Customer Reviews

Freemasonry in the Twenty-First Century

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

As a Freemason seeing the numerous and strongly polarized opinions about this book, I could not resist reading it. I found the author presents his own personal theology and spirituality as absolute truth and "real freemasonry" while angrily criticizing, even denigrating those of his brother Masons who do not share his particular beliefs.

The world view underlying Bradley's discussion of Freemasonry's rituals can be briefly described as follows: The physical world is a false shadow of higher, more 'real' planes of existence, such as the astral and angelic planes. These higher planes of existence are populated by various angels, archons, planetary rulers, self-actualized beings, and spirit guides (such as the grand master Rakoczi, spirit guide to all 'true' Masons). The 'planetary rulers' guide the evolution of humanity toward realization of their existence on the higher planes by sending messengers (such as Moses, Buddha, Jesus & Francis Bacon) to humanity as we are able to absorb their lessons. Each individual soul progresses toward the higher planes through numerous reincarnations. Freemasonry is a "school of the lesser mysteries" through which a prepared and disciplined being can make his progress, while its' rituals are white magic that focuses and elevates cosmic energy, magnetism, rays and vibrations for the benefit of humanity. Most masons hold far more conventional beliefs. It is certainly understandable that they might object to Bradley's 'Truth'. This book is an excellent example of why religion is not discussed in Masonic Lodges.

What I find disturbing about this book is not the content so much as the tone. Bradley might have found more agreement if he had simply pointed out - with humility and charity rather than pride and self righteousness - that character development and increasing self knowledge are rarely emphasized activities in Freemasonry despite all the references to these in the ritual and the Craft's stated objective of "making good men better." He might have offered his particular suggestions for improving matters in a manner "offensive to none and beneficial to all", as freemasons are urged to do. Instead he chooses to characterize those who do not share his belief as agents of darkness bent on corrupting what he sees as the original, occult nature of Freemasonry. His hostility does not indicate to me that he is the "evolved, self-actualized" spirit he imagines himself to be, but rather is still very much wrapped up in his "not-self, or ego", to use his own terminology. The attitude Bradley displays in his book is sadly not in conformity with his own description of a 'true' Master Mason. His apparently spiritual writing is thus revealed to be no more than a vain intellectual exercise.

But even as an intellectual exercise this work does have some value. I found his lengthy discussion of the symbols of Freemasonry in particular to be refreshing and thought provoking. This part of the book might be tough going for non-masons as the symbols are not named, but only abbreviated. So Tracing Board is T:. B:. and twenty four inch gauge is T...F...I...G... Unless you already know the symbols and ceremonies, or have researched them, much of the book will not make much sense.

According to the introduction to his book, Mr. Bradley claims to be a Mason, Rosicrucian, author, composer, syndicated columnist, classical musician, credentialed teacher, network engineer and much more.... He says, "In the course of writing this book I received little encouragement from my so-called brothers." and Masons will understand why when they read that Mr. Bradley believes one of the two primary functions of Masonry is "To aid all life on our planet through the use of ceremonial White Magic." Interestingly, and not unexpectedly, nowhere is the author's Masonic membership data given. The picture on the back cover shows a person of quite young age supposedly living in the hills of Los Angeles when "...not travelling in search of new worlds and ancient wisdom." A couple of online posters have stated their belief that this was an exceptionally moving book; others, however, have replied that they wished they had not wasted the money. We believe it is wrongly classified as 'Non-fiction'. The bibliography is revealing: only thirteen authors are cited and just two of them are by Masons (although even those are suspect in that one citation is for Albert Pike while the other is Manley Hall's "The Lost Keys of Freemasonry" written at the age of twenty-one, some thirty years before Hall became a Mason).

Bradley has many more quotes including those from Alice Bailey, an occultist, and the various Yoga masters from the bibliography. He writes exhaustively about what he perceives to be the lessons and reactions to the degrees of Freemasonry - and in some few cases, actually touches upon reality. With far too many of his examples, however, he makes great leaps and assumptions which no one (Mason or not) would, should, or could ever presuppose as the actual purpose or teaching of the degrees. While the cover is appealing, the book's contents and fanciful claims leave much to be desired. We feel this work is poor fiction which many Masons will be duped into buying simply because of its title. WE CERTAINLY DO NOT RECOMMEND IT!

Apparently Bradley since writing this book moved to Colorado and having not been able to earn an honest living high-tailed it back to California to avoid debts. Bradley does not live as he preaches.

This book is a complete waste of money. The cutesy "encryption" of key phrases (C... and S...) is annoying enough, but the authors arrogant assertion that true students will be able to understand what he is *not* saying really takes the cake. Blather and new age B...S... I'm certain that Freemasonry deserves better.

I do not believe that this book represents what our Craft will be like in the 21st century. Nonetheless, the writer is certainly free to interpret the allegory and symbolism as he sees fit. I would not recommend this book to the newly initiated ( except in the Lodges that consist predominantly of Eastern thought, New Age followers, etc.) I would, however, recommend it to serious students of the Craft who are interested in seeing how Freemasonry is "instructive to all, and offensive to none." For those who enjoyed this book, take a look at "The Meaning of Masonry ; W. L. Wilmhurst." I appreciate Bradley sharing his views as much as I enjoy the books by Mackey et.al. who take a different approach to the Craft.

I truly believe the author's motives were sincere. He makes a good point here and there - though those points and discussions are far from original. What IS original is that FAR too much of this book is California-Zen-Atlantian-energy-infusing-chhakra-modality-crunchy-nut-granola non-sence. Unless you're, like, into that, man, forget it.

Perhaps the worst book ever written about Freemasonry. This book is filled with New Age type mumbo jumbo that has nothing to do with the Lodge. I was very close to returning it and getting a refund. Stick to "Born in Blood", the best Masonry book ever. Note: The back cover was the first thing I noticed....this guy looks AND writes like a 12 year old. Save your money.

I don't know what to make of this book. This book makes Freemasonry out to be some sort of new age religion with brothers going through all these 'mystical expirences'. I remember many emotions from when I was becoming a Mason, but nothing like what this books says a canidate should feel. Although the tone of the book is very pro-Mason, I think what the author views as Masonry and what the majority of Masons view as Masonry are totaly different. I see this book as contributing to a lot of miss information that is out there about Freemasonry today.

It is almost like a book for someone into the new age movement. I felt more like I was reading a book on astrology or other new age sciences than I was on Masonry. It does have several informative moments though.

Not very much to this book except an author who embeds his "New Age" opinions and philosophies in and out of existing masonry. In laymens terms "it is kind of like buying a monopoly game, introducing or changing a couple of rules and moves, then repackaging it with a slightly different name".

The author studied under Torkum Saraydarian for a while before achieving his self appointed spiritual mastery of New Age nothingness. He has migrated his studies to UFO's as last we heard. That should be enough for anyone.

GC

This book is WORTHLESS and let me give you a few reasons why:

1. From page 1, the author states that one of the two main purposes of Freemasonry is "to aid all life on our planet through the use of ceremonial White Magic". I can guarantee that ANY Grand Master of any Grand Lodge in the world would tell you that Freemasonry does not now, nor has not ever has been connected with White Magic.

2. The book tries to connect new age mumbo jumbo (which most people won't understand anyway, even seasoned Masons) with Freemasonry. Any connection between the two only exists in the mind of the author. The most extreme example used by the author is that there is a "Solar Angel" named Master Rakoczi that oversees Freemasonry throughout time.

3. Even experienced Masons will have a difficult time trying to read and interpret the "code" language used throughout the book. The author uses code writing because he's afraid of revealing Masonic secrets, which is absolutely ludicrous because he encodes words, phrases and titles that aren't meant (or never were meant) to be secret! For example, he doesn't even dare write "Jacob's Latter", so instead writes "J...B's L...r" or
"B..z" for Boaz and "J...n" for Jachin (all which are biblical terms, not necessarily Masonic secrets. He goes so overboard with these code writings, which makes this book quite a painful read.

4. He presents his ideas and opinions about Freemasonry as if he has the authority to suggest the way things should be. For example that an Entered Apprentice apron should be pure white, a Fellowcraft apron should be dark blue boardered and a Master's apron should be made with REAL gold thread so that it can be magnetized by the energy in the rituals.

5. He presents his interpretation of symbolism of Freemasonry as fact, never stating that his words are his own opinion. One such example is his insinuation that an apron is worn in Masonic ritual to block energy from reaching the sexual areas of the body, so that Masons don't get aroused during lodge meeting, or to protect them from letting out animalistic desires. In fact, he claims that some can become ill or "freak out" if they don't wear their apron during lodge meetings.

This guy is so far out in left field when it comes to Freemasonry. It's people like him that make non-Masons look at the Craft and think that the Lodge is full of wierdos! There are MANY books with far better lessons. Don't waste your time or money.