I just finished reading The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. It was a Christmas gift. I finally picked it up ten days ago and began reading it. You might recall that Brown wrote Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code, both of which explore ancient history, biblical teachings, spiritual questions, as well as wisdom literature and practical teachings about life. The two books were made into movies and each movie was uniquely entertaining.
My educational background, as well as travel experience, includes two years of studying ancient Egypt, Greece, Mesopotamia, Israel and Rome while a student at Purdue University. The years that followed included several trips to those wonderful bastions of early civilization, architecture, history, political formation, economic theory and spiritual development and teaching. Couple this with my relationship with God, my faith in Christ, my training at Duke Divinity School in theology and biblical studies and it is no wonder that I truly enjoyed reading The Lost Symbol.
The Lost Symbol is set in Washington, D.C. and is filled with historical references, as well as spiritual ones, which relate to humankinds quest for knowledge of God, as well as the self. I have long been a student of spirituality, the wisdom of the ages, and the power and symbolism that exists in our relationship with God, our inner selves and others. The symbolism of the Christian Bible, the Jewish Torah and other major religions is also explored. All of these elements, as well as several sub-themes exist in the book. These include the power of a family's love, the tragedy of life's circumstances, both warranted and unearned, and the results of our decisions, both good and bad.
There are amazing references and details to the Masonic Order, of which my father was a member. In addition, several of the men from whom I have learned the most over the years were thirty-third degree Masons. The book gives an amazing amount of information about the significance of this highest ranking, as well as the Masonic Order. It gives painstaking detail to the Founding Fathers of our nation and their dedication to the Masonic Order, as well as their belief in God Almighty. Additionally, it gives the reader a fascinating tour of Washington, D.C. and its' hidden symbolism and our nation's underpinning of faith in God. In fact, where the Da Vinci Code drew fearful criticism of religious people (note I did not say "faithful or faith driven people), this book actually stirs questions about faith, and provides subtle guidance toward faith in God.
The entire book is about the power of symbolism that exists in the Bible, in Washington, D.C., in ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece, and in everyday things, such as the dollar bill that you carry in your wallet or purse. It even reveals to the reader that at the pinnacle of the pyramid that caps the Washington Monument are two words inscribed in the silver. Those words are Praise God. Upon the rising of the sun each day, the first rays of light illuminate these two words above our nation's capital. Fascinating.
We are "One Nation Under God." We are to stand on the declaration, "In God We Trust." We are to be many minds and hearts working together to form a more perfect union that proclaims liberty and justice for all. We are called to freedom and faith-filled living, extinguishing the flames of terrorism, tyranny, trivial and narrow thinking. But how do we accomplish this?
We as individuals and as the collective whole called The United States of America must exercise the power of The Word in our lives. My favorite quote from The Lost Symbol is this, "Well directed thought is a learned skill. To manifest an intention requires laser like focus, full sensory visualization, and a profound belief." (p. 502).
In essence, it is time that we focused on the foundational principal of trusting God, loving God and people, and serving the greater good as a means of praising God. In this we shall experience power-filled living that changes the course of our lives and history for the common good.
As I write this article occurs to me that this sounds like a book report. This is not my intention. Rather, I would like to submit to you, the reader, that this is a life report. What in your life is crowned with hope? What in your life reflects the two words, "Praise God?" Where in your life are you so focused that you find purpose, energy and meaning? What are you willing to believe in and live for in your everyday life? What do you stand for?
Live life at the pinnacle: Praise God. Be well grounded: Live in The Word.
