“The Craft PERFECTED!” enlightened, assured and informed me. The title alone intrigued me. Up until I read
this book, I had difficulty processing the term perfect as used in Free Masonry. I confess upfront that I was upset
to learn how much is taught within our sacred walls that is not so. I don’t
know if anger is the appropriate emotion as I was disappointed, not in the
book, but in its revelation of what is misunderstood by so many Masons. The
book was easy to read and follow. It was arranged such that I could put it down
when interrupted and then pick up where I left off. As a Mason, I was eager to
read it so that I may return and study it. I’m glad I read it!
The main topic is what attracted me to the book because
I seek clarity in my Masonic growth. For this reason, I LOVED it. The entire
book is unique in its content and presentation. Each chapter presented thought
provoking questions and insights. It held my interest, cover to cover and at
every turn. This book flowed smoothly from point to point and held my interest.
It was very easy to follow. It immediately clarifies its purpose and intent,
causing this reader to conclude that reading further would be in my best
interest. I finished the book informed and it resolved many truths for me.
I loved its brutal honesty and how it addressed true
maturity, actual personal growth, enlightened education. Additionally, it separated the wheat from the
chaff, showing the importance of original intent and purpose of ritual in
Masonry. Its handling of ashlar symbolism was also whelming.
There were many chapters that stood out for me and
significant. Chapter V was the game changer for me. Chapter X was particularly
interesting as it appealed to my Architectural leanings. Each Chapter offered
insight and direction.
I also found
the following chapter passages personally compelling:
·
Ch. II “The term “ashlar” is used specifically to refer
to two items revealed within the first degree and are indicative of candidate
transition should the candidate invest himself in doing Masonic Work upon
himself.”
·
CH. IV “To smooth any surface beyond a specific point
that is intended to be covered with cement is counterproductive.”
·
Ch. VIII “You might want to start your research by
experiencing the degrees for yourself.”
·
CH. IX “The challenge you’ll see many have as members of
the Craft is understanding the difference between the advancement work required
by one’s membership and the advancement Work required by one as a human being.”
·
CH. X “What it
points toward is the Work direction of serious apprentices and ultimate end
each can expect to reach should they successfully engage in the Work”
·
CH.XI “Many Lodge
members don’t clearly Understand the Work that should take place within each of
the Workers. Much less support it. It’s referred to as “esoteric” by some and
“non-sense” by others.”
·
CH. XII “There
should be no doubt in any Masterful Mason’s mind that Masonic Work transforms
men toward the better.”
·
CH. XIII “Not
understanding fully all that is offered in Rituals aggravates these storms of
confusion, especially when the pace of Ritual information delivery is far
faster than what information is normally offered in life.”
·
CH. XIV “Inevitably,
perfecting your understanding of your morals lays the foundation for your
examination of your behavior.”
·
CH. XVII “The more
you engage yourself in learning for yourself what works best, the more apt you
are to assist those seeking light toward their goals.
Chapter III, ‘A
Cubic Reality’ surprised me as well! I was not aware of the dimensional properties
or physical requirements before. I’d also like to see a presentation on the
themes presented in CH. XIII ‘The Perfect Purpose’ and CH. XIV X ‘A House not made with Hands’. They are critical
to one's Masonic understanding and success.
The end of the book had an interesting spiritual twist. I walked away understanding the correlation
between the ‘ashlar’ and ‘Jacobs Ladder’. This was delightfully unexpected as
it made perfect sense. It is a complete
and thorough work. As I am a seeker of a life of peace and understanding, this
book has contributed to that end.
With exception of this Author’s work, I have found very few
authors daring enough to approach the subject matter with such objectivity and
integrity. It is forthright and honest. The
author is obviously knowledgeable and sincere. The book is a reflection is what
is practiced by the author and therefore emblematic of his character. It’s easy
to follow, comprehend and retain. His ability exceeds many typical Masonic
speakers and authorities. I would read
other books by this author.
“The Craft PERFECTED!” changed my perception of ritual and its meaning. I
gained a new perspective of ritual and what it communicates as a result of
reading this book. It clarified many fuzzy areas and I learned much. As a result of reading his book, I can engage
in discourse confident in my knowledge around this subject. It offers a
tremendous clarification of terms, purpose of ritual and the emphasis upon ones’
honesty and determination to improve as a man. I was left with a sincere desire
to seek further truth and practical application of said truth. This is
essential to my growth.
I believe that all newly Raised Master Masons would
benefit from this book. It’ll remind them of the all too important Work alluded
to within our rituals and lectures. It offers a significant starting point from
which to understand his experience. I also recommend this book to all Master
Masons. It’ll remind them of what their
title implies, and of the path they must follow toward
real Light.
“The Craft
PERFECTED!” is a must read for the Mason that seeks Light
behind the dark veil of ignorance. In his latest book, Brother John Nagy digs
deep into the meaning of Masonic ritual, (Building Better Builders series),
illuminating the lessons hidden from our view. Brother Nagy dispels many of the
misconceptions and misrepresentations of ritual work and their intended
teachings. This author methodically, objectively and concisely gets into the
depths of Masonry and its purpose, guiding and enlightening Brethren throughout
the fraternity upon the path of Better Men. “The Craft PERFECTED!”
propounds understanding and practical application to the often-misperceived
concept of ‘Perfect’.
I am a better
Mason for reading this enlightening and clever book. It is now an honored and cherished
addition to my Masonic Library. Perfect!
-- Bro. Clifford A. Wright (10-18-19)
Now Available! Order here:The Craft Perfected!
