A Pilgrim's Path: Freemasonry and the Religious Right [Hardcover]

On the flip side, he makes many fine arguements and his writing style is interesting and, well, enjoable. His book is essentially divided in two parts: One- deals mostly with what he terms the Religious Right, which is a problematic statement in and of itself. He also uses the term fundamentalist, which I think is much more appropriate for this text and his assertions. The chapter on "what is a Mason" is well written and dispells the myth that Masonary is Satanic or inherently religious. His points about many of our founding fathers being Masons are pretty well documented elswhere and his point should be well tanken', although he does possibly overstate his case.

He does rightly critque people like Pat Robertson and John Ankerberg. Both fundamentalists religious leaders have attacked Masonary and they have largely made their reviews based on many presuppositions, though he does use loaded langauge which I find disturbing; after all, he is doing the very thing he dislikes about their reviews of Masonary (calling Ankerberg's ministry a "strange" ministry). It is a polemic, and although I disagree with many of Ankerberg's positions (including his position on Masonary), he has produced some good work and his TV show is one of the few where people on the other side get to make their case. There are other criticisms as well, but the over all tone of the book is a good balance to many misconceptions. He puts Masonary in its proper perspective - that of a fraternal order. Although some members may treat it as a religion, the evidence points that it was founded by individuals who were like minded in certian areas such as charities and fraternity. His theological analysis of the Christian tradition and text is, well not always sound, but his critisms of many popular fundamentalists are pretty much correct. His review of Pat Robertson's assertion in "New World Order" is very accurate.

Part Two is an interesting read as well and the chapter "Its a Secret", though short, is a good counter to the "secret ritual" nonesense. Lastly, I say these things as a non-mason. I have had no desire to ever even be one, and I think there could be conflicts "religiously" speaking, but that is not the fault of Masonary per see, but the person who joins it (where does the indivdual's true alliance belong). I think the true Mason would say, "one's God and Faith."

The book begins by summing up just what Freemasonry is and what it's not. Mainly that Freemasonry is the world's oldest fraternal order and not a religion or even quasi religion. He also covers briefly the debate over the origins of the fraternity and it's leading theories.

The heart of the book deals with debunking recent and current "Anti Masonic organizations and persons". Robinson does a terrific job of exposing these themes. With simple research he points out that almost all Anti Masonic claims are A) Outright Lies or B) Items that are taken out of context so far they are twisted beyond recognition. He goes on to point out this propaganda is usually used for personal gain and more often, pure profit making schemes.

Not only does "A Pilgrims Path" expose Anti Masonry propaganda for the lies it is but it also exposes just what Masonry really is. Robinson's accounts of Masonic charity will touch your heart. Such as the well-known Shrine children's hospitals will never charge a dime for their care.

Finally, Robinson leaves a few ideas behind about his ideas for the future of fraternity every Mason should read and consider.

Interested in the truth about Freemasonry? This is the story of one man's years of research. It's also the story of why he joined the Craft.