Do You Wanna Make Some Masons?

 

 

(Sung to the melody: Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?) 

 

Solomon: Brother?  (Knock, knock, knock) (Knock, knock, knock)

  Do you wanna Make some Masons?   Come on let’s do a play

I never see you anymore

  Come to our door

    It's like you've gone away -

We used to be good Brothers

  Now we're apart

    I wish you would tell me why! -

Do you wanna Make some Masons?

  I really wanna Make some Masons.

 

Brother: Go away, wiseguy

 

Solomon: Okay, bye...

 

(Knock Knock Knock)  Do you wanna Make some Masons?

  And do some quarry work real soon

I think some of our work is overdue

  I've started working with new Brothers in the halls-

    (Hang in there, Jubelum!)

It gets a little lonely

  all these empty rooms,

And watching member go bye-

  (bye-bye, bye-bye, bye-bye, bye-bye, bye-bye)

 

(Orchestral)

 

Solomon:  (Knock Knock Knock) Brother?

  Please, I know you are there,

Brothers are asking where you've been

  They say "have patience", and I'm trying to

I am right here for you, just be with me

  or sit in Lodge with me

It's just me and you

  What do you wanna do?

Do you wanna Make some Masons?
  I really wanna Make some Masons.
    Brother?

---------------------------
 

F&S,

 

Brother John S. Nagy

 

 

A Brother Ask... Betterment

A Brother Asks: I've heard "Masonry Makes Good Men Better", but what does Freemasonry do?

My Response: Freemasonry only opens doors toward Betterment for men who wish to Travel the Realms of Masonry, and there are many!  And for some, it only points to these doors.

There must also be a base of goodness though.  Freemasonry is not intended to be offered as a Program of Rehabilitation for any soul, although there are some souls who could benefit tremendously toward this end by the Masonic Practice Freemasonry points them toward. 

The Betterment however is the sole Responsibility of each Traveler should the door be opened unto him. 

Keep your expectations in check though.  Freemasonry shall make no effort toward your Betterment other than keeping the door of Betterment open to those who are truly worthy.

Here's a question back to you:  What makes you think that you are Worthy of what Freemasonry Offers and what Masonry Provides?

F&S,

Brother John S Nagy

Coach's Challenge: Explain "Libertine"

Many within the Craft have heard the term "Irreligious Libertine" and seem to know immediately what that implies. But, when faced with a change in direction, they are confronted with something that challenges their preconceived notions as to possibilities. Such is what is presented by changing the word "Irreligious" to "religious" in the term.

YOUR CHALLENGE (should you agree to accept it):

 Explain separately what "IRRELIGIOUS LIBERTINE" and "RELIGIOUS LIBERTINE" mean to you while making every earnest and sincere effort to keep sex out of your explanation!

Let the discourse begin!

-- Coach John S Nagy

 

 

 

Building Boaz, a book review by Brother Fred Milliken

Nagy is the Socrates of Freemasonry, asking question after question after question. It is very fortunate that in Building Boaz we get answer after answer after answer.  Nagy would be the first to tell you that these are not all the answers. There are many more which each individual Brother needs to discover on his own. But the beauty of Building Boaz is that it gets the new Mason in the frame of mind to make inquires and explore meanings  – to ask questions and to search for answers and to get some answers. In so doing he cements the morality of Masonry into his inner core. That inner core will help to govern his outward actions. Many a time I have seen and heard of men who carry themselves above reproach. Their light shines to everybody they come in contact with. Often those around such a person want to know how he got that way. Chances are really good that person is a Freemason who has studied his Craft, built a firm foundation of Masonic understanding and strengthened his inner core."

"That’s what Building Boaz is all about. This is not only a book that should be in every Mason’s library it should be presented by the Lodge to every new Entered Apprentice upon the completion of his First Degree. It also should be used for Masonic education for all in the Lodge Room, reinforcing those values that make Masonry truly a way of life."

Read the entire book review here: http://freemasoninformation.com/2015/12/building-boaz/

Anderson's Error Remains

Compass Point GA – In a recent development, the Restoration Union for Freemasonic Yesteryear Accuracy (RUfFYA) reported it had finally found the source of the flaw that has caused more trouble for the Fraternity than any other.  The flaw was spotted by a lone Society archivist, Brother Ibe A. Stickler, who discovered it while combing through some old proof copy manuscript editing notes thought long lost.

“It was right there all along!” Stickler exclaimed, "Hidden under reams of unpassed legislation."  When asked what caused the error, he said, “No one took the time to properly proof read it and the error got fixed into our Charges for near 300 years!”

‘It’s truly embarrassing when you think about it”, Grand Line Officer Right Worshipful Grant N. Syte said with a sigh. “It would have prevented so many problems with empowered members taking liberties with heavily biased ruling,  inane decisions, and poorly supported edicts.” He added, “This one small overlooked copy editing error has cause far too much unnecessary stress and friction for the Craft.”  Taking a deep breath, he added, “And to think, all of it could have been avoided had we simply educated our people from the beginning and owned our mistake.”

What was the error?  What could have caused the Society so many problems over the years?  Brother Stickler had this to say, “From what little information we have to go on, it happened when a Fraternity copy clerk, unschooled in the 7 liberal arts and sciences, didn’t follow directions.”  He went on to say, “It was he who ignored Anderson’s editing note and published the Constitutions with error intact.  Had the clerk not ignored that one note, the Craft would not have to tolerate stupid people taking liberties that degrade our beloved Society.”

What was in Anderson’s ignored editing note?  Well, according to the bold red letters on the original manuscript in the Charge section on page 50 entitled, “I. Concerning GOD and RELIGION”, it’s clearly written, “NO! NO! NO!  This first sentence should read, ‘…if he rightly understands the Art, he will never be a stupid Theist nor a religious Libertine.’ This section is not about men we want to keep out!  It's about men already within the Craft!   Please fix this!” 

Brother Syte was overheard to say, “It’s most unfortunate that Anderson didn’t catch the editing error till his Constitutions had already gone to press and were delivered to the general assembly. I’m certain he would have had it corrected had he realized the problems it would eventually cause the Craft.”

F&S,

Brother John S. Nagy

 

 

 

 

S.A.G. Recruits Masons

 

 Hollywood CA – In what has been characterized by international media as a “brilliant move on the part of the Screen Actors Guild”, the organization has started actively recruiting Freemasons and ex-freemasons alike to fill the roles left empty by aging actors.

Spokesman and SAG Recruiter Sheikh N. Gathermen was very excited by this most recent development strategy to fill their ranks.  He told the press, “I can’t believe we had not thought of this before”, he said with enthusiasm, “but with the publication of ‘The Craft Unmasked!’ last year, and all that it revealed about extensive Freemasonic training, it just made perfect sense to tap into an already available and developed resource!”

Another long time SAG member, Guy Trapp, was equally excited. “The fact that so many of them are unbelievably well-trained and want more gives me hope that we can plug them into our productions with little to no effort”, he raved, “and the best part is they’ll most likely support our efforts for nothing but a low-cost meal beforehand!” 

 

SAG Old timer Knute N. Mieday, who confessed that he has a lot of relatives in the Craft, was not so impressed by the news.  He had this to say, “Yeah, I read about their training.  Sure they learn to memorize a whole bunch of scripts and related choreography, they also learn how to put on a good show and they are definitely used to the drama", he smirked and continued, "but are they even aware that they're trained actors participating in role-playing?”  He shrugged and added, “Most of them don’t even know they’re putting on well-scripted morality plays.”

 

Mr. Gathermen wasn't detoured by any detractors and was quite pleased with the recruiting drive.  He was overflowing with enthusiasm as he told us about his efforts. “The best aspect about this drive is all we had to do is tell these guys that we where a 'guild'," he paused and used his fingers to quote the word while widening his eyes, "and that all they had to do is petition to join.  I swear we can’t keep enough petitions on hand to keep up with demands.”

 

For more information about petitioning this and other guilds, please contact a Recognized Local Freemasonic Facility.

 

F&S,

 

Brother John S. Nagy

 

 

A Brother Asks... Freemasonic Participation

A Brother Asks: What should I keep in mind as I participate in Freemasonry?
 
My Response: Freemasonry in and of itself is nothing more than an opportunity to Introduce men to Masonry -- It is a Door.

Those who don't give any thought to Freemasonry soon come to service an ungodly Door, never Passing beyond It, but Believing with all their heart that they have. The actions they take upon this Belief delay the Travels of many Brothers, sometimes indefinitely.  

It is the fault of only a handful men who practice Freemasonry without any thought of Masonry that cause the problems that plague our Craft today.

Those who have given Freemasonry any in depth thought soon come to Recognize and Understand that it is but an Introduction to Masonry... and it is their Responsibility to let others know that "the Door it Reveals is not the Passage itself".  

Masonry Requires Travel, and it is not external!

F&S,

Brother John S. Nagy


 

A Brother Asks: The Holy Saint Johns & Masonry?

 

A Brother Asks: How do the Holy Saint Johns fit into Masonry?

 

My Response: I'll focus strictly upon the Masonic side and not the Freemasonic side of this question. When interpreting Ritual Masonically, I always default to how Allegory and Symbol support the Transformational Work that the Degrees point Brothers toward. 

 

The first Degree Work is Development and Cultivation of the Heart -- Bringing Order to the Chaos of the heart is its whole purpose. This clearly is alluded to by Holy St. John the Baptist; he was a man of great passion. Research his life to get a feel for how this applies. 

 

Likewise, the second Degree Work is Development and Cultivation of the Mind (Intellect) -- Bringing Order to the Chaos of the mind is its whole purpose. This clearly is alluded to by Holy St. John the Evangelist; he was a man of great intellect. Research his life to get a feel for how this applies. 

 

Sure, they collectively allude to 1) the Left and Right side of Masonry (Heart and Mind), 2) the before and after (Alpha and Omega) and 3) the Solstices (Great Illumination-most obvious versus Lesser Illumination-less obvious), but the allusion to the Transformational Work has ALWAYS taken priority for me -- how else can the claim that "Masonry makes good men better" be justified and supported? 

 

If we don't keep the Transformative Work as our focus, then it's all just mental pleasuring. Not that this isn't fun, but nothing of any significance occurs for any man without Work.

-- Coach John S Nagy ;-)

PS - You can find more about "The Flanked Circle" in , Building Boaz - Volume 2 pages 55 through 68. You can find it here: http://www.coach.net/BuildingBoaz.htm

 

 

Raisings Suspended



Candidate Achmed Bonaparte
Expected to Recover

Dry Bones AZ – In an unexpected late evening press conference held outside the Arizona Grand Lodge Building this last Tuesday, a spokesman for the institution reported that all future Raisings have been suspended indefinitely.  When asked why, Grand Line Officer Will Squasher said new developments with the Fellow Craft union have brought to light the adverse effects of a new unsanctioned grip employed during that night’s Third Degree. 

 

When asked specifics about what occurred, Brother Squasher said, “It's not surprising.  Lately we’ve had some Ruffians not following our strict script guidelines for Degrees.  One small informally organized group conspired to change their group’s reputation by Raising the Candidate on the second attempt.” He grimaced and added, “Unfortunately, they actually succeeded this time but the results were just downright ugly.”

When pressed for further information, one witness of the Raising who asked for anonymity had this to say, “Oh Lord!"  He paused to compose himself, "My God it was terrible!  I’ve never seen the degree team zeal for authenticity and recognition taken this far.  The poor candidate had his flesh cleaved from his bones!” The Brother was visibly shaken, but continued, “Sure, the Fellow Crafts were able to pull him up prematurely, but the poor sot was nothing but skin and bones as a result.”

“We’ve suspected for some time now that the Fellow Crafts were planning something like this", grumbled Old Past Master Ian Mieday. "It’s totally off script and they know it.”  He added, “Had they only been patient and allowed us to stay on script, that poor candidate would not have had the shock of his life.” 

A Degree Team Organizer by the name of Brother Ceep M. Inlyne reported that the unfortunate candidate, Achmed Bonaparte, who was Raised earlier that evening was in stable condition and thought what occurred was actually part of the show. 

 

All present have agreed that further Fellow Craft Training was necessary and this should stave off any repeats of that evening’s performance.

Those wishing to contribute to the Candidate’s relief fund, please direct them toward your local Shiner’s Hospital.

 

F&S,

 

Brother John S. Nagy

 

 

 

 

 

A Brother Asks... Contributing & Indicating Attributes of Maturity & Success

A Brother Asks: What are Attributes that "Contribute to" and are "Indications of" both Maturity and

Success.

My Response: The answer is within Ritual. All that you have to do is Carefully Examine the Development Work that is Required during Apprenticeship that helps Transform Youths to Adulthood. If your Apprenticeship did not Entail the following Skill Development, it's a Clear Indication that you got Cheated and you were Mislead into Thinking that you had Matured enough to Progress.

1. Proper Time Management (24 IG)
2. Proper Judgment (Virtue, 7 LAs&Ss)
3. Proper Impulse Control (Temperance)
4. Proper Planning (Trestle-board, 7 LAs&Ss)
5. Proper Organization (Trestle-board, 7 LAs&Ss)
6. Proper Critical Thinking (Trestle-board, 7 LAs&Ss)
7. Proper Responsibilities (Cable-Tow)
8. Proper Accountabilities (Cable-Tow)
9. Proper Morality (Plumb, Square, VoSL)
10. Proper Standards and Boundaries (Compasses, Cable-Tow, VoSL)
11. Proper Consideration and Civility (Level, Compasses, VoSL, Virtue)
12. Integrity (Word)

They appear in no particular order and the list is not complete.

Here's a question back at ya: Have you truly Received Proper Support to Properly Mature?

F&S,

Brother John S. Nagy

 

Society Still Secret

Wonder Landings TX – In an unexpected press release issued today by several Freemasonic bodies from around the world, it was announced that the Organization, known as "The Society of Free & Accepted Masons", has continuously maintained its unblemished record of secrecy for nearly 300 years.

Secrecy Spokesman and Worldwide Public Relations Officer Brother Lew Kutus claimed, “It shouldn’t surprise anyone that we’ve secretly invaded almost every community around the world with our patented stealth lodge technology.  We’ve cornered the market on secrecy and are masters in its application.”  He added, “When you see our proudly displayed buildings on the sides of roads, all lit up, signs a blazing, and empty parking lots, you’d never suspect for an instant there would be actual meetings going on in these buildings.”

 

He snickered and added excitedly, “But they’re going on monthly and people don’t even notice!  Not even most of our members!”

As many members and non-members will tell you that this organization, also known as “Those Secretive Freemasons”, has been a secret society ever since it was created back around 1717.  At that time, and ever since, it candidly proclaimed that its rich and varied history extending back in time to Knights Templar, Jerusalem, Egypt, Africa, Enoch, and even Adam himself.

“Frankly, not many secret organization can actually boast about maintaining secrecy like we can and not be taken as fools”, said Brother Ike N. Tellum.  “We’re hidden in plain sight and no one is the wiser.  We’re that good!”

Should you be interested in knowing more about this unbelievably well-kept secret and how to join it, simply type, “Grand Lodge Freemason” into any search engine and follow the links.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Brother John S. Nagy

 

 

Craft Admits Ruffians in Fold

Clef Rock, Jerusalem – In an unprecedented press conference held today outside the gates of what is believed to be the Temple of Solomon, leaders of Freemasonic Orders from around the world gathered to make an announcement that finally confirms suspicions long held about the Craft.  The suspicion?  That Ruffians fill the Craft rosters and some are violent, impetuous rogues.

Conference Chairman Drew Belum explained, “We needed to come clean, confront this issue head on and keep hitting it until it goes away." He quickly chided, "They simply want what they want when they want it and if we dare even allude to their actually earning what they demand, watch out!”

When asked by one of the reporters at the scene whether the rumors were true, Spokesman Heesa Cowan said quite candidly, “Yup!  We have ‘em in our midst. They’ve been with us since before anyone can remember.  The worse thing is their impact.  We occasionally have to clean up after them, especially when they make demands that can’t be met.”  He looked uncomfortable and added, “It’s pretty embarrassing too.  Every time they go all uncircumscribed, we end up having to replace another leader.  Do you know the cost of replacing leaders these days?”

Some don’t think a laid-back Brotherly approach was the best way to deal with the problem though.  Sol Wisemen of the conference board of directors was quite adamant about it.  He had this to say, “We need stricter penalties for these inconsiderate and impatient unruly rogues.  It doesn’t matter that they’re in the Craft or for how long.  It only matters that we treat them accordingly, like the immature entitled brats they are.  I say let them be the architects of their own demise.”

It’s not a surprise to some though. Craft Observer Hyta Freemen, an old timer who claims to have seen it all, shared this, “None of this is new.  All ya hafta do is look at the Craft’s history.  It ain’t no secret neither.  It’s been known in Craft circles for some time now that Fellow Crafts have long had a tendency for wantin' rewards and titles before they earn 'em.  In fact, our own statistics clearly show that three out of fifteen of 'em will go so far as to do violence against instructors they believe can give 'em what they want.  That’s a whopping twenty percent!” 

 

Readers might ask themselves, "What exactly are Ruffians?"  When queried, Brother and Lodge officer Taylor Doormen energetically retorted this, “Unfortunately, they’re Craft members who want what they have not truly earned and who demand it to the point of being violent toward those who they believe can provide it.”

 

It was clear from the general mood of those in attendance that there was a need to Raise awareness of this issue within the Craft.

 

F&S

 

Bro. John S. Nagy

 

-------------------------------

For more information about Ruffians and Ruffianoscopy, please contact a Local Freemasonic Lodge or pick up a convenient field guide like, “Building Ruffish” to learn more.

 

 

A Brother Asks... What is Moral Law?

 

A Brother Asks: What is Moral Law?

 

My Response: From all that I've read about this, there exists but one Universal Moral Law and it has two entirely different ways of being stated so that its fullness can be understood by those who make effort to. It is: 

1. One should treat all others as one would like all others to treat oneself.
2. One should treat no one in any way that one would not like to treat oneself.

It is founded upon Civility, Consideration, Understanding, Respect and Tolerance, especially for Differences. It is found woven Universally into the Sacred Laws scattered to the four corners of Humanity.

 

Unfortunately, there exist hypocrites in positions of authority, both legitimate and illegitimate, who hang their hats upon the term "moral law" as an excuse to treat others hatefully and as less than. Those who support them are more culpable in that they are the ones who put these individuals in positions to do their bidding and do so deliberately to distance themselves from any accountability for their own hateful manners.

 

F&S,

 

-- Coach John S Nagy

For more information on Moral Law, please refer to Building Boaz - Volume 2

 

 

A Brother Asks... Initiation and Mysteries

A Brother Asks: Is it required to be initiated to learn the mysteries?

My Response: Let's first make effort to firmly establish a few understandings of what is involved before the answer is put forth.

1. Initiation as a "ceremony" has value only in the mind of the individual going through it.  It can be likened to a public commitment to a path, but it is not necessarily that. Initiation as a "new behavior" that indicates an individual is now fully engaged in something that is transforming him is wholly different then going through a ceremony, although engaging in that new behavior can be ceremonial.
2. Learning is only Effective when Behavior has Changed that is Supportive of the Lessons Presented.  When behavior has not changed in line with the lessons, other than repeating back what one has been told to repeat back, learning has not occurred.
3. The biggest problem with the word, "mystery" is that it initially meant "occupation", "trade" and "profession".  It did not, in this instance, mean "things that are only revealed to those initiated" or "hidden things".  Although, the word can be used in this manner, to use it to indicate the latter in this case is altogether misleading. 
4. Once you get past all the twists and turns, you may come to realize that "one must Engage in the Work to become Transformed".  This engagement can occur with or without the support of others, as has been proven so many times throughout recorded history by those who have brought forth things and ideas in our cultures that were not evident to the masses before.

Coming back to the original question, the answer is "No".  But you'll be hard-pressed to hear this from the hoards...

1. who are convinced otherwise, or
2. who have a vested interest in having you believe otherwise. 

That being said, there are plenty of initiatic societies that offer experiences that they claim to be transformative.  I refer you to Item 2 on the above list as your rule and guide to measure the success of your engagements in these matters.

F&S,

Brother John S. Nagy

PS - To read up more about this topic, please refer to the Building Series of Uncommon Masonic Education books and dvds. You can find them here: http://www.coach.net/BuildingBuilders.htm

Membership Decline Linked to Climate Change

Satyre Point, FL – In an unprecedented scientific study of the Craft, Masonic Scientists have concluded that Climate Change is the cause of declining membership worldwide.   Masonic experts from diverse fields came together recently for a Masonic Summit organized with the intent to discuss the epidemic problem that has plagued the Society for over half a century.


Figure 1 - Data Correlations

Summit spokesman, Brother Sol Speaks, was interviewed during the stormy summit and had these comments to share.  “Since 1959, it is quite clear from the collected data, the Craft has been losing more members than it can bring in.”  He goes on to say that “Up until now, the reasons behind this decline that were provided by some well-intentioned ad hoc committees actually misled the Craft in making efforts to combat the losses.”  

And Sol has good reason to say this. “We’ve mistakenly focused on making things easier to join and to remain members.  Lessening entrance requirements, one-day-classes, and reduced proficiencies were tried.  The results were catastrophic!  Not only were these counter-productive, but they actually undermined what we needed to continue.” (see Figure 1 - Data Correlations)

One of the adjunct consultants hired by Summit organizers, meteorologist Heather Curl, had this to add.  “When you run the numbers, it becomes obvious from the plotted data that the rise in greenhouse gases coincides with the information on membership losses.  Without question, the overlaid charts show a continuous and startling correlation between the two.”

Another Craft member, G.I. Tract Specialist and contributing summit speaker, Brother Colin Bleau, furthered the insights into contributing factors.  “We’ve actually caused it ourselves.  The sheer volume of greenhouse gasses generated by our well-known chili cook off fund raisers and baked bean style dinners far exceeds anything with which the government has instruments to monitor.  They can’t even begin to calculate the carbon footprint that any one specific lodge contributes.”  The specialist looked uncomfortable but continued, “And therein lies part of the problem.  We can’t get funding for proper instrumentation to properly prepare our investigation committees without having more cook offs.” 

It was Brother Brad Scent that offered  final committee recommendations at the end of the summit that most upset many within the body of attending Brothers.  “We must immediately tighten the emissions requirements for incoming Brothers.  This is undoubtedly a good but difficult start, at least until this specific contributing factor is contained.”  He added, “In the meantime, we recommend that all lodges immediately convert to using open flame tapers within lodge to help counteract and stabilize the overwhelming emissions of greenhouse gasses from already well-established members.  We’re hoping this will lower the carbon footprint of each lodge overall.” 

And before he shared the following, he took a deep breath and leaked this other insight under low breath. “We’re also hoping this will be a positive change for our current membership and those who wish to come back into the organization.  You can expect membership decline to stabilize and potentially reverse once the climate changes within each Lodge stop shifting so dramatically from moment to moment.”

Some upset attending members where heard to say, “This truly stinks.  It's not how we handled it in my year.”  Although clearly within earshot, no overheard complaining Brother wanted to be quoted for the record or offer better solutions.

Those interested in helping support this initiative or who find themselves fuming over this issue are asked to contact Brother Cainem Realwell on what you can further do to more effectively deal with this growing concern.

Respectfully, Fraternally and Sincerely (with deepest apologies to that Past Bastard who inspired all this folly),

Coach John S. Nagy

 

 

A Brother Asks... Who was the Widow?

A Brother Asks: I know who the widow's son is, but who's the widow?

My Response: Like so many other things that are presented to us in Allegorical form, it, "The Widow" to whom the son is connected, is not a who; it is a what.

Brother: Please explain.

Coach: Sure. When you know to what it is that the "Widow" is referring, it also tells you what you need to focus upon to become its offspring.

Brother: To what is "Widow" referring?

Coach: Good question!  Should you want to pursue this in depth, I recommend you look at the intimate connection between the words "Winnow" and "Widow".

Brother: Okay...

Coach: Afterward ask yourself, what widowing are you required to do through your Masonic Journey from Profane to Mastery and what must you actively participate in to achieve that Mastery?

Brother: Does the widow symbolise our separation of the material world to that of the spiritual Father?

Coach: I guess this all depends upon how you desire to see it. In the paradigm I present here and hold to, we have both Wheat and Chaff in our lives - symbolized by the threshing-floor of Ornan. It is through our choices, decisions and subsequent actions that we divest ourselves accordingly. In the case of Freemasonry, we divest ourselves though the Masonic Work that Freemasonic Ritual and Process offers to us. I know of at least 4 fundamental life changing divestitures that it offers. What do you think those divestitures are?

Brother: As widow's son do we symbolise our human physical nature?

Coach: If we are to be called a "Widow's Son", according the Freemasonic paradigm offered through its Ritual and Process, we are the offspring of the separation process! But not before hand.

Brother: Are we bound to the mother (creation / material / earth) after the symbolic 'Fall' of mankind?

Coach: Only if you believe that this paradigm applies to you and you wish to embrace and live it. There are other paradigms one can live that do not include this paradigm. Some actually believe the fall alluded to in your question was not a fall at all and was actually a necessary step toward adulthood.

BTW - Winnowing and Threshing clues can be found upon the threshing-floor.  You might find it enlightening to explore.

Brother: So, can't we take the allegory that is Freemasonry and assign it a name?

Coach: Indeed we can!  Allegory assign personas to their characters.  And just like allegories of old, The Widow is definitely a characterization within our organization.  

Brother: Now you have my head spinning.  Who then is the Widow of Freemasonry.

Coach: That would depend entirely upon which of her members you ask and how astute they are at detecting her allegorical clues.

F&S,

Brother John S. Nagy

A Brother Asks... Masonic Secrets

A Brother Asks: When is a Masonic secret not a Masonic secret?

My Response: If "secret" is defined as something that is known, there are absolutely no Freemasonic Secrets! There are only things that Freemasons have promised not to talk about with non-members.

If you're looking for something more significant to perpend though, a question to ask yourself would be "why would we promise not to talk about specific things with non-members?"

When seeking a suitable response, please avoid accepting as answers the profoundly lame excuses "because I promised not to!" or "because I gave my word!" Neither provides any insight into the "why" that has any substance to the issues at play and reveals that no well-thought out reasoning occurred.

Although "because I promised not to!" or "because I gave my word!" might be considered valid "excuses", neither addresses the foundational reason! And this reason has nothing to do with protection modes of recognition whatsoever.

 

What do you think this foundation reason might be?

BTW - When you consider how the word "secret" is used within Freemasonic circles, it is defined as something that is conveyed that is understood and applied immediately and requires absolutely no understanding whatsoever.  In this respect, a Freemasonic secret is merely confidential information conveyed to members that is not to be discusses with non-members.

-- Brother John S. Nagy

 

PS - You can read more about secrets in Building Boaz, "The Secret Realm" chapter.

 

 

A Brother Asks... Making Good Men Better

 

A Brother Asks: How does mastering ritual make good men better?

Response: It doesn't. It no more makes good men better than mastering any other map.

 

It is only by recognizing, understanding and applying it toward the territory it represents that you become better, and only if you do so with the intent and methods of betterment. Otherwise, it just sits on the bookshelf of your mind, collecting dust, being eaten by the mind's silverfish or worse, rotting.

Pointing to it, pulling it out and waving it in the faces of others, or worse, boasting about how well you have preserved it without using it to travel within its alluded to territory, is the ultimate insult to its creation.

Ritual Mastery does not make you Better; Suitably and Appropriately Applying it toward your life does.

IN OTHER WORDS: There Is No Transformation for The Better Without Work That Transforms for The Better! Mastering Ritual is only Installing the Map, but is it not the Work that Occurs to Follow It!!

 

F&S,

 

Brother John S. Nagy

 

 

A Brother Asks... Business Meetings for Apprentices

 

A Brother Asks: What are your thoughts on allowing each lodge, at its discretion, to conduct

business meetings at the EA Degree level?

My Response: I guess that truly depends upon your end-in-mind, doesn't it.

If you want to bore the newbies to death and potentially drive them away with meaningless Reports and Minutes and do so before they even begin to progress, then opening the doors to them early on would accomplish your desired end.

Then again, if you want to attract them toward wanting to progress further and actually want to attend again long afterward, don't you think that first improving the quality and nurturing of the meetings for the existing membership should be a more important thing to do?

 

After all, what is opening the doors to newbies actually accomplishing for you and them? Attendance? 

 

That gets old quickly if nothing else is motivating them.

 

Here's some materials that you can share with your Apprentices.  

 

VIDEOS!

 

You can show them in Lodge or have them watch them prior to the meetings, asking them to write down what they learned, what questions they raise, and how would they try to explain the materials to the Lodge.

ENJOY!

 

F&S,

 

Brother John S. Nagy

 

 

Building Free Men - A book review by Brother Frederic L. Milliken

"This is a profound work that will pause many a Mason to stop and think about what Nagy is saying here. Perhaps it will spur a Brother or two or three or more to pick up a Masonic book, to ask some questions, to sit at a roundtable Masonic discussion. For the goal here is spiritual and philosophical and the development of the individual and his soul. Being a Mason is more than paying dues, memorizing and repeating ritual and doing activities. ...

...To be a Mason involves WORK.

...Coach Nagy has done what he set out to do. He has coached Freemasons to become all that they can be, to study, learn and educate themselves and to understand the historical context wherein Freemasonry grew...

...For this reason, this is a must book for every member of the Craft."

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You can read the entire review here...

You can obtain a copy of "Building Free Men" here...

F&S,

Brother John S. Nagy