A Pilgrim's Path: Freemasonry and the Religious Right

An excellent, excellent easy read that's hard to put down, a must have for all Mason's libraries and those who are considering joining the craft. Mr. John Robinson wrote this book as a Non-Mason, he asked Masons what they would like him to write about, being a writer and historian of Medieval Britain and the Crusades he knew how to perform research, and not just believe what he was being told, but to find the truth. He researched the origins of Freemasonry and how it made its way into the new colonies. He has spoken to Masonic groups all across the country on the history on Masonry. In his research he asked the man on the street what he or she thought of Freemasons? He took questions on radio talk shows from the curious and from Anti-Masons with the knowledge he had gained from his research, not just what Masons said. The Anti-Mason who called to make their point quickly found out they were incorrect in their assumptions, but always in a civil and pleasant manner. He critiqued fundamentalists' religious leaders like Pat Robertson and John Ankerberg, both who have attacked Masonry. He speaks of Dr. James Holly who has made numerous attempts to have the Southern Baptist Leadership condemn Freemasonry and to have all Baptist Pastors removed who are Masons. Fortunately, Holly and his small radical group have not been able to accomplish this. The fundamentalists like Pat Robertson, James Holly and others like them take a document credited to Albert Pike which makes it look like Pike and all Masons worship Lucifer. This was not written by Albert Pike, but in fact written by a man named Leo Taxil who would later freely admit he made the whole thing up and that Pike had nothing to do with it. Taxil, who suffered convictions of financial fraud in France and later ejection from Switzerland for the same was always looking for an easy money scam. He wrote anti-Catholic publications, such as satires, poking fun at church leaders, but realized little money doing so, turned his attention to Freemasonry. Seeing the conflict between the Roman Catholic Church and the Masonic order Taxil saw his opportunity. After making his fortune, Taxil on 1897 used his celebrity status to attract a large audience to a meeting in Paris along with the Catholic hierarchy and took great delight in telling people how he had pulled the wool over their eyes and had made a fortune in so doing. Pat Robertson in his book "A New World Order" attributes this document to Pike. It's quite evident he didn't research his work too well (or maybe his staff didn't) or was not concerned about the truth. Mr. John Robinson also speaks of how a Mason should share with his family about masonry and not exclude them. They should know Masonry is not a "Secret" organization and introduce them to fellow members. He speak of ways Lodges can go about retaining their membership and gives examples. The book is perfect read for any man about to join the Brotherhood and how he should share it with his wife as soon as he is finished.

This book is a great if disturbing read, as relevant today as it was when it was published.As a Christian, I am saddened by the fact that a small but very vocal subset of those who share my faith is so eager to find and combat "bogeymen" that they demonize such groups as the Freemasons. Some feel the same way about Roman Catholics. Those who engage in this are largely divorced from reality. Nonetheless, they find plenty of "confirmation" in an on- and offline echo chamber of like minded people who embellish and repeat the same accusations over and over. I've found you can't argue with such people; they are convinced they possess knowledge about their bogeymen that less fanatical souls don't, when, of course, the exact opposite is true.Anyone wishing to take a peek behind the scenes of rabid Mason-haters will learn a lot from the first section of this book. Those who want to understand more about Masons and how they might deal with the issue will enjoy the second section. Though I am not a Mason myself, I have several friends and relatives who are, and who have benefited immensely from the organization and its charities. While Masonry is currently declining, I'm not worried that it will survive. I'm more concerned about how its detractors, especially some sincere Christians, poison not the Masons but themselves with their hatred and their kooky accusations. While this book may not convince them, it may help some thoughtful people to avoid joining them. If it does, it has done a great service.

I am currently joining Freemasonry and will have taken my first degree on December 6th 2011. I bought this book simply based on others high reviews and a desire to learn more. If you are curious about Freemasonry and want to know more, this is an excellent book.While not a "tell all" or an encyclopedia of all things Masonry (for that I'd highly recommend Freemasonry for Dummies, another wonderful book) this is basically an excellent introduction to the Craft and a perfect book for anyone interested in joining or even for the spouse or significant other of a Mason or Mason-to-be. You needn't worry about learning too much or being bogged down with every detail with this book and it's perfect for anyone looking to join or related to someone who is (or wants to become) a member of the Craft.If you are interested in learning some of history of Freemasonry, what it is, and how it's affected America, look no further. As mentioned, if you want to know the whole "nuts and bolts" of Freemasonry and are looking for an encyclopedia of the subject, be sure to also read Freemasonry for Dummies.It should be noted that at the time of writing this book, Mr. Robinson was NOT a Mason. I found this to be preferable. He's simply someone who researched and wrote about his un-biased findings while helping to clear up various myths, half truths and outright lies regarding Freemasonry.I would definitely recommend it and I'm currently getting ready to read his other book on the subject, "Born in Blood".

Book arrived before estimated date, perfectly packed, another great book by the late John J Robinson.

Highly recommend this book to every new Mason and prospective Mason.

well balanced and logical