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36 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Last a Sensible Challenge to a Culture of Mindless Secrecy, April 22, 2005
This review is from: Turning the Hiram Key: Rituals of Freemasonry Revealed (Hardcover)
Freemasonry is a personal thing, and Brother Lomas's personal testament is well worth reading as it deals with the emotional impact of being made a Mason and the value of that experience.
The United Grand Lodge of England, where Dr Lomas swore his obligation, defines the 'secrets' as the passwords and grips of the various degrees and Lomas does not reveal those. The UGLE rules say that all the myths, rituals and symbols can be discussed, and Lomas does this in a thoughtful and sensitive manner. Not since W. L. Wilmshurst's books and lodge papers of the 1920s and 30s has there been such a positive and serious study of Freemasonry as a system of spiritual philosophy. Lomas is not only a follower of the teaching of W.L Wilmshurst, he also belongs to the Lodge which Wilmshurst founded and it shows in his careful explanation of Wilmshurst's teachings.
The response of the previous reviewer does make me wonder what 'secret's' he thinks he is trying to hide or protect, by falsely accusing a Brother Mason of breaking his obligation? If that is how he practises the Freemasonry he claims to be part of then, small wonder he wants to keep it a secret. Is he ashamed of the Masonic rituals?
Brother Lomas is obviously proud of them, and true Masons are proud of his attempt to understand, teach and explain them. Read and judge for yourself. He will inspire you, just as he has inspired me. And what better recommended could you have than the fact 99.9% of the 'it's a secret' fanatics, don't want you to read it. Don't be put off.
This work extends well beyond the narrow confines of Masonic ceremony covering a wide-ranging, and timely, scientific account of what is known about the effects of spirituality and sexual arousal on the mind and body. In spite of the breadth of topic the subject matter is concise, surprisingly deep, and able to hold the interest of the non-scientist reader. It gives an extensive list of learned references for those wishing to pursue matters further. This book meets a great need to explain modern brain research and its implications for spirituality. Lomas is a scientist with the skill to communicate with the general public, rather than just with fellow scientists.
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35 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply the Best Masonic Book in Print, April 15, 2005
This review is from: Turning the Hiram Key: Rituals of Freemasonry Revealed (Hardcover)
I thought I understood Freemasonry. For me this book was a breath of fresh air. Suddenly everything clicked into place. It was so clear. I have learned much from this title. It is a must for any one interested in freemasonry. It is the first time I have ever read a convinced Mason explaining why he enjoys his Masonry and then explaining why Masonic ritual can make this happen
If you liked the Hiram Key you really have to buy this book. It is so much better and more personal
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31 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stepping out from the shadows, April 22, 2005
This review is from: Turning the Hiram Key: Rituals of Freemasonry Revealed (Hardcover)
"Turning the Hiram Key" is yet another fine offering from Dr Robert Lomas continuing his quest to uncover the reasons behind the rituals employed in Freemasonry and to seek a deeper understanding of what the Brethren are or were supposed to be about. In this tome, the first of his works published by Lewis Masonic, he considers the purpose and practice of the ritual from practical, scientific and then spiritual angles giving the reader an insight into what it actualy feels like to be a Freemason.
The publication itself is presented in such a way as to be easy on the eye, and lends a flow in print to the thoroughly well crafted narrative. From a historic and Scientific viewpoint, Dr Lomas backs supposition and theory with hard evidence, and avoids the classic text book drone by relating to events and experiences of his own.
Personally, I was surprised to be able to learn so much from this work regarding Freemasonry and as a non-Mason with a view coloured perhaps by the typical prejudicial reportage that is normally associated with the secrecy and practice of Freemasonry, I find myself intrigued and wanting to learn more. Dr Lomas' book has opened my eyes to the other side of the argument and made Freemasonry far more accessible to the 'average joe'.
I await Robert Lomas' next book with the anticipation of surprise, wonder and fascination.
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