Customer Reviews

The Meaning of Masonry

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Originally published nearly a hundred years ago, Wilmhurst's "The Meaning of Masonry" is a collection of essays intended to shed light on a subject often misunderstood -- or altogether unrecognized -- even by Freemasons. As the sharp polarization in Customer Reviews attests, you will either love or hate this slender volume. Where you fall on this spectrum will very much depend on your own preconceived notions regarding the natures of God and Man, and the relationship between the two. The religiously orthodox - of whatever persuasion - will have a tough, tough time with this book. Wilmhurst himself makes it abundantly clear that his target audience is probably quite small and makes no attempt to persuade the incredulous.

The main thrust of Wilmhurst's argument is that Freemasonry is, if not a direct linear descendant, at least a modern (i.e., post 16th century) revival of the ancient Orders of Initiation, also known as the Mystery Schools. Interpreted in this light, the Craft is neither a social club nor a philanthropic organization but, rather, a path to personal spiritual enlightenment. Though he doesn't specifically draw the parallel, Wilmhurst's understanding of Masonry is, in many respects, reminiscent of the ancient Chinese concept of Tao (the Way).

In Wilmhurst's view, the modern Masonic rituals that new members are routinely ushered through in the course of a few months (or, worse still, during the infamous "One Day Class") are but a dim recollection of the arduous, but necessary, trials undertaken by those determined to achieve a richer, fuller understanding of life, the universe, and everything. Think "Mysteries-Lite".

However, many in 20th (and now, 21st) century Europe and America are openly embarrassed by people and institutions that speak of the Infinite, the Eternal or the True (except in the most banal or hypothetical terms), and, for these folks, even the faint echoes of awe that remain in Masonic ritual are too much. Hence, the Craft's current inordinate emphasis upon philanthropy and good fellowship at the expense of spirituality. In nearly all jurisdictions, Mystic principles and practices are simply glossed over, if addressed at all.

Today, many Masons advance through the three degrees in utter ignorance of the rituals' true significance as a transformative experience. As a consequence, many are admitted to the fraternity who are spiritually unprepared and those who are prepared are, more often than not, shortchanged. Wilmhurst's book is a call for Masons to reclaim their Mystic heritage.

To those who have made the Royal Art their life's work, Wilmhurst's arguments are self-evident, and become all the more so with each reading. Although it is a short work (only 224 pages) it will provide you with enough material to contemplate for many years to come.

The book is, however, not without its shortcomings.

First, Wilmhurst is most definitely a man of his Time and Place. It is imperative to keep in mind that this book was first published in 1922 and that most of the material was penned well before that. Wilmhurst's text is written in the upper class dialect of "British" English spoken in the Edwardian Era. Modern American readers will find themselves frequently reaching for the dictionary to decipher unfamiliar spellings and arcane usages.

Second, Wilmhurst assumes that the reader has more than a passing familiarity with the ancient Mystery Schools of both the Eastern and Western traditions. It is not necessary that you become an expert in these subjects, but a working knowledge of the major schools and players will aid you tremendously in understanding where Wilmhurst is coming from and what he is proposing.

Third, there is little here for the non-Mason. With the few exceptional passages in which he discusses those bits of ritual work peculiar to "British" Masonry, any Mason who has paid even minimal attention during the degree rituals will instantly recognize what Wilmhurst alludes to. However, the non-Mason is largely out of luck. On the upside, if there is little in this book for the non-Mason, there is still less for the New World Order/Illuminati/Bilderbergers/Council on Foreign Relations/Anti-Christ/UFOs/Black Helicopters conspiracy theorist.

Dogmatic Christians may be put off by Wilmhurst's interpretation of Christianity-as-Mystery-School. Non-Christians won't care much for his unquestioned acceptance of Christ as the Word Incarnate.

This book is not an easy read and it is definitely not for everyone. But, for the Freemason of a questioning nature, "The Meaning of Masonry" is the Mother Lode - perhaps the most lucid exposition on the subject in print today.

People are always saying that masons don't believe in God & Christ ... that it is a Pagan Group. This Book shows & tells how the masonic order & Christianty feed off each other. The search for "light" in masonry is nothing but the search for light in Christianty. He shows how the two are simular as in when Hiram Abiff died between two thieves as they beat him and afterwards the Temple he started was finished ... Christ died between two thieves & afterwards his Temple (or church) was finished. Also that the ritual of the 3rd degree is a reference to death & rebirth, just as christ died & was reborn. He makes many references like this. I always knew there had to be more to masonry than just a few stories/parables ... Mr. Wilmshurst being worried of what Masonry was turning into ( a social club), wrote this book for those of us who want to know the truth & not just to read another flashy opinion/interpation someone has. Most Masons can't tell you what Masonry really is! This is a book you will keep & read over and over and over. Did you know that the apron of an EA with it's 5 points represents the 5 wounds of Christ & the 5 points of fellowship? ... PLUS some other really interesting stuff. Again, best book I have read in years.

No more veiled allusions to a Deeper Meaning of Masonry. No more Hints and Insinuations. No more references to obscure books, that can only be found through unfamiliar publishers. No more "I know more than you, but I cannot tell you about it." No more pre-1717 cover-up. Here it is: everything you ever wanted to know about Masonry, but were afraid to ask.... Or, wanted to ask--but, couldn't get anyone to talk about it. This is the book you have been Searching for & the book that will revitalize The Craft. Wilmshurst tells it like it is, after giving many Lectures amongst Masons of the world. He offers us some Gold, instead-of a Treasure Map. If all the other Masonic books left you feeling unsatiated and thirsty for more Knowledge, this book will quench your thirst and provide ample revitalization in the future. Wilmshurst believes a man should enter The Craft with no blinders or misgivings about his Work. He believes in offering the Truths he has discovered to all those seeking The Light. Anyone contemplating the idea of petitioning The Lodge should read this book...and, everyone within The Lodge should give Wilmshurst's message a respectful perusal during a quiet afternoon.

Wilmshurst writes far more than a thought provoking book on the subject of Masonry. This is a road map for our, the Masons, journey home. This book however, is not for the average Mason and it is not for the non-Mason at all. (The non-Mason would find it incomprehensible.) But, for any Mason who experiences that inner call, this book will provide welcome insight, and will let you know that you're on the right path. Read it, read it again, read it again, read it again; until it is written in your heart......

This book is a superb Christian theology of Freemasonry for Master Masons. The title can easily be misinterpreted by some to be a "tell-all" on the Masonic craft for anyone who reads its pages. If you're not a Master Mason, don't bother reading this volume -- it will make no sense. I read it before I became a Master Mason and just didn't "get it." Now I understand what Wilmshurst is saying, and am deeply moved by it.

If you are a Christian, a Master Mason, and have any theological background whatsoever, this title is a must-read. Any notion that Freemasonry is competitive with or contradictory to Christianity will be quickly put to rest.

Written in the 1920's, the writer interprets Masonic ritual and mythology in a deeply mystical light, positing the Craft as a spiritual system. Its style can appear dated and overly tinged with the theosophical influences of its era, but it rewards in the end. For those masons who prefer not to see the Craft in such a way, this book can be startling, but for those who are truly "speculative" it provides a sane and informed perspective. If you view Masonry simply as an ethical dining club, this is not for you! Otherwise, an important classic of its type.

One of the most coherent, spiritual discourses of Freemasonry available to the modern reader. This text is the emotional compliment to W. K. MacNulty's intellectual text "Freemasonry A Journey...".

This is a timeless text for Freemasons and non-Masons alike. It is the most influential book on my shelf, no trivial statement given that I am a long-time collector and dealer in antiquarian texts.

Too many Masons, and non-Masons for that matter, step through the rituals of their life and accept the symbols of their world without consciously reflecting on their purpose. This is not wrong by itself - the intent of Freemasonry is self-discovery by fraternity with other motivated good men.

But Wilmshurst reminds us that conscious reflection means we discover and improve our physical selves faster. When we learn from mistakes, we avoid making them again. When we learn to pace ourselves, we make the world better for those around us. As men what we most owe to our families is a better man. In short God has charged us to rise to Him and Freemasonry can help us serve Him. If we choose to see.

I recommend taking this book down at least once a month to read a random chapter. Remember our charge: learn to subdue our passions, learn to be better men.

Despite the drab editorial review, Wilmshurst's book is an excellent interpretation of Freemasonic philosophy. Unfortunately, it will have little to offer for those who are not Freemasons. Perhaps, sadly, it will also have little to offer to those who ARE Freemasons. With the rise of the so-called "Realistic" school of Freemasonry, the spiritual heritage and import of the Craft has been dilluted and, in some cases, despised. I have written in the past that Freemasonry exists and has exited for one reason, i.e., to provide the phenomenological proof of a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul. The "Realistic" school would have us believe that Freemasonry is no more than an agrandized Optomists Club. Wilmshurst provides a clear insight into WHY the Craft has endured and why many thoughtful men have been drawn to its door.

This book contains a deeper view of masonry than what we are given in lodge. Wilmshurst takes into his own hands, expanding the bare bones of lecture and lets it 'flower' in our conciousness. This is not the best book written, he is sometimes dry, BUT it is very informative and offers new ideas. Not only are the contents rich at times, but his delivery is very rich at times. His writing style is unique, and makes me feel like he is holding in front of me a grand but disguised treasure.... (one of those 'hmmm, hmm, AH-HA!' books)

This is a classic book on mystical Freemasonry. Wilmshurst's writing was good in his day but is a hard read nowadays, be nests his clauses ten deep at times. Nevertheless it is well worth studying. It explains how Freemasonry is more than a dinning club and charitable organisation, this shows how it is a spiritual pathway to self improvment.
If you are a Mason it is worth reading to understand the deeper secrets of the Craft. If you are a non-Mason and just iunterested this will explain what attracts so many people to Freemasonry
The only drawback is the old fashioned writing style. Perhaps one day a modern Masonic writer will translate it into modern language and make its ideas more accessable.