Secret Societies in one form or another have existed throughout the history of human culture. But what is their appeal? What is it that makes so-called respectable people indulge in peculiar ceremonies, dressed in fanciful costumes uttering blood-curdling oaths of loyalty with the threat of death hanging over them should they reveal the inner workings of the cult? Nick Harding describes some of the best known organisations along with their least known counterparts. He highlights the similarities that these cults have and the basic human psychology upon which they operate.
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3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Superficial Treatment,
By X-Wonderbug "x-wonderbug" (NE Illinois) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Secret Societies (Hardcover)
Mr. Harding is a British, rather than an American author, and thus has a British, rather than an American perspective. He lists 39 secret societies, but lists only 27 references, and omits many important ones.I can't say this is a very important book on the subject. His treatment of the current day secret organizations is simplistic and superficial, as tho his primary research source was the encyclopedia. More importantly, his descriptions seem to gloss over some very important questions that many American authors raise as of vital concern, such as, why are they secret? Why is their membership secret? What to they do in secrecy? Since secrecy is so important, why do they hide their activities? The obvious conclusion, that secret societies must have something to hide, is avoided. The Freemasons threaten death and dismemberment to those who reveal its secrets. What is so important that such a threat is made? Higher level freemasons also take an oath to help other Freemasons out of tight spots over any other consideration, including, it is asserted,lying under oath. Mr. Harding's conclusions are also superficial and simplistic. and dismiss the deep concerns that many have over the subject of secret societies and evil conspiracies, as simple paranoia. But it's hard to say what his real theme is, as his comments go in many different directions, and are ambivalent at best. One could get the impression that he is an agent of one or more secret organizations, putting a good face on them. Perhaps he hasn't really thought out what he wants to say. I am giving this book a rating of "3" rather than "2" as one or two of his observations do have some merit. However, I would borrow this book rather than buy it. In Christian circles, we are taught that one of Satan's primary goals is to convice humankind that he doesn't exist. Satan's primary goal is to offend God by corrupting humankind and leading them away from God. The secret, unaccountable activities of secret societies seem to be an excellent way to do this by promoting a secret political, religious, social, or economic agenda. Undoubtedly, many secular humanists will be "offended" by this. All I have to say is, "tough, wake up."
2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
The Dummies Guide To Secret Societies,
By
This review is from: Secret Societies (Hardcover)
Most authors wait until the end of their book to reveal their conclusion. Nick Harding does it in his introduction. Which is why I wish I had read the introduction, before wasting my money on Mr. Harding's book.In the intro we are basically told that even though these groups are secret societies, they don't have any secrets and they're not harmful to society. I guess Mr. Harding asked them if they had secrets and they said 'no', and that was good enough for him. It is obvious that this book was a quick compilation of basic information put together to make a quick buck (er, pound). Put the words 'secret societies' into any internet search engine and any one site will give you more exhaustive information than this book does. I feel like a sucker for buying this without looking past the cover! Nick, if ever we meet, I'm going to demand my 8 bucks back!!! Nick Harding reveals another secret society that obviously scares him, because he can't stop bashing them throughout the book. He calls them 'Christians' and tells you about their 'Christian Fundamentalist Agenda'. You see the Christians make up all these evil lies about the poor Secret Societies and give them a bad rap. I suggest you avoid wasting your time and money with this book and head straight over to the mack daddy of information on secret societies infowars . com...where you will find more information than you can handle! I'm giving the book 1 star for the cool cover!
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