Douglas County Study Center

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?

Is Meditation Fact or Illusion?
Date: 12/14/2020 6:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: Esotericism
Presenter: Byron Gorrell
Synopsis: Meditation has existed as a practice since antiquity and is an oft used technique to cure or alleviate numerous ills, including anxiety, high blood pressure and chronic pain. From a more esoteric angle, meditation also allows the user to access the "astral plane", guide out-of-body experiences and experience otherwise spiritual matters in a very personal way. So what is truth, what is popular fiction and what is illusion? This study group will examine the scientific facts, societal mores and fantasies surrounding the use of mediation in an effort to sort out fact from fiction.