Mr Malcomson vociferously criticises the aspect of the RAP degree referred to as the �travel�. In doing so, however, he blatantly exaggerates and misrepresents the actions that take place during this part of the ceremony. He states: �The Royal Arch Purple candidate is led around the chapter room three times in time-honoured heathen manner�.on the third and final lap round the chapter room, the initiate sustains his third and final fall, which results in him being blasphemously raised to a figurative new birth by the five points of fellowship�.

This is in fact a total misrepresentation of what takes place during the travel. A reference to the scriptures read at the conferring of the degree will show clearly what is really represented by the travel (Psalm 107 v4-8, Psalm 106 v43-45). The �History of the Royal Arch Purple Order� clearly states: �many of the things that happen during this travel remind us of the sufferings of God�s people and the likelihood that we may fall from grace but that with His help we can conquer even death�. There is, in reality, no �figurative new birth� as alluded to by Malcomson. He infers, quite incorrectly, that the reading of 1Corinthians 15 v55 somehow imparts a form of ritual �resurrection� on the RAP candidate. However, he conveniently ignores the fact that 1Corinthians 15 v56, 57 are also read, clearly conveying the message to the candidate that true resurrection to eternal life is to be found only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This totally contradicts Mr Malcomson�s false assertion that �the three journeys of the candidate round the wilderness are accompanied by three great falls symbolising the candidate�s victory over death and the grave�. Nowhere is this impression given to the candidate; indeed, the actual scriptural message behind this part of the degree is in direct contradiction to this position.

In reality, the only �fall� symbolised in the travel is man�s fall from grace through sin, and the only victory is that eternal victory which can only be found through a saving faith in Christ and Him alone. The ridiculous suggestion that the travel is a �resurrection rite� is therefore not only deeply offensive but also completely unsubstantiated.