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Dear BenR2,

"And your proof that what I read was false is . . . ?"

I'm a Fourth Degree Knight, and have been through all the degree ceremonies current in our Order. In fact, I attend degree ceremonies, to assist, throughout the year. In the past year, I have attended more than one First Degree, at least one Second Degree, and also one Third Degree. I missed the Fourth Degree this year, darn it.

As well, my father is a Fourth Degree Knight. He became a Knight in the 1950s. Between us, we have seen a number of degree ceremonies.

sitetest

Dear BenR2,

"And your proof that what I read was false is . . . ?"

I'm a Fourth Degree Knight, and have been through all the degree ceremonies current in our Order. In fact, I attend degree ceremonies, to assist, throughout the year. In the past year, I have attended more than one First Degree, at least one Second Degree, and also one Third Degree. I missed the Fourth Degree this year, darn it.

As well, my father is a Fourth Degree Knight. He became a Knight in the 1950s. Between us, we have seen a number of degree ceremonies.

sitetest

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Thank you for the frank update. Is Fourth Degree the highest that the K of C goes? (I'm ignorant.)

I am not able to attest to the oath's veracity, although it had the "ring" of authenticity to it. Is it possible that there are higher levels in the Society that you are not yet privy to -- or, that the oath that I had read has fallen into disuse? (Just wondering out loud.)

Nonetheless, even if what I read is a counterfeit, I nonetheless loathe both secret brotherhoods (K of C and Masons/Shriners) as anti-Christian and anti-Scriptural to the core. I do believe that most rank-and-file Masons and Knights are sincere, devoted, and DECEIVED.

Matt 5:33-37 "Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Jas 5:12 "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

Matt 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

SOME OATHS OF A MASONORY

"All this I most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear with a firm and steadfast resolution, to keep and perform the same without any equivocation, mental reservation or secret evasion of mind whatever, binding myself under a no less penalty than that of having my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by its roots (1st degree) my left breast torn open, my heart plucked out (2nd Degree) my body severed in twain, my bowels taken from thence and burned to ashes (3rd degree)should I ever knowingly violate this my solemn obligation as an Entered Apprentice Mason, a Fellow Craft Mason, a Master Mason."
Ronayne, Edmond. Handbook of Freemasonry, 1943. Chicago: Powner Co. 1973.