Colorado Springs Study Center

The Endurances Antarctica Expedition: Inspired Success or Epic Failure?
Date: 3/13/2018 6:00:00 PM
Topic of Study: History
Presenter: Elaine Phelen
Synopsis: Does one’s definition of "success" determine how successful the individual will be? In 1914, an explorer and Freemason named Ernest Shackleton answered his greatest call to adventure. He ambitiously set out to lead the first expedition across Antarctica starting from the coast of the Weddell Sea, traversing the South Pole and ending up at the Ross Sea. The Endurance is legendary in the records of polar exploration despite the fact that the expedition’s initial objectives were never reached. In fact, one could claim that the Endurance expedition was an epic failure as the ship was destroyed by ice before even reaching mainland Antarctica. Yet, as the wood was violently twisted and pinched, Shackleton remained astonishingly calm, displaying remarkable self-control, optimism, and almost casual indifference to the impending doom. Facing the failure of his mission, he rejected defeat by adapting his mission and setting his sights on a new objective. Shackleton wrote, “If the one goal had disappeared, we’ll have another one. And so if I can’t cross the continent, I am going to bring all my men back alive.” Join the discussion to learn more about the Endurance Expedition, Brother Ernest Shackleton, and the tools Freemasonry equips its members with to deal with all of life, including its seeming disasters.

What are the Consequences of Viewing Intelligence in a Decompositionist manner?
Date: 4/10/2018 6:00:00 PM
Topic of Study: Natural Science
Presenter: Byron Gorrell
Synopsis: Go to any dictionary and look up the word “intelligence” and you will find definitions like “the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills” or “the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations: reason.” Typical definitions and “common wisdom” exclude aspects of ourselves such as emotion and intuition from the definition, espousing the type of cold, hard logic exemplified by Star Trek’s Spock. One result is a fairly narrow view and implementation of our intellect, effecting how we relate to others. Co-Masonry argues for a more holistic view of concepts in general, including intelligence in specific. Implementing this kind of approach is potentially a so-called “game-changer” in the way we experience the world around us and how we interact with other people.

Does an Organization Need a Leader?
Date: 6/12/2018 6:00:00 PM
Topic of Study: Literature
Presenter: Sandra McKeown
Synopsis: Masonry is a hierarchical structure that uses a particular method of organization. The pyramid (a symbol connected to Freemasonry) was also the symbol representing the Piscean age, one entity on top and all those below defer their power to this single being. As mankind enters a new age – the age of Aquarius, information and technology will guide us. Power will become as the Internet, decentralized. The pyramid will flatten and man as an individual will assume power. What symbol will this age adopt? Perhaps this discourse screams NEW AGE CONSPIRACY!! Incorporating the guidance of the book, "The Starfish and the Spider" by Ori Brafman and Rod Beckstrom, join the debate as to whether the structure of Masonry will become obsolete as the world changes to accommodate a new world order.

Does Nihilism Lead to a Fulfilling Life?
Date: 7/10/2018 6:00:00 PM
Topic of Study: Philosophy
Presenter: Isaac Levy
Synopsis: Human beings are blessed (or cursed) with intelligence. We use this ability to gain insights into ourselves and the world around us and we develop meaning from it. Even if we dont understand something, our brain will make up an answer to justify its existence. The Nihilist will argue that it is better to not believe in anything than to believe in something that is false. Does the philosophy of Nihilism lead to a fulfilling life and is this philosophy in opposition to everything Freemasonry stands for?

How does art invoke feeling?
Date: 9/11/2018 6:00:00 PM
Topic of Study: Art
Presenter: Katie Cumsille
Synopsis: There are many modes of art: dancing, singing, painting, drawing, sculpting. Each expression touches everyone's essence in a different way. Why is this? Such experience is no different than those who experience Freemasonry, it being an art expression itself. What makes us impacted by what we see and/or hear? Join us as we try to unlock the secret of our emotional responses to the world of beauty and form.

Is There More to Luciferianism Than Meets the Eye?
Date: 10/9/2018 6:00:00 PM
Topic of Study: Behavioral Science
Presenter: Michaela Grezak
Synopsis: What is Luciferianism? It stems from the word Lucifer, which is Latin for “Light Bringer or Morning Star." Lucifers journey through the last couple of millenniums has been a roller coaster ride, from the “Morning Star” to a “Fallen Angel” to the “Representation of Evil” to the “Path of Enlightenment." Who is Lucifer really and what does he represent? To discover who and what Lucifer is, a deity, a messenger of knowledge, or something else, we need to examine and analyze history and mythology. Join us as we dig into the past to learn more about Luciferianism and if there is a connection to Freemasonry.

Is Deism Really Atheism in Disguise?
Date: 12/11/2018 6:00:00 PM
Topic of Study: Theology
Presenter: Kristine Wilson-Slack
Synopsis: Deism is the belief that while God exists and he created the universe, He has since been a "hands off" being - He is the clockmaker that has no need or want of adoration. He has created the world and it need no longer to concern itself with His presence. Deism, created at the time of the Age of Reason values the mysteries of Science and Nature to explain the world. Much of what the Deist values are also valued by the Atheist - a strong sense of morality, a foundation in science and reason, and no need for organized religion. Freemasons value science, nature and God, concepts which, to either the Atheist or Deist, may seem at odds with each other. We will discuss the similarities and differences between Deism and Atheism and determine if these two are closer in belief and nature than they first appear.