Customer Reviews

Unholy Worship? The Myth of the Baphomet, Templar, Freemason connection

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(4)

 

 

A skinny little book that is really only a collection of facts found in much better books. The author attempts to use a Von Daniken style in posing questions to the reader then darting off in a certain direction as though it were true. This book reminded me of the study notes I used to make at school - it appeared to be a collation of 'facts' that the 'author' culled out of other books and simply tabulated and collated. I beleive the term is 'research by exegesis'. As we say in Australia 'A pretty ordinary effort'.

As his second book on Templar issues, Dafoe does a commendable job 'debunking' the foolishness of the Baphomet myth. He explores in detail the trials of the Knights Templar and the charges which arose from their suppression. He then goes on to describe theories surrounding the 'head' they were supposed to worship and interweaves them with the theories and descriptions of the devil of Christianity. Finally, he ties it all together with an excellent presentation of the Taxil hoax, showing the ludicrousness of the charges made today by certain religious intolerants. Regretfully, one piece of reference material used by Dafoe (a quote from Nesta Webster) makes assumptions without proof (and the reference itself is hardly definitive). This notwithstanding, this small (75 page) book is one you will refer to again and again when you read yet another of the strange and contemptuous charges leveled against Freemasonry.

Ed King- Anti-Masonry: Points of View http://www.masonicinfo.com

This book points out and illustrates so many pivital moments in history. For a simple quirk of fate, so many of the basic tenets and icons of belief and worship in modern times could have been drastically different. Unholy Worship is a very provocative book ,that read with an open mind, will leave many people leaning back and saying " Holy #*@!$ - this is amazing stuff!" On several occassions I found myself saying just that. Great book. Great research. Great topic. Great author. Great read. One star for each.

The book is only 76 pages including the index. I should of researched this book more thoroughly before spending the money. It is a good reference "pamphlet" on the Templars, but most if not all of the information in the book I had read elsewhere. Mr. Dafoe is a dedicated researcher on the Templars as I've seen him speak on A&E, but the book is lacking. I expected much more for spending $13.25 on the book. He has a good website with good Templar info!

Not for a long time have a picked up a non fiction book that has so captivated my interests that I couldn't put it down until I was finished. This book opens up new and compelling fields of study in the history of the much maligned and often misunderstood Fraternity- Freemasonry and The Knights Templar. This book is not just for men who have chosen to enter this Fraternity, but provides Masons and non-Masons alike a fresh and compelling, imfortive view of it's history, rituals, and reasons for the general undeserved mistrust. The author (Stephen Dafoe) offers the reader a book that is well researched, beautifully illustrated, and an easy read.This is a truly a book that will appeal to all people who have in interest in history, mythology, and a want for a clear view of what Masonry really stands for- The love of God, the tolerance of all religions and peoples, and a desire to make good men better men.This is one book I will re-read just for the sheer joy of it.

This book will send Anti-Masons and Evangelists scurrying through dusty book piles, looking for more irrelevant material to feed the frenzy of fanaticism! The Taxil hoax, which seems to be one of the most-quoted anti-masonic pieces of "literature" is explained. Many other aspects of criticism against the fraternity are also explained. The authors do a terrific job of debunking (easily) the myth of Templar/Freemason "Unholy Worship." This is a great book for Freemasons to have, if they are confronted with confused views (or Sincere Concern, from church members) or would just like a quick synopsis of the general attitudes about their fraternity to have on-hand. This book will enlighten Non-Masons and Anti-Masons and dispell some of the Myths. This is a thin book, with references to other sources of information, therefor it is a quick read--yet, you will refer to if often. Many Masons do not believe in answering accusations against their Honorable order...they do not need to. They simply need this book--it will do the job for them. Also, this book should be followed by "A Pilgrim's Path," by John J. Robinson, who explains--thoroughly and more in-depth--the views for and against Freemasonry. I am truly happy that Dafoe has put-together such a wonderful, informative book. Buy one for your church, so the congregation will rest at-ease knowing their Masonic Brethren are not doing anything negative. (The cover on my copy--recent purchase from Amazon.com--only has pics of Albert Pike and Leo Taxil, which would not look inappropriate carrying into church, to hand to the Minister/Preacher/Priest/Rabbi, etc.)

UPDATED JUNE 20, 2006 -- I originally reviewed this book several years ago; I recently attempted to update that review and it mysteriously disappeared. Regardless, I want to save you, dear reader, from making the same mistake I made. So I'll try to repeat what I originally said, which still holds true today: don't waste the time or money on this book.

"Unholy Worship?" presents various theories about the Knights Templar, perhaps the most exciting group of warriors and businessmen that the western world has ever known, at least for a (relatively) short period of time. Unfortunately, Dafoe is neither a gifted scholar nor even a passable author, and those two facts leap out at the reader after the first few pages. Mercifully, this book is very short so those of you who do buy it won't have to suffer long.

Let me start with the techical aspects. There are numerous typographical errors in this book, some of which are so bizarre that you start to wonder if you just don't understand English anymore. Even more annoying is the use of the "question and answer" format of the book. That is to say, Dafoe will posit a question and then answer it in the following text. In simplifed example: "Why were the Templars accused of being Muslim? Some people said the Templars worshipped a skull called 'Baphomet'. 'Baphomet' rhymes with 'Muhammed'; therefore, some Templars were Muslim." (There, now you know the secret of the book!)

With regard to the scholarly aspect, the theories presented in "Unholy Worship?" are nothing new; they are, instead, a loosely threaded regurgitation of theories previously presented in any number of other sources. I present the above Baphomet/Muhammed theory as Exhibit A, which has been widely discussed in almost every other book I have read about the Templars.

This is not surprising since Dafoe is clearly a Templar enthusiast (and a Mason). Indeed, he is the Editor of "Templar History Magazine", a quarterly magazine "of all things Templar." Interestingly, the publisher of "Templar History Magazine" is Templar Books. The publisher of "Unholy Worship?" is also Templar Books. Indeed, the publisher of every book on Amazon either authored or co-authored by Dafoe (he has written several about the Templars and the Masons) is Templar Books. To use Dafoe's modus operandi, why is this information about publishers important? Because Dafoe owns Templar Books. Thus, there is hardly an "arm's length" transaction going on here, and little impetus to put forth a quality product. It should also be noted that three of the favorable reviews presented here apparently come from Dafoe himself (two are purportedly anonymous), although they are written as if it is a third-party doing the review.

Equally disturbing are the sources of the "Editorial Reviews" posted by Amazon. "Ariadne's Web" is described as "an eclectic international magazine 'where the threads of science, tradition, and spirituality converge in total health and wellbeing.'" The only Tony Filippi from Toronto on whom I could find information is some guy who collects tolls for the Toronto Transit Commission. With regard to Mr. Byrne, I have not read his work, so I can't really comment on it other than to note that he is also a Mason and he is in dispute with the publisher of his book, Blue Dolphin Publishing/Symposium, over payments allegedly due and owing.

The bottom line is that this book does nothing to move the body of Templar thought forward, as Dafoe mistakes the possession of information for having actual knowledge or insight. There are any number of websites, including Dafoe's, that will give you the exact same information contained in this book, free of charge. I highly recommend you use them.

I waited until I found a fairly cheap copy of "Unholy Worship?", which I just bought from Amazon. I read this book a long time ago, and can highly recommend it to you. Even if short, it is clear, concise and to the point, besides having a good bibliography. DaFoe's other books are great too, and you should try getting them too, and they aren't hard to find now, since two just recently were reprinted. These are the kinds of books that feel just right to curl up with on either a short flight, or on the beach at Cape Cod during the summer. Or on one of those cold winter nights, when you're looking for something to read in front of the fireplace.

I can't believe how poorly this book was researched and referenced. So bad, in fact, that Mr. Dafoe uses "Genesis: The Bible" as a detailed reference along with irrevelant quotes by Groucho Marks. Groucho Marks? This book perpetuates the incorrect view that the Masons are some how deeply connected to anything more than a farce.

If you want to read about the Templars, try "Dungeon, Fire and Sword" by John Robinson, or "The Trail of the Templars" by Malcolm Barber.

Don't waste your time trying to learn history through a packet of lies.

As a newly initiated Freemason, I found Stephen Defoe's book, "Unholy Worship" to be an excellent source of information on the early history of this great fraternity. Before joining the fraternity I was aware of the accusations against Masonry. Stephens book filled in the why and how these myths of "Unholy Worship" came to be dating back to the Knights Templar and the anti-masonic sentiments of the 1800's. I found the book to be not only well laid out and easy to follow, but also an entertaining and enjoyable read.