The Masonic Myth

This book would be a great addition to the library of a Mason, whether Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, Master Mason or even Past Master, you will find this book an enjoyable read and will put it down having learned something new.

It would also be a great gift idea to a new brother who is entering The Craft, whether it be a relative, friend or colleague. I put it on a list of top 5 Masonic Books that I would give to a candidate whose petition I was sponsoring.

It is also a fun book for any student of history, esoterica or mysticism.

In this chapter Kinney deals with common Rumors, Accusations, and Hoaxes referring to Masonry.
He writes:
"When most people think of Freemasonry -- if they think of it at all -- one or more contradictory images likely spring to mind. Freemasonry is (take your pick)

A harmless bunch of aging men enacting strange rituals in odd costumes
A secretive cabal of elite power brokers at the highest levels of society
A group of conservative, patriotic, pious businessmen and civic do-gooders
A covert network of occultists, pagans, and New Agers intent on creating a "New World Order"
A centuries old tradition perpetuating ancient wisdom and esoteric teachings."

Kinney goes on to deal with these general perceptions, as well as more insidious rumors that have haunted Masonry. This chapter is a fitting place for Kinney to begin. Only by dealing with the fears and misconceptions of those who are suspicious of the Fraternity can he truly expect his readers to get the most out of the following chapters.

In this second chapter, Kinney gives a brief history of Freemasonry, including both the historically verifiable facts about the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717. He then goes on to detail the precursors of Speculative Freemasonry as we know it today, including its origins in actual Operative stonemasons guilds in Scotland in the 16th century.

He then goes on to discuss common origin myths that have little basis in fact, if not an enthusiastic following in the "wishful thinking" of Masons and conspiracy theorists alike. This includes possible links to the Knights Templar, Rosslyn Chapel (familiar to anyone who has read The Da Vinci Code or seen the film), ancient esoteric groups predating modern history, and other common origin myths. For those who don't want to get involved with more scholarly histories of Freemasonry, this chapter is a great primer in Masonic history. For those who do, I would recommend David Stevenson's excellent study "The Origins of Freemasonry: Scotland's Century."

In this chapter, Kinney relates how Masonry spread from Scotland and England to France and the rest of the European continent. Some popular myths he addresses along the way:
That the Freemasons were the instigators of the French Revolution
That the Jacobite movement and Bonnie Prince Charlie were Masonically inclined
More rumors of a Masonic descent from the Knights Templar
Myths about how most famous thinkers were Freemasons (including Sir Francis Bacon and Isaac Newton)

He also addresses some of the differences in history, ritual and policy that separate Continental Masonry from British/American Masonry.

Kinney next addresses the rise of Freemasonry in America. This is both a fascinating look at actual history, as well as an opportunity to debunk both fond anecdotes many Masons believe about The Craft, as well as more nefarious conspiracy theories about the rise of America and Masonry's role in that rise.

He details the early history of the earliest lodges, and how they grew, spreading Masonry throughout the colonies that were to become the United States. Kinney addresses myths that
"most of the Founding Fathers were Masons,"
That the American Revolution was fomented by Masons
That all Masons supported independence from Great Britain.

He then goes on to discuss the Anti-Masonic party and the backlash against Masonry in the young America.
This chapter includes Masonry in the Civil War, the history and development of the Prince Hall lodges and ensuing racial divisions in the Craft, The Eastern Star appendant body, The Shriners, and the historical booms and lulls in Masonic membership.

In this chapter Kinney details the structure by which Masonry is governed.

He explodes the common myth that a 32nd degree Mason (Scottish Rite), or A Knight Templar (York Rite) is somehow higher than a normal Master Mason.
Kinney then explains the often confusing proliferation of appendant Masonic bodies.
Masons love degrees, titles, badges and other things to do. Kinney explains the differences, and how no one group or person speaks for Masonry Worldwide, or even for the entire United States.

In this chapter, Kinney explains what is secret in Freemasonry (without revealing too much) and what is not. He corrects the misconception that a Mason can't talk about what they do in lodge. He explains some common Masonic symbols, and the general process of a candidate petitioning a lodge and being admitted as a Mason. Kinney does an excellent job of explaining what he can without violating his obligation as a Master Mason, and without retreating to the cop-out that "You have to join to find out" the answer to even the simplest questions.

Remember when Kinney discussed the higher degrees and their relation to normal "Blue" Lodge or Craft Masonry? In this chapter he expounds on that, discussing the York and Scottish rites in greater detail.

He also deals with a very persistent Masonic myth, revolving around Albert Pike and his "Morals and Dogma."

Masonry is fraught with symbolism, in fact one common description of The Craft is "a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated through symbols." In this chapter Kinney describes common Masonic symbols including:

The Working Tools
The Plumb, Square and Level
The Blazing Star
The "G"
The 47th Problem of Euclid
and many more.

He also explains some of the relevance of these symbols to Masonic allegory and morality.

The Illuminati and Freemasonry are synonymous in many people's minds.
In this chapter, Kinney explores that Myth and lays it to rest.
He explores the real historical fact of the Illuminati, a short lived organization which was around for about 8 years before fading into obscurity in the face of a government ban.
While this chapter will probably not reassure many tin-foil-hat wearing conspiracy theorists, it does a great job of explaining the true history without the hysteria, for people who are willing to learn.

Here Kinney explores the origin of the term occult, as meaning hidden or concealed. He then goes on to deal with many common esoteric myths about what ancient spiritual teachings purportedly pervade Masonry. Some include:

Hermeticism
Rosicrucianism
Alchemy
Kabbala
Masonic Occultists and Faux-Masonic orders

Kinney discusses the future of Masonry, and whether it has any relevance for the 21st century. He concludes:
"The ideals of human brotherhood and of dealing "squarely" with everyone "on the level" may seem quaint in an era in which hardball tactics, cutthroat competition, and unfettered greed have been enthroned as the norm. But until the final door has been slammed shut on the last remaining Masonic temple, we can derive some satisfaction from knowing that a few decent men are still trying to swim against the tide."