Monday, 10 February 2025, 11:12 AM
Site: The Mason Word
Course: 1. Freemasonry for Non-Masons (Freemasonry for Non-Masons)
Glossary: Some Jargon Explained
D

Degree

One of a series of three progressive stages in becoming a Freemason.  The ceremonies consist of morality 'plays' using ritual.

Dogma

Definition:
1 a : something held as an established opinion especially: a definite authoritative tenet.
   b : a code of such tenets - pedagogical dogma.
   c : a point of view or tenet put forth as authoritative without adequate grounds.
2 : a doctrine or body of doctrines concerning faith or morals formally stated and authoritatively proclaimed by a church.

The literal meaning of dogma in ancient Greek was "something that seems true." These days, in English, dogma is more absolute. If you believe in a certain religion or philosophy, you believe in its dogma, or core assumptions. If you belong to a cult that believes that cupcake consumption is the only true path, then you follow the cupcake dogma. Dogma, once adopted, is accepted without question. Go eat cupcakes!