle, The Nicomachean Ethics Modern education systems use a combination of lectures, written exams, and technology to educate future leaders. Johann Pestalozzi, Carl Rogers, John Dewey, Maria Montessori, and David Kolb challenged the contemporary educational systems to propose experiential learning as a method for greater knowledge creation. While experiential learning may seem like a modern movement, its roots are cemented within ancient mystery schools and tribal ceremonies. It is the experience of the journey and not the final destination that perpetuates growth. Knowledge is generated through doing. Join us as we examine the impact of experiential learning in the absorption of knowledge and uncover how Freemasons incorporate experiential learning in their pursuit of personal growth.

Was the Occult behind the Rise and Fall of the Third Reich?
Date: 4/13/2020 6:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: Esotericism
Presenter: Aksel Suvari
Synopsis: Since their defeat in 1945 and the uncovering of the atrocities of the Holocaust, it has long been rumored that the Nazi Party was influenced or even controlled by dark forces and shadowy figures who use occult techniques to strengthen the Nazi Party. From the Thule Society and the other worldly Vril to the secret rituals of the SS at Wewelsburg Castle and the vicious attacks on Freemasonry, we will examine the hidden side of World War Two. Freemasonry has historically fought for the principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, principles that the Nazi Party staunchly opposed and oppressed during their short reign in Europe. Was this merely an ideological conflict or was there a secret, occult war conducted by high Nazi officials on the forces of Light and Evolution?

Did Freemasons Liberate the New World?
Date: 6/8/2020 6:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: History
Presenter: Matias Cumsille
Synopsis: After a millennia of monarchical tyranny the New World liberated itself from the old. Did the Masonic principles of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity inspire a generation of men and women to throw off the shackles of slavery? Did the philosophy of Freemasonry assist in the formation of governments that would further limit the powers of the state? In this presentation, we will look at the history and facts surrounding revolution and the personalities of Masonic Brothers George Washington, Simon Bolivar, Benito Juarez, and the Marquis de Lafayette.

Is There Still Significance in Stories of Journeying to the Underworld?
Date: 7/13/2020 6:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: Philosophy
Presenter: Rochelle Smith
Synopsis: History is filled with stories about journeys into the underworld for various reasons. In "The Odyssey", Odysseus enters in search of information. In Dante's "Inferno" the first part of three in the epic poem "The Divine Comedy", Dante is guided through the nine circles of Hell by his narrator Virgil as an allegory of life. Babylonian mythology tells of Ishtar's journey, where she was seeking to witness the burial rites of her sister's husband known as the Bull of the Heavens. Her descent is theorized as a desire to understand the underworld in order to complement the wisdom of Heaven and earth. Greek mythology tells of Hades abduction of Persephone cunningly trapping her in the underworld to be his wife. What lessons are meant to be communicated by such stories of braving death? Are these stories irrelevant in today's world? Multiple cultures, mythologies, and even Freemasonry consistently ask these questions. Join us as we explore stories of the underworld and their influence on us.

Who Does not Want a Utopia?
Date: 8/10/2020 6:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: Literature
Presenter: Sandra McKeown
Synopsis: Sir Thomas More gave life to a concept in 1516 when he conceived the word, "Utopia". Since then, political movements, philosophies, cultures and books have been dedicated to the idea. Utopia was enjoying perfection in politics, law and society. The true etymology of the word is "Nowhere". Can a Utopia exist somewhere and nowhere? Freemasonry works toward the ideal of perfecting humanity. Is the goal of Freemasonry to create a Utopia on earth? Join us as we travel from the 16th century to the present following the thread of utopia on earth. Is the concept evolving?

Why Were There Books Purposely Left out of the Bible?
Date: 9/14/2020 6:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: Theology
Presenter: Katie Cumsille
Synopsis: The early fathers of Christianity selected 27 books from the multitude present to create what is now called the New Testament. These 27 are considered to be sacred, or canon, to the Church and it's practitioners. Many have lived, and died, by the wisdom found within. But what about the truth that was laid aside in the books unchosen? The Philosophy of Freemasonry does not reside in a single word, verse, or text nor is it bound to any given author. Rather, Masonry finds the Ancient Wisdom in many sources throughout written history. Thus, we will investigate what truths of timeless wisdom can be found in the pages of these forgotten and unknown books.

Can Freemasonry Help us Form the Government of the Future?
Date: 10/12/2020 6:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: Philosophy
Presenter: Elaine Phelen
Synopsis: Few Americans today are aware of the tremendous influence the philosophy of Freemasonry exerted in the original design of the U.S. Government. Prior to and during the American Revolution, Freemasons zealously labored to break the chains of authoritarian rule based on undeserved privilege, where rights were restricted, and power granted to the few at the expense of the multitude. This calculated destruction of the old political order was undertaken to establish equality for all, freedom from tyranny, and leadership bestowed by merit and ability. Victorious in the revolution, Freemasonry earned the right to create a new model of governance. Liberty was granted to citizens empowered by the restriction of the powers of government, thus creating a federation of states with minimal control at the national level. Unfortunately, the original Masonic intent has been eroded over the ensuing centuries. How would the United States and its government evolve if restructured by the true principles of Freemasonry? How can we employ these ideals in reshaping modern governance? Join the discussion to learn about the political philosophy of Freemasonry, the potential for growth guided by such principles, and the future of government.

Can Yoga Bring About Personal Perfection?
Date: 11/9/2020 6:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: Philosophy
Presenter: Deborah Dilley
Synopsis: Today, the cultures of the world melt and blend. In the past, what had definite borders and limits now presents itself blurry and vague. The practice of yoga is one such ideology. Many Americans know of yoga as a physical movement practice, and are unaware of the full depth of the philosophy and belief behind the postures they see in their local gym or yoga studio. What is the power of yoga? Are there hidden effects inherent in the practice? Come along and join the debate and discussion on the main four paths of yoga. Yoga, meaning 'reunion', is a systematic practice of spiritual unfolding. Freemasonry also reveals an unfolding with each progression of degree. Many Masons believe that they have found hidden strengths through their advancement in Freemasonry not possessed before! Can Masonry and the practice of yoga have a hidden influence on the mind?