Post by maximus on Sept 4, 2009 14:07:30 GMT
Having had the honor of previewing Dr. John S. Nagy's latest addition to his ongoing Building series, Building Boaz: Uncommon Catechism for Uncommon Masonic Education, Volume 2, I shall attempt to do justice to this fine work.
This second work concentrates on the Entered Apprentice, and upon those elements within the lessons of the degree that may be obscure to the modern Mason. Often, the archaic language of our ritual is lost upon the newly-made Mason, indeed - it may remain obscure to many Master Masons, even after years in the Craft. This book is set up like his previous work, presenting a series of interrelated catechisms similar to those we are all familiar with from our own degree work - but examining the often obscure points of our ritual in an easy to understand manner.
Divided into twelve chapters, with a summary at the beginning of each section, the book is extensively footnoted, allowing the reader the opportunity for further study on various subjects, tying in ritual with relevant section of the VSL, allowing for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the meaning behind the allegory.
I highly recommend this short, yet profound book to Masons of all stages - from the new Apprentice to the Past Master. I also thank Brother Nagy for allowing me to contribute, however small that may be, to the development of this work and allowing me the opportunity to post this review.
www.coach.net/BuildingBoaz.htm
Bro. Bryan Caldwell
This second work concentrates on the Entered Apprentice, and upon those elements within the lessons of the degree that may be obscure to the modern Mason. Often, the archaic language of our ritual is lost upon the newly-made Mason, indeed - it may remain obscure to many Master Masons, even after years in the Craft. This book is set up like his previous work, presenting a series of interrelated catechisms similar to those we are all familiar with from our own degree work - but examining the often obscure points of our ritual in an easy to understand manner.
Divided into twelve chapters, with a summary at the beginning of each section, the book is extensively footnoted, allowing the reader the opportunity for further study on various subjects, tying in ritual with relevant section of the VSL, allowing for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the meaning behind the allegory.
I highly recommend this short, yet profound book to Masons of all stages - from the new Apprentice to the Past Master. I also thank Brother Nagy for allowing me to contribute, however small that may be, to the development of this work and allowing me the opportunity to post this review.
www.coach.net/BuildingBoaz.htm
Bro. Bryan Caldwell