Friday, February 16, 2018

A Brother Asks: Your Thoughts on this Meme




A Brother Asks:  Coach Nagy, I’ve seen a Freemasonic meme recently that puts a spin on the three degrees that doesn’t seem quite right.  What are your thoughts?

Coach:  The problem with the meme is it more accurately reflects the romantic notions and imaginings of the meme creator rather than the actual degrees themselves. 
Let me review each claim and provide a suitable response to each.
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The First Claim:

“Entered Apprentice - The first Degree of Masonry is symbolic of birth. The candidate, in a state of darkness, is brought into the lodge not knowing what will follow; but trusting his Brothers to lead him along the way in his quest for light (knowledge).
The Reality:

This Degree is a Freemasonic Degree; not a Masonic one.  It is not symbolic of birth; it is symbolic of initiations of ignorant intemperate youths.  Brothers will not lead candidates along any path in any quest for light.  These Brothers will perform plays called “rituals” that point to activities and goals that candidates must do and achieve to transform themselves to the better, but only when these candidates pay close attention and follow the road map that is symbolically acted out before them.
The Truth:

The first Degree is symbolic of the Work youths must engage in to move themselves from Youth to Adulthood.  In this respect, they must transform their Rough Ashlars to Perfected Ashlars. Their Work brings Order to the Chaos of their Hearts so that they are freed to take upon themselves the burdens of Adulthood and it strengthens them to assure they can handle it, when they do the Work. 
Those who have taken the time to study the degrees understand this.

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The Second Claim:
“Fellowcraft - The second Degree of Masonry, the Fellowcraft Degree, is symbolic of the life and the work that makes a man into a gentleman.  Through trial, error and study, the rough stones are made smooth.
The Reality:

As pointed out before, this Degree is also a Freemasonic Degree; not a Masonic one.  When candidates are not already gentleman by this time with already smooth ashlars, their mentors and coaches have failed to properly…

                  1) assess the candidates’ readiness for progression; and
                  2) prevent them from progressing. 
 
The Truth:

The second Degree is symbolic of the Work adults must engage in to set the stage for moving into Age.  In this respect they must Raise their Perfected Ashlars by climbing the Winding Stairs (Develop and Cultivate Mastery of the Seven Liberal Arts & Sciences which sets the stage for spiritual pursuits) so that they may be positioned and cemented into that house not made by hand - The Masonic Brotherhood.  Their Work brings Order to the Chaos of their minds so that they are further strengthened to take upon themselves the burdens of Age and lives that lead to eventual death.
Those who have taken the time to study the degrees understand this.

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The Last Claim: 
Master Mason - The Master Mason Degree is symbolic of death and rebirth.  The candidate begins by proving that he is in possession of the lessons learned in the former degree, and he is symbolically raised to new life in the brotherhood.”
The Reality:

The third Degree is symbolic of achieving and celebrating mastery, aging and eventual death; there is no rebirth.  This entire degree is designed to let candidates know that they will eventually pass, and do so either by unexpected consequences or natural decay, whether they achieve Mastery or not  There is no rebirth or even resurrection.  The Allegory presents a test for candidates to see if they have Raised themselves and can actually apply the lessons of the previous degrees appropriately and in line with the intent of the Degree.  The individual responses and reactions to this degree tell all involved who know this whether each candidate did or did not do his Work proficiently.
The Truth:

The third degree is symbolic of the Work Masters must engage in bringing into alignment their Heads and Hearts.  The alignment Work is critical so that they may attend to spiritual pursuits without being severed in twain by the two pulling them in opposing directions.  Their Work is to assure future generations are given opportunity to Mature, cultivate Mastery as well and make accept death so that they may live more fully.
Those who have taken the time to study the degrees understand this.

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The Blue Lodge Degrees symbolize the life of men, what to expect and what is expected should they want better.  These Degrees don't require them to do anything other than make promises. 

However, should candidates going through them actively listen to what they present and internalize what they point toward, they'll have a road map of life that they can follow to make the best of it, when they to the Work!

F&S,

Coach John S Nagy