EP 90 Did Freemasonry Come From the Patriarchs? Super Squats and Anderson

Did Freemasonry come from the Patriarchs of the Old Testament?In this episode of Masonic Muscle, I begin working through the 12 origin theories of Freemasonry found in the Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia, starting with Theory #1: the Patriarch Theory — the idea that Freemasonry was handed down from the Patriarchs of the Old Testament.But first, we hit the iron.I introduce Super Squats by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D., a 96-page classic built around one of the most brutal and proven old-school muscle-building methods: the 20-rep squat routine.This method was popularized by Joseph Curtis Hise, who became legendary in the Iron Game for the milk-and-squats routine. Hise was sometimes referred to as Brother Hise by the weightlifting men around him. Was he a Mason? I do not know yet. If you find out, write to me so we can share it with the listeners.This episode solves one Masonic Muscle problem:How can Masons study the oldest origin claims of the Craft while also learning the discipline required to build strength in the body?We discuss:Super Squats by Randall J. StrossenJoseph Curtis Hise and the 20-rep squat routinethe milk-and-squats methodhard work, muscle gain, and old-school trainingwhether “Brother Hise” was actually a Masonthe 12 origin theories of Freemasonrythe Royal Masonic CyclopaediaTheory #1: the Patriarch TheoryFreemasonry and the Patriarchs of the Old TestamentAnderson’s Constitutions and its legendary account of Masonryancient transmission, geometry, and Masonic myth-historyNesta Helen Webster’s Secret Societies and Subversive MovementsThe Patriarch Theory is not something we accept blindly.We examine it.We ask where it came from, why Masons repeated it, how Anderson’s Constitutions helped preserve or promote it, and whether it belongs to history, myth-history, symbolism, or speculation.That is the work.And in the gym, the work is just as direct:Put the bar on your back.Breathe.Squat.Fight for the reps.Drink the milk if that is your method.Recover.Repeat.Freemasonry gives tools to build the man.Weightlifting gives tools to build the body.But nobody can do the work for you.Have an origin theory, Masonic question, old document, book recommendation, lodge problem, fitness transformation story, or information about Joseph Curtis Hise?Write to me at:[email protected] Masonic Muscle on Instagram:@masonicmuscleFollow Masonic Muscle on Facebook.Subscribe and follow Masonic Muscle on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.