A Brother Asks: TOP TEN QUESTION MASTER MASONS CAN ANSWER?

 

A Brother Asks: Hey, Coach!  I just got raised and want to continue exploring ritual.  What are some of the questions that Master Masons ought to be able to answer?

Coach:  First off, congratulations on your recent Raising!  Secondly, Great Question, Bro.!  It means you're still seeking further Light  and are not settling on just wearing the Master Mason title - Kudos! 

In light of your question, here are but a few of the many questions that Master Masons should be able to to answer fully had they actually done the Work of the first and second degrees and thought through what was offered to them by the third degree experience.

As you continue your quest, you'll hopefully be able to answer them for yourself.

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THE TOP TEN QUESTION 
MASTER MASONS CAN ANSWER
(WHEN THEY ACTUALLY DID
WHAT THE FIRST TWO DEGREES
TOLD THEM TO DO!)

Question #10: What does the term, “The Work that Makes Good Men Better” mean?

Question #9: How and why does being a Ruffian keep him from knowing The Master's Word, and why can no one ever provide understanding of The Master's Word to a Ruffian?

Question #8: To what does the term, "The Temple of Solomon" refer in the Development of Master Masons?

Question #7: How does one Complete one's Temple?

Question #6: What is a Spiritual Building, how does it differ from the Completed Temple, and which one is required to build the other?

Question #5: What are the Secrets of a Master Mason, how are they brought forth, and how do they differ from The Master's Word? 

Question #4: What do the Secrets of a Master Mason have to do with understanding The Master's Word?

Question #3: What is our Masonic Purpose and where can one find that purpose within the first Craft Lodge Degree?

Question #2: What does the Master's Word have to do with our Masonic Purpose?

Question #1: Where do we find The Master's Word and how does one prepare oneself to understand it?

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On a lighter note, you can find your answers to these and other questions by either doing the actual Work that the first two degrees direct you to do and then applying what you built toward what was offered to you by the third degree experience.  Complementing this course of action, reading good books on the subjects, or attending the next Building Better Builders Workshops to understand what that Work actually is can greatly enhance your efforts. 

Brother: Coach! What is this Building Better Builders Workshop that you refer to?

Coach: Ah!  Another Great Question!

This Workshop is a special program that was developed specifically for the planned for Grand Lodge of Florida's OFFICER'S TRAINING PROGRAM and was put together in early 2023 by the request of a member of the Florida Grand Line.

It was designed to Facilitate a Better Understanding of What is Hidden in Plain Sight, How to Access It, and How to Apply It in Lodge and in Life.

Brother: What can I expect if I attended it?

Coach: Here's what you can expect by attending!

RITUAL 101:
Understanding & Communicating Its Importance
to Member Interest, Recruitment, & Retention

Understanding Ritual is crucial to understanding the purpose of our Masonic involvement.  Those members who have in-depth understanding of Ritual, its meaning, and its purpose in “making good men better” are positioned as both organizational examples and well-springs for members who want to strengthen themselves and to maximize their participation in organizational fellowship, ceremony, and beyond. 

The BBB Workshops focus upon applications of Critical thinking & analysis, the Socratic Method, and the Trivium to Ritual to support Masonic pursuits, membership recruiting & member retention.

It includes, but is not be limited to, the following areas of focus:

1) Interpretation Basics and Improvement
2) Esotericism - Organizational & Personal
3) Realizing Masonic Perfection in an Imperfect World
4) The 11 EA Working Tools (Yes, ELEVEN!!!!)
5) The Actual Master's Word and not some mis-undestood Substitute!
6) Completing Your Temple & Beyond

All that is offered to the attendees is intended to help them recognize, understand, and be able to explain the answers to these ten questions, and much more.

Brother: WOW!  That's a lot!

Coach: Yes, and you'll be able to answer those question that all Master Masons should be able to answer.

Brother:  When is the next one planned?

Coach: The next BBB Workshop is occurring in Temple TX on August 26, 2023.

The Craft Perfected! A Third Review!

From the beginning of his “Building” series, Brother John S. Nagy has set out to explain the Craft of Masonry. He has explained the use of symbols, catechisms, and even the organization and progressive science itself. This has continued throughout his “Building” series, as well as within a couple of other books that are only indirectly associated with the series. 

“The Craft Perfected,” or as I like to think of it as “Building Perfect,” finally tackles the subject of perfection within the hearts and minds of all Craft Masons. Misconceptions within the proper use of grammar within our Masonic Ritual are all over the place. 

Brother Nagy not only explains their proper use, but also why specific words are chosen to help direct all Masons in the right direction. To that of a state of “Perfect.” 

But “perfect” may not mean exactly what you think it means. 

Because I had assumed I understood all of these concepts from the beginning, I found myself quite intrigued by the way the progression unfolded throughout the book. 
 
Every subject and concept that was discussed ended up leading into the next, ultimately creating symbolic “perfect ashlars” for my house, each step of the way. I have always found myself more interested in the esoteric and philosophical side of Masonry. In my opinion, the focal point of all Masons is to make “good men better,” to coin the phrase. 

This book not only assists in that venture, but illustrates a pathway that can easily be followed. Any Mason can pick up this book and benefit from the instructions and explanations within. Brother Nagy not only includes a map, and a compass through this territory, but provides a checklist to assist with understanding how you found your way. If you are ever looking to “Complete Your Foundation,” then look no further.

-- Brother Nick Adair

(You can order it here: The Craft Perfected! )

The Craft PERFECTED! Second Book Review!

“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!

The Craft Perfected! Chapter Preview: XII. Our Masonic Youth

XII.  Our Masonic Youth

 
Are we expecting too much from

our youthful Brothers?

Research reflects what our nation’s forefathers knew long ago: You cannot expect wisdom to be a principle component of youthful activities. They believed this so strongly that they incorporated this very ideal into our nation’s laws. Citizens must reach a specific age[i] before they are considered eligible to hold important governing positions. What did they know about maturity that we should know as well?

There should be no doubt in any Masterful Mason’s mind that Masonic Work transforms men toward the better. It does this by engaging their hearts and minds in activities designed to Work areas of the brain that promote improved and mature thinking. These areas are specific and Masons who engage in helping others develop should take note of these areas early on to determine this Work’s effectiveness.

One standard of effective measurement is maturity. Masonic coaches and mentors should well acquaint themselves with methods that can both develop and ascertain maturity in those they are asked to assist in Masonic Work. It might occur to those Brothers who have considered deeply the current state of the Craft that their failure to mature the Lodge weakens the Fraternity daily and causes Brothers to focus attention on superfluous matters and activities. Reviewing the division between Youth and Manhood might be a good starting point for those interested in being a force for change within the Craft.

Youth

It might surprise some people to know that adulthood does not begin between ages 18 and 21. Yes, this is considered the legal age of consent and the time when those who reach it can and do take on many adult activities and responsibilities. It is also around the time when a person is judged and held accountable as an adult. This age is also long past when participation in biological reproduction can and does occur.

The benchmarks set up by modern society as the transition point between Youth and Adulthood is not however when biological adulthood begins. Authentic adulthood in humans occurs several years later on, and in some cases, much later on, if at all.[ii]

Adulthood is dependent upon the coming to fruition of a specific section of the brain called the Pre-Frontal Cortex (PFC)[iii].

Pre-Manhood

According to researchers, the PFC is the section of the human brain responsible for dividing Youth from Adulthood. The PFC is proportionally larger in humans than all other animals. It has also grown proportionally larger in relation to other portions of the human brain over the time humans have purported to have existed on earth. In humans and on average, the PFC continues to grow into the mid-twenties.

The characteristics[iv] of an undeveloped PFC are many. Here are just a few:

·      Lack of foresight

·      Unfocused attention

·      Short attention span

·      Inappropriate behavior

·      Little to no impulse control

·      Cannot self-assess realistically

·      Little to no delayed gratification

·      Strategies and planning are ill-formed

·      Lack of weighing behavioral consequences

·      Disorganized thinking and problem solving

·      Little to no modulation of intense emotions

·      Behavior doesn’t adjust as situations change

·      Inappropriate risk-taking and dangerous behavior

·      Inability to consider the future and make predictions

·      Short-term rewards take precedence over long-term goals

·      Inability to consider multiple streams of complex and challenging information 

These are but a few of the many distinguishing characteristics that help identify males who have further growth required of their PFC before reaching manhood. It benefits all coaches and mentors to recognize these characteristics as they support our next generation of males through their Masonic development.

Manhood

Research the PFC enough and you’ll learn that it does many functions important to our Masonic path. It is responsible for planning, decision-making, inhibition, social interaction, self-awareness, long-term memory formation, and understanding other people. Included in this, the PFC also watches, supervises, guides, directs and focuses behavior! When mature, it both knows and exhibits wisdom.

If it has not become clear yet, the PFC is responsible for the facilitation of Executive Functions characteristic of mature males. These functions include but are not limited to, Time Management, Judgment, Impulse Control, Planning, Organization, and Critical Thinking. Furthermore, every last one of these Executive Functions is what Masons should find exemplified by at least one of our first three Grand Masters.

What to Do

What do coaches or mentors do with this information? First on the list of things to do should be improving awareness of the telltale characteristics of immaturity. Some are more obvious than others but they are all important to know as you work with others who depend upon your support and guidance.

Once you can recognize and identify specific characteristics, work toward becoming willing to share your awareness with those with whom you work. This does not mean you should though. It merely means that you are positioning yourself to properly assist those current and future Brothers who show signs that they are indeed ready to take steps along the Masonic path and are ready to hear what you observe about their behavior that can help them.

Points to Perpend:

1)   Should Manhood be determined by maturity and not chronological age?

2)   Is the Craft allowing Brothers to pass long before these males have yet to achieve biological manhood?

3)   Have you ever allowed a man to enter into Freemasonry or pass from one degree to another without considering his maturity?

4)   How would you determine the Maturity of a man if asked to undertake this important endeavor?

5)   What are the realized long -term costs to the lodge when males are passed prematurely?

(Now Available! Order here: The Craft PERFECTED!)

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[i] “In the U.S., a person must be at least 35 years of age to be President or Vice President, 30 years to be a senator, or 25 years to be a representative, as specified in the U.S. Constitution. Most states in the U.S. also have age requirements for the offices of governor, state senator, and state representative.” Source: http://definitions.uslegal.com/a/age-of-candidacy/

[ii] if one depended upon strictly upon behavior observation

[iii] De Luca, Cinzia R.; Leventer, Richard J. (2008). "Developmental trajectories of executive functions across the lifespan". In Anderson, Peter; Anderson, Vicki; Jacobs, Rani (eds.). Executive functions and the frontal lobes: a lifespan perspective. Washington, DC: Taylor & Francis. pp. 24–47.

[iv] http://www.hhs.gov/opa/familylife/tech_assistance/etraining/ adolescent_brain/Development/prefrontal_cortex/