THE CRAFT UNMASKED BOOK PREVIEW: Chapter II. Confusion in the Temple

Good Day My Fellow Travelers,

Here's an article published in Dec. 2014 based upon my newly published book, "The Craft UNMASKED! The Uncommon Origin of Freemasonry and its Practice", that might be of interest to you. 

Fraternally and Sincerely,

Bro. John S. Nagy

Building Better Builders Series Author

________________

  

II. Confusion in the Temple

 

When you want to know where to start to

unravel the Mysteries behind the Craft, Start by

Focusing upon the Blatant and Blaring

Misunderstandings and Inconsistencies that its Membership Actively Refuses to Deal with Effectively 

 

When you remain even loosely active in Craft activities and have taken the time to discuss it at length and in depth with others, you shall soon become acutely aware that there are many aspects of the Craft that appear to be confusing at best, and deeply disconcerting at worst.  These aspects shall continue to plague the Craft until such time that all members find themselves harmoniously discussing differences.

 

Y

It was only after a few years within the Craft that I began comparing notes with my Brothers.  It was not an easy task either.  As you might know from your own experience, trying to come to a common understanding of things about the Craft even at a superficial level is sometimes blocked by many assumptions.  After many misunderstandings and miscommunications I slowly became aware that I had to create a super-flexible translator for myself, especially when I tried to speak about the Craft with others. 

Misunderstandings

There are many times when Brothers make an effort to draw distinctions between things that they are told and things that they observe.  I became aware of this when I started reading and hearing key differentiating words inserted into conversations and discourses.  This occurred most often when Brothers were describing who they saw and what they were doing. 

The words that were used by them to distinguish some members from others were prefaced with “True”, “Authentic” and “Real” as opposed to “False”, “Fake” and “Bogus”.  The words that followed these precursors were usually “Brothers”, “Masons”, “Masonry”, “Freemasons” and “Freemasonry”.  In a very genuine way, each was making a sincere effort to communicate to others what they were seeing before them.

And this effort was not limited to members of the Craft.  Writers who were not members of the Society used these very same methods to communicate that there were huge differences between members of the Society and those who actually Practiced the Principles that the Society espoused.

With more time and interactions, I became aware that there were Brothers who didn’t use such prefacing words in their efforts to share what they saw.  They opted for using words that were familiar to all but assigned, through their use, distinct meanings that would be understood by those who would read them.

Examples of this can be found within Craft writings throughout the 1800s and 1900s.  There are countless times when the word “Freemason” was used by some authors to indicate members of the Craft who actually practiced the principles of the Society.  These same writers would call other members who did not practice Societal Principles mere “Masons”.  It was clear that their efforts were put forth to draw distinctions between two classes of members within the Society.

This caused tremendous confusion within those members who saw being a member synonymous with being a Freemason.  They earnestly believed that if you are a member, you are both a Freemason and a Mason.  The spotlights shown by authors upon members who were true to Society Principles and members who were untrue to these principles could not be seen by these Brothers.  Because they could not see any difference, the main intents of the writers and speakers were utterly lost in the minutia of the confusing discourse. 

 Uncommon Ground

Adding to this situation is a clear reversal of meanings conveyed by some twenty-first century Brothers. They have summarily dismissed these conventions and adopted pre-Society distinctions that would appear to be a complete antithesis of these definitions.  By taking the issue of practice outside the Society and assigning it strictly to practice versus non-practice, these Brothers have assigned a distinction that removes membership from the equation defining Masons.  They have opted to define Freemasons as mere members of the Society of Free & Accepted Masons while in the same effort defining Masons as individuals who Practiced Principles that transform males toward maturity and wisdom regardless of affiliation. 

In the eyes of some, Freemasons were members of a Society whereas Masons were Builders.

None of these definitions denoted that there was mutual exclusivity between the two.  They didn’t mean that members could not be Builders too or that Builders could not be members.  It merely communicated a base understanding that one was not necessarily the other and one didn’t have to be one to be the other. 

Using this assignment of meaning and applying it to questions about historical figures can cause tremendous confusion within those not knowing these definitions.  One such example is President Thomas Jefferson.  It is quite clear that this man Raised himself up from Youth to Manhood and to Age.  It is clear that he was not only mature but also wise in what he did with his time and efforts.  It was also abundantly clear that he was a Builder of himself, his fellow men and the country which he helped found.  He was also surrounded by men who were members of the Freemasonic Society.  From all outward signs, this man was clearly a Mason (Builder) according to one set of assigned meanings.  By another set of assigned meanings, what was not clear from anything that was written down about him was whether he was a member of the Society of Free & Accepted Masons and hence a Freemason (a Member of the Society).

Resistance

One of the biggest problems that differing definitions bring to Craft discourse is the unwillingness of certain members to accept that word meaning is assigned within the context of the communication.  Furthermore, these same members have also steadfastly refused to accept that meaning does change in ways that may be counter to what they have come to understand and accept as true for themselves. 

When listening to and reading discourse and debate between Society members, you can quickly pick up on those who grasp this understanding and who stubbornly refuse to accept the offered meanings in any way.  Within a very short time, the discourses involving these men degrade to arguments of definitions rather than the actual intent of the person trying to communicate Light.  Rather than trying to seek to first understand[i] what the other person is trying to communicate, the effort is put forth by these listeners to have the person accept the listener’s well-entrenched meanings before further discourse can occur. 

As a result of listener resistance, many possibly valuable communications end in battles over what definitions are right and wrong rather than trying to get past these superficial labels and into the meat and bone of what is trying to be communicated.  Such discourses also tend to eventually degrade into personal attacks upon the persons offering the Light by those who dogmatically oppose how this Light is offered. 

Many members believe that this condition within the Craft shall not change anytime soon.  It is part and parcel of what occurs when the Society itself refuses to educate its members along the lines of what is professed through its Rituals.  As long as members are allowed to Progress in name only, that is, reciting back what they are told rather than thinking deeply about, understanding, and applying what they are told, such Craft disconnects between societal members shall continue.

Inconsistencies

The meanings that members assign to Craft words are not the only wide variables that you shall find within the Society.  A huge inconsistency that many members see and experience is between what is spoken of within Craft Ritual and what is expected of them from the actual organization.  Given any one specific arena of encounters among members of the Craft, you shall see that there is a higher than usual probability that several members shall display character that is utterly counter to that which is espoused by Societal Ritual. 

One such inconsistency is the support one would normally expect from an organization that espouses at every turn that they are about transforming good men into Better men.  This is stated upfront and is supported by words and phrases sprinkled throughout the entirety of its Rituals, Lectures, Laws and other Organizational writings.  For an organization that professes so highly the value of Bettering men, the stark desert of support its members see before them and the experience they have as a result of their participation, leaves many disenchanted by the words that fall sweetly upon their eager ears. 

Problems that arise as a result are plentiful.  One involves the literal translation of what is shared within Ritual.  This occurs even though it is readily apparent, or should be from what Freemasonic writings share, that Ritual is Allegorical and Symbolic.  Even with this being stated, there are many within the Society that make every effort to understand, convey and live Ritual as if it were not Allegorical and Symbolic.  

This becomes clear when you see the activities that members engage in surrounding their investigation of elements found within the third Degree drama.  This includes either what they experienced directly or of what they are informed, depending upon how their Jurisdiction goes about it.  Some members take the Dramatic information and experience as if it were some secret history that is being kept hidden from the world.  Others believe there is an actual Lost Word.  Still others believe the story conveyed is more accurate than the Scriptures it was based upon. 

All things considered, with even minor Perpending, it should become clear that such fanciful flights of imagination would be better guided if the Society as a whole helped its members do the Work that its Rituals direct men toward.  This would be preferred behavior.  Instead, the present Society merely assures that Candidates experience the Ritual as required.  They soon wear titles that don’t truly represent what they originally did within the Stonecraft Society from which they were supposedly taken.

Erosion

Between the misunderstanding and inconsistencies lie a perpetual production of disillusionment and disappointment within members who eagerly joined the Craft.   Candidates Entering the Society usually have high hopes of being surrounded by men who have actually developed Life Masteries.  What they find is a wide assortment of males who have yet to master themselves, much less the principles of the Craft.  They also find men obsessed with memorizing things that they have no desire to understand, much less apply.  Included in this are statements from these very men that continually encourage similar attitudes and behaviors within new members who obviously want more from their investment of money, time and energy. 

With no true leadership or examples of what the Society can actually do to develop good men into Better men, some members soon realize that the organization is not what they expected.  Couple this with meetings that provide little to no nourishment for those who attend, it becomes very clear to any man who was initially excited about joining the Society, that it offers little more than activities that maintain the process of Initiating men three times over. 

Many men leave the Society soon thereafter, believing they have obtained all that the Society has to offer.  Other men continue to be dues paying members.  They are still motivated enough to continue having a connection with the Craft but rarely if ever attend meetings.  They realize too soon that meetings offer nothing of interest to them.  A fewer number of members continue to maintain the process, believing it offers worthwhile activities to engage in, regardless of expectations truly never being met. 

 

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[i] Seek first to understand, then to be understood – Habit #5; Seven Habits of Highly Effective People; Stephen Covey

NEW BOOK RELEASE! Building Free Men - Uncommonly Freeing Masonic Education - Volume 8

Good Day My Fellow Travelers,

Here's a link to my new book, "Building Free Men - Uncommonly Freeing Masonic Education - Volume 8", that was published on July 14, 2014. 

Enjoy!

Fraternally and Sincerely,

Bro. John S. Nagy

Building Better Builders Series Author

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Tampa Bay, Florida - July 2014

Masonic Light is near impossible to obtain if you don't know where to look. In “Building Free Men”, Volume 8 of the “Building Better Builders” series of Uncommon Masonic Education books, Dr. Nagy shares twelve jammed-packed chapters filled with insights and information designed to help you to train yourself toward recognizing when you are faced with a growth opportunity, help you understand what you can do to be a Better man and help you take more effective actions in dealing with Brothers and yourself on a day to day basis. Masons on the Masonic path will glean tremendous Insights into what they can do to Better their options, choices and abilities, in these respects. Dr. Nagy’s book contains:

• The True Purposes behind Proficiencies.
• What it actually takes to Cultivate Free Men.
• Exploration into the roots, histories, backgrounds, and meanings you won’t normally hear about some important Words & Phrases used within the Organization of Free & Accepted Masons.  Words & Phrases like: “Freemason”, "Free Mason", “Freeborn”, “Freestone”, “Acceptance”, “Admittance”, “Scholarship”, “Operative”, “Speculative” and “The Word”.
• Critical connections, ideas and concepts that help you better Recognize, Understand and Apply this information toward Bettering yourself and supporting others toward this same end.

And, as usual, Insights and Light on the Challenges that all Brothers face in Cultivating a better Understanding of the Craft overall. Thought-provoking development questions and exercises designed to stir and support your Skills and Masonic Transformations. Invaluable fodder for Masonic Discourse between Brothers within the Lodge and without. Assorted Masonic Ciphers and other information intended to challenge, delight and support the concepts Masons need in their Work. And much more... Dr. Nagy provides you with yet another interesting, entertaining and thought-provoking guide to improve, strengthen and support your Masonic awareness and clarity. He shares key information and insights that will help you better understand how facets of Blue Lodge Ritual fit together to help you in all your present and future Building efforts.

The Coaches Coach: Drawing Distinctions – Operative and Speculative

Good Day My Fellow Travelers,

Here's an article published in February 2014 based upon my upcoming book, "Building Free Men - Uncommonly Freeing Masonic Education - Volume 8", due out in about 2 months that might be of interest to you. 

Fraternally and Sincerely,

Bro. John S. Nagy

Building Better Builders Series Author

________________

 

The Coaches Coach: Drawing Distinctions – Operative and Speculative

 

When you rely solely upon what others tell you, you risk knowing only what little you are told.

 

I’ve come across enough instances where the use of words was so twisted off course that the meaning behind their original intent was no longer recognizable.  Such instances occur regularly in life and, not surprisingly, within the Freemasonic Organization.  These instances can often appear overwhelming and certainly disconcerting, especially to those who enter into Freemasonry’s knowledge game with the preconceived notion that what is shared within its hallowed halls is complete, factual and unwavering.  Such is the case with the words associated with Operation and Speculation as used within the Fraternity.  Should you accept without waver what is offered by your Brothers, further scrutiny of these words shall neither occur, nor bring fresh Light to shuttered eyes.

________________

 

When I Entered the ranks of the Fraternal Order, I was led to believe that I was now part of “Speculative” Masonry only, not Operative Masonry in any way and my Brothers reinforced this division.  I was further told the distinction between the two had to do with their focuses and activities.  I was moreover informed that Operative Masons were those individuals who plied their trade upon physical stones only. Speculative Masons, on the other hand, erect a spiritual temple, a house not made by hand, eternal in the heavens.  It was implied that the division between the two had to do with physical versus mental work.

 

Soon thereafter I earned the right to Travel, I quickly became aware that there were some very different definitions used outside of the Fraternity associated with the words used within the phrases that differentiated modern day Freemasons and Masons who existed as members prior to Grand Lodge Era.  These differences were startling.

 

As time unfolded, I noticed a continuous decline in member participation within the craft over the relatively short time that I was part of the organization.   I began asking myself and others if we were missing something in our instructions that might provide a clue to this decline.  Was there something in our training that was not being conveyed that should be?  Did we somehow miss an important aspect of the Craft that brought upon us the very decline that we wanted to avoid?  I was sure that there was something, but I was not clear as to what it was.

 

Speculation

 

My search for answers to these questions led me to look into the very words put before me and many other Brothers during Instruction.  One of many words I started examining was the word, “speculative”.  At first, my search led me to definitions and I didn’t like what I found.  As the word, “speculative[i]” is defined today, it means, “engaged in, expressing, or based on conjecture rather than knowledge.”  This definition had me scratching my head.  I didn’t like the phrase “rather than knowledge”, especially since it was Light that attracted me to the Organization.  I also took the time to look up the word, “conjecture[ii]”, since I was now questioning a lot of things including what I thought I knew.

 

The definition for the word, “conjecture”, provided me with very little comfort.  In fact, it was quite disquieting!  It said that a conjecture was “an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information” and it was the opposite of “fact”.  Surely this was not what was behind the meaning of “speculative”!  Surely this disturbing definition was not behind why so many Brothers knew so little about the role that speculation was supposed to play in their own lives!  Rattled, I dug deeper.

 

Going into the etymology of the word, “speculative[iii]”, provided some much needed comfort and relief.  It said that it originally meant, “purely scientific [iv], in theory only”.  I could easily embrace that.  The etymology also said to look at “speculation[v]”, and so I did.  I found it meant, “intelligent contemplation, consideration; act of looking”.  I liked that phrase, “intelligent contemplation”.  I knew what being contemplative[vi] meant, or at least, what it meant to me.

 

Stepping back from the quarry dig, I realized the word, “speculative”, had undergone a tremendous shift in meaning over the years.  Much like the words, “Mason” and “Freemason[vii]”, its general use today reveals it had gone through a semantic shift and doesn’t mean what it did many years ago.  Its originally meaning denoted, “prolonged theoretical thought”, and connoted, “the liberal arts as opposed to the ‘mechanic’ arts (i.e., arts requiring manual skill)”.  It is clear that the intent of the word, “speculative”, was not to engage in unfounded thinking but to use it as a bridging metaphor for building toward the application of techniques used to “build builders of men” by way of the liberal arts study rather than the manual arts.  In essence, Speculative Masons are supposed to be “Well-Founded Cultivated Thinkers”.  Such Cultivation doesn’t occur without Operative elements.  This means it requires Work!

 

Operation

 

Eventually, I operated consciously and deliberately away from speculativism[viii], I turned my attention to the word, “operative[ix]^, [x]”.  The word appeared to be straightforward in its definition:  functioning, having effect; a worker. Further investigation revealed that not much had changed in its overall meaning over time, other than wider applications.  What were more telling to me though were the archaic meanings and roots:  done by labor; creative; formative.  Its antonym was “invalid”, affirming the lack of results that non-operation would bring forth should one not engage oneself actively in one’s endeavors.  These pieces all dove-tailed very nicely with the slogan that I heard years before I joined the Organization of Free and Accepted Masons: Masonry Makes Good Men Better.  Or, as I have said many times before: No Work, No Transformation!

 

Further speculation into the label that Speculative members put forth to differentiate themselves from their stone carving Brothers brought forth an interesting question.  If Operative members of the Organization did all the labor, and Speculative members did all the thinking, wouldn’t the Organization need both functioning together to accomplish anything of significance? 

 

Results

 

The response to this question is that it is not as clean cut and divided a Craft as many members might want to conclude.  Although the labels originally put forth by our Speculative progenitors were done so with the best of intentions, it doesn’t take any deep speculation to quickly realize they do not do justice to the Craft if one assumes and acts as if a separation actually exists:  to accomplish anything of great importance, one must both Speculate and Operate[xi].  Even Rituals today in many different jurisdiction state quite succinctly that “our ancient brethren worked at (wrought in) both Operative and Speculative Masonry[xii]”.  This makes sense too for anything that Masons diligently Operated upon would have to be backed by well-founded Speculation toward what was to be Built if such activities were to have any lasting value.

 

And, as in ancient times, the same goes for our modern day Brothers.  Rituals say that “…as the Operative Workman Erects his temporal Building…, so should we (“Free and Accepted Masons”), both Operative and Speculative, Endeavor to Erect our Spiritual Building… [xiii]” connoting that both functions must occur, along with the assignment of the labels “Operative and Speculative”, even when the erections that current modern day members strive to bring forth are that of Spiritual Temples. 

 

Unfortunately, creating a division, due to any unfounded Speculative belief that Spiritual Temples require no Operative involvement to bring it forth only confuses the Builders of such temples.  Severing them in twain mistakenly divides one from the other in our current Craft efforts.  This either           1) prevents Building altogether due to lack of Operation, or 2) when such Building goes unguided for lack of well-founded Speculation, only Rubbish ensues.   

 

What’s more, neither of these outcomes are the desired results that any man intent upon Betterment should accept!  As much as Freemasonic Training offers to its members opportunities to think; little to no Work is required.  Masonic Training however requires you to Operate as a Well-Founded Cultivated Thinker; this requires Work!  To obtain Better, Operative and Speculative Functions must unite within you and Work together. 

 

ae))))fb

 

Points to Perpend

 

1.    Do you believe speculation is the only activity required to improve yourself?

2.   If you were to take upon yourself activities that actually “have effect” upon your personal improvement, what would those transformative activities be?

3.   Should you look upon your role in your life as a responsible proactive Speculator and Operator, what do you believe your future activities would include?

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[i] speculative (adjective) 1.engaged in, expressing, or based on conjecture rather than knowledge. [synonyms: conjectural, suppositional, theoretical, hypothetical, putative, academic, notional, abstract; tentative, unproven, unfounded, groundless, unsubstantiated]; 2. (of an investment) involving a high risk of loss. [synonyms: risky, hazardous, unsafe, uncertain, unpredictable; informal, chancy, dicey, iffy]

[ii] conjecture (noun) 1. an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information. [synonyms: speculation, guesswork, surmise, fancy, presumption, assumption, theory, postulation, supposition; inference, (an) extrapolation; an estimate; informal, a guesstimate, a shot in the dark, a ballpark figure]; [antonyms: fact]; 2. an unproven mathematical or scientific theorem. 3. (in textual criticism) the suggestion or reconstruction of a reading of a text not present in the original source.

(verb) 1. form an opinion or supposition about (something or someone) on the basis of incomplete information. [synonyms: guess, speculate, surmise, infer, fancy, imagine, believe, think, suspect, presume, assume, hypothesize, suppose];[antonyms: know]; 2. •(in textual criticism) propose (a reading).

Origin: late Middle English (in the senses ‘to divine’ and ‘divination’): from Old French, or from Latin conjectura, from conicere ‘put together in thought,’ from con- ‘together’ + jacere ‘throw.’

[iii] speculative (adjective) late 14c., “contemplative,” also “purely scientific, in theory only” (opposed to practical), from Old French speculatif “worth great attention; theoretical,” or directly from Late Latin speculativus, from past participle stem of speculari (see speculation). Meaning “given to (financial) speculation” is from 1763. Related: Speculatively.

[iv] scientific (adjective)1. based on or characterized by the methods and principles of science. [synonyms: technological, technical; research-based, knowledge-based, empirical]; 2. relating to or used in science. 3. informal: systematic; methodical. [synonyms: systematic, methodical, organized, well-organized, ordered, orderly, meticulous, rigorous; exact, precise, accurate, mathematical; analytical, rational]

Origin: late 16th cent.: from French scientifique or late Latin scientificus ‘producing knowledge,’ from scientia. Early use described the liberal arts as opposed to the “mechanic” arts (i.e., arts requiring manual skill).

[v] speculation: (noun) late 14c., “intelligent contemplation, consideration; act of looking,” from Old French speculacion “close observation, rapt attention,” and directly from Late Latin speculationem (nominative speculatio) “contemplation, observation,” noun of action from Latin speculatus, past participle of speculari “observe,” from specere “to look at, view”.   Meaning “pursuit of the truth by means of thinking” is from mid-15c. Disparaging sense of “mere conjecture” is recorded from 1570s. Meaning “buying and selling in search of profit from rise and fall of market value” is recorded from 1774; short form spec is attested from 1794.

[vi] contemplative: ( adjective) 1. expressing or involving prolonged thought. [synonyms: thoughtful, pensive, reflective, meditative, musing, ruminative, introspective, brooding, deep/lost in thought, in a brown study]; 2.involving or given to deep silent prayer or religious meditation. 3. a person whose life is devoted primarily to prayer, esp. in a monastery or convent.

[vii] The Coaches Coach: Drawing Distinctions – Freemasonry and Masonry; Dr. John S. Nagy (2014)

[viii] speculativism: the excessive use of speculation.

[ix] operative: (adjective) 1. functioning; having effect. [synonyms: in force, in operation, in effect, valid]; [antonyms: invalid]; 2.(of a word) having the most relevance or significance in a phrase or sentence. [synonyms: key, significant, relevant, applicable, pertinent, apposite, germane, crucial, critical, pivotal, central, essential]; [antonyms: irrelevant]; 3. of or relating to surgery.; (noun) 1. a worker, esp. a skilled one in a manufacturing industry.; [synonyms: machinist, (machine) operator, mechanic, engineer, worker, workman, blue-collar worker]; 2. a private detective or secret agent; [synonyms: agent, secret agent, undercover agent, spy, mole, plant, double agent; (archaic) intelligencer]; 3. detective, private detective, investigator, private investigator, sleuth;

Origin: late Middle English: from late Latin operativus, from Latin operat- ‘done by labor,’ from the verb operari

[x] operative (noun) “worker, operator,” 1809, from operative (adj.); sense of “secret agent, spy” is first attested 1930, probably from its use by the Pinkerton Detective Agency as a title for their private detectives (1905).

 (adjective) “producing the intended effect,” early 15c., from Old French operatif (14c.) or directly from Late Latin operativus “creative, formative,” from operat-, past participle stem of operari. Weakened sense of “significant, important” is from 1955.

[xi] operate (verb) c.1600, "to be in effect," back-formation from operation, or else from Latin operatus, past participle of operari "to work, labor, toil, take pains" (in Late Latin "to have effect, be active, cause"). Surgical sense is first attested 1799. Meaning "to work machinery" is from 1864 in American English.

[xii]Which is preceded by “We work as Speculative Masons only…” with few Brothers realizing that the words “work” and “operate” are synonyms, inferring that they must be Operative in their Speculative Practice.

[xiii] And as the operative workman erects his temporal building in accordance with the designs laid down upon the trestle board, by the master workman, so should we, both operative and speculative, endeavor to erect our spiritual building in accordance with the designs laid down by the Supreme Architect of the universe, in his great book of nature and revelation, which is our spiritual, moral and masonic trestle board.

The Coaches Coach: Drawing Distinctions – Freemasonry and Masonry

Good Day My Fellow Travelers,

Here's an article that I wrote last month that might be of interest to you.

Fraternally and Sincerely,

Bro. John S. Nagy

Building Better Builders Series Author

For more information related to this and other articles, please visit my website.

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The Coaches Coach: Drawing Distinctions – Freemasonry and Masonry

 Your Pass-ability is determined by your capacity to Linguistically Discriminate.  Don’t prove your Brothers wrong in their Passing assessment of you by acting otherwise.

As with the word “Cowan[i]”, which has changed in its application within the Craft far from its original meaning[ii], “Masonry” and “Freemasonry” are defined within the Craft with decidedly specific meanings that simply do not reveal the entire semantic picture to those with closed eyes.  There is no doubt whatsoever that the two words are used interchangeably by many Brothers and even by those who are held to be Craft Scholars.  And just as with the word, “Cowan”, one must not suckle solely from the Freemasonic teat if one wants to be a well-nourished Brother.

))))))

There have been some interesting reactions from Brothers around the globe as to my use of the words “Freemason”, “Freemasonry”, “Freemasonic”, “Mason”, “Masonry” and “Masonic”.  Some Brothers emphatically agree with the distinctions and applications that I’ve put forth when using these words.  On the other hand, I’ve also been accused of a variety of things that run the gamut from making things up and inventing definitions to novel use and blatant misuse.  Trying to glean more insight, some have also asked if I am referring to Operative[iii],[iv] and Speculative[v],[vi] Masonry when I draw distinctions; I am not.  These are totally different directions.

In engaging in these conversations, I’ve shared that I have not done any of these things of which I am accused and have simply read the available materials both inside and outside the Craft, and have concluded that the distinctions exist and can be easily seen, if one looks for them and therefore what I offer only appears to be made up, invented, novel and misused by those who have not taken the time to think beyond the pale, as I and others have. 

I was eventually asked what academic scholars I have drawn my conclusions from and if they support my conclusions.  My only steadfast response to this and other questions that relate to this query is that I see the differences and distinctions throughout the literature I’ve reviewed and, what’s more, I am not alone in my observations and conclusions.  All one has to do is ask oneself a simple question: What does each word point toward consistently and only sometimes inconsistently?  Once this is done, the picture begins to come into focus.

Gestation

As for me, the distinction between the two started quickening when I realized that innovations to Freemasonry occurred all the time, even though it was clearly stated that no man or body of men could make any innovations[vii] to Masonry whatsoever.  This puzzled me to no end since the two statements appeared to contradict each other. After much contemplation, it was clear that for the two to be reconciled, the writers were obviously not assigning the same meaning to the words “Freemasonry” and “Masonry”.  This had me thinking: how could this difference be further researched?  There must be a reason!

Masonry

In my quest, one of the rabbit holes I crawled down was the etymology of “Masonry”. It became very clear that the root of the word, “Masonry[viii]” is “Mason”.  And furthermore, the root of the word, “Mason[ix],[x]” is “to make”.  With a little bit of well thought out Speculation[xi] and even well founded reasoning, it’s easy to conclude that Masonry is about “making things”. In essence, Masons are Builders. 

Coincidently, this conclusion dovetails perfectly with the Freemasonic slogan, “Masonry Makes Good Men Better” that has been in circulation for quite some time.   Please note though that it is not “Freemasonry” and “Freemasons” that do this.  It is the “Purposeful Practice of Masonry” that men apply toward themselves that “makes” them Better.  This also echoes the sentiments voiced by many men* who joined the Fraternity and they specifically state their intention: To Improve myself in Masonry (not Freemasonry.)

But, I digress. 

Freemasonry

Applying the same methodology toward the word, “Freemasonry[xii],[xiii]” and related words such as, “Freemason[xiv],[xv]” and “Freemasonic”, it becomes clear that schisms exist in how the word was thought to have come about.  Some sources[xvi] claimed Free-Masons were Masons who worked freestones and the word eventually merged through common use.  Others claimed that these were merely free men who were also Masons.  Still others claimed that it was only through their association with a guild that these Masons were free to travel, work, earn and contribute.  And yet there are some who state just the opposite: that this applied to Masons who are free from the constraints of guilds and lords.  It’s all very confusing!

One thing stands out though.  No matter what the conjecture is to its origins, the one thing that remains clearly obvious is that the current day use of the word is specific:  To be called a “Freemason”, one must belong to a duly Recognized Organization and, furthermore, one does not require anything more from oneself than this legitimate association to wear this label.  A Freemason does not have to Build anything whatsoever, he does not have to Speculate in any way and he does not even have to do anything other than pay his dues on time and be moral in his actions; he only has to be an accepted member.   In essence, Freemasons are Members. 

The Delivery

To engage in Masonry, one must both Speculate[xvii] and Operate, and in that order if one desires to have any modicum of success.  To engage in Freemasonry, only Operation is required; although engaging in Speculation would certainly make one’s efforts more beneficial.

Furthermore, to Improve oneself in Masonry, one must engage in activities associated with Improvement; this means engaging in both Speculation and Operation; it is not enough for one to just think about it, one must actually apply oneself toward improving ends! 

This does not mean involving oneself in mindlessly memorization and regurgitation of things to which one has no understanding whatsoever or to accept that one has no truly informed person to ask if one had an interest in understanding in what one was engaged.  This also does not mean adhering without question to an Organizational Digest of Law to which, by law, only one person has any authority to interpret and provide rulings and decisions based upon his sole interpretation. These have very little to do with Building or Improvements.

 To Improve oneself requires a steadfast development plan that starts with one’s heart, works toward one’s head and eventually ends up cultivating one’s spirit.  This is Building; this is Masonry. 

None of this is required to be labeled “a Freemason” or to participate in Freemasonry.  But should you actually decode Freemasonic Ritual, it shall become clear as to what you must do to Improve, and it involves Building! 

Future Hopes

Yes, it is very clear that there are overlaps in the word use by both scholar and non-scholar, especially within the Craft by Brothers who view Masonry and Freemasonry to be synonymous.  However, there exists a select few who look at their use of these words as separate and distinct with sincere hopes that some day it shall be truly very difficult to see any difference between them whatsoever, inside and outside the Craft.

• Freemasons hear & see Solomon; Masons hear & see Wisdom.
• Freemasons hear & see King Hiram; Masons hear & see Strength.
• Freemasons hear & see Hiram Abiff; Masons... hear & see Beauty.
• Freemasons hear & see Working Tools; Masons hear & see Transformation.
• Freemasons hear & see Obligation; Masons hear & see Opportunity.
• Freemasons hear & see Ritual; Masons hear & see Direction.
• Freemasons hear & see Members; Masons hear & see Brothers.
• Freemasons hear & see Lodge; Masons hear & see Family.

What pairs do you hear & see?

Points to Perpend

1)      What distinctions do your see between the words in question?

2)     What Ritual, Lecture and Historic examples support your conclusions?

3)     What nurturing difference do these conclusions make for you?

4)     Does your involvement in the Craft lean more toward Masonry or Freemasonry?

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Dr. John S. Nagy is a Master Mason, Lodge Musician and Masonic Education provider for multiple Lodges and for others who support his sharing.  He is author of the “Building Series” of Uncommon Masonic Education books.  His seven books: Building Hiram, Building Boaz, Building Athens, Building Janus, Building Perpends, Building Ruffish, and Building Cement, his videos: “The Coaches Coach: Building Builders” Parts 1 & 2 and his Uncommon Masonic Education Workshops cover aspects of Masonry designed to Build Better Builders.  His materials are used to instruct Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite and York Rite Candidates in Symbol Recognition, Understanding and Application.   You can find out more about him, his books, his videos and his workshops through his webpage at:  http://www.coach.net/BuildingBuilders.htm

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[i] From the Gaelic root word for “hollow; indent”; Chapter XII, The Hole Story, from Building Ruffish; Chapter XII, The Dry-Dykers, from Building Cement; Dr. John S. Nagy

[ii] Freemen and Cowan, Ars Quatuor Coronatorum Volume XXI (1908)

[iii] operative (n.) [etymology] "worker, operator," 1809, from operative (adj.); sense of "secret agent, spy" is first attested 1930, probably from its use by the Pinkerton Detective Agency as a title for their private detectives (1905).  operative (adj.) [etymology] "producing the intended effect," early 15c., from Old French operatif (14c.) or directly from Late Latin operativus "creative, formative," from operat-, past participle stem of operari (see operation). Weakened sense of "significant, important" is from 1955.

[iv] operative (n.)/1. a person engaged, employed, or skilled in some branch of work, especially productive or industrial work; worker. 2. a detective. 3. a secret agent; spy. (adj.) 4. operating, or exerting force, power, or influence. 5. having force; being in effect or operation: laws operative in this city. 6. effective or efficacious. 7. engaged in, concerned with, or pertaining to work or productive activity. 8. significant; key: The operative word in that sentence is “sometimes.” Origin: 1590–1600;  < Middle French operatif  < Latin operāt ( us ) (see operate) + Middle French -if -ive  synonyms: 1. workman, factory hand. 2. investigator, agent. 6. effectual, serviceable. (adj.)1.  in force, effect, or operation 2. exerting force or influence  3. producing a desired effect; significant: the operative word 4. of or relating to a surgical procedure (n.) 5. a worker, esp one with a special skill 6. ( US ) a private detective 

[v] speculative (adj.) [etymology] late 14c., "contemplative," also "purely scientific, in theory only" (opposed to practical), from Old French speculatif "worth great attention; theoretical," or directly from Late Latin speculativus, from past participle stem of speculari (see speculation). Meaning "given to (financial) speculation" is from 1763. Related: Speculatively.

[vi] speculative (adj.) 1. pertaining to, of the nature of, or characterized by speculation, contemplation, conjecture, or abstract reasoning: a speculative approach. 2. theoretical, rather than practical: speculative conclusions. 3. given to speculation, as persons, the mind, etc. 4. of the nature of or involving commercial or financial speculation: speculative ventures. 5. engaging in or given to such speculation.

[vii] Landmark 25: That the landmarks of Masonry can never be changed.  These constitute the landmarks, or as they have sometimes been called, "the body of Masonry," in which it is not in the power of man or a body of men to make the least innovation.

[viii] masonry (n.) [etymology] "stonework," mid-14c., from Old French maçonerie (14c.), from maçon (see mason).

[ix] mason (n.) [etymology] c.1200, "stoneworker" (as a surname, early 12c.), from Old French masson, maçon "stone mason" (Old North French machun), probaby from Frankish *makjo or some other Germanic source (cf. Old High German steinmezzo "stone mason," Modern German Steinmetz, second element related to mahhon "to make;" see make (v.)). But it also might be from, or influenced by, Medieval Latin machio, matio (7c.) which is said by Isidore to be derived from machina (see machine). The medieval word also might be from the root of Latin maceria "wall." Meaning "a Freemason" is attested from early 15c. in Anglo-French.

[x] mason (n.) 1. a person whose trade is building with units of various natural or artificial mineral products, as stones, bricks, cinder blocks, or tiles, usually with the use of mortar or cement as a bonding agent; a builder.  2. a person who dresses stones or bricks. 3. ( initial capital letter as in Mason) a Freemason. verb (used with object) 4. to construct of or strengthen with masonry. Origin: 1175–1225; Middle English machun, mason  < Old French machun, masson  < Frankish *makjon  maker, derivative of *makōn  to make1

[xi] speculation (n.) late 14c., "intelligent contemplation, consideration; act of looking," from Old French speculacion "close observation, rapt attention," and directly from Late Latin speculationem (nominative speculatio) "contemplation, observation," noun of action from Latin speculatus, past participle of speculari "observe," from specere "to look at, view".  Meaning "pursuit of the truth by means of thinking" is from mid-15c. Disparaging sense of "mere conjecture" is recorded from 1570s. Meaning "buying and selling in search of profit from rise and fall of market value" is recorded from 1774; short form spec is attested from 1794.

[xii] freemasonry (n.) [etymology] mid-15c., from freemason + -ry. 

[xiii] freemasonry (n.)/ 1. secret or tacit brotherhood; fellowship; fundamental bond or rapport: the freemasonry of those who hunger for knowledge. 2. ( initial capital letter ) the principles, practices, and institutions of Freemasons. Origin: 1400–50; late Middle English fremasonry.  See Freemason, -ry

[xiv] freemason (n.) [etymology] late 14c., originally a traveling guild of masons with a secret code; in the early 17c. they began accepting honorary members and teaching them the secrets and lore, which by 1717 had developed into the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons.

[xv] freemason (n.) 1. a member of a widely distributed secret order (Free and Accepted Masons)  having for its object mutual assistance and the promotion of brotherly love among its members. 2. ( lowercase ) History/Historical . a. one of a class of skilled stoneworkers of the Middle Ages, possessing secret signs and passwords. b. a member of a society composed of such workers, which also included honorary members (accepted masons) not connected with the building trades.  Origin: 1350–1400; Middle English fremason.  See free, mason Related forms: freemasonic /

[xvi] The exact origin of the free- is a subject of dispute. Some [e.g. Klein] see a corruption of French frère "brother," from frèremaçon "brother mason;" others say it was because the masons worked on "free-standing" stones; still others see them as "free" from the control of local guilds or lords [OED].

[xvii] speculate (v) [etymology] 1590s, "view mentally, contemplate" (transitive), back-formation from speculation. Also formerly "view as from a watchtower" (1610s). Intransitive sense of "pursue truth by conjecture or thinking" is from 1670s. Meaning "to invest money upon risk for the sake of profit" is from 1785.

* originally this read "each and every man" instead of "many men" but, as has already been pointed out, innovation to Ritual has changed this too.