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The Masonic Myth: Unlocking the Truth About the Symbols, the Secret Rites, and the History of Freemasonry – Revealing the Mysterious Ancient Society
The Masonic Myth by Jay Kinney is an accessible and fascinating history of the Freemasons that sheds new light on this secret fraternity. A nonfiction look at the mysterious and wrongly maligned ancient society that plays a major role in The Lost Symbol, the new novel by Dan Brown ( The Da Vinci Code ), Kinney’s The Masonic Myth debunks the myths as it reveals the truth about the Freemasons, their history, and their secret symbols and rituals—a truth that is far more fascinating than all the conspiracy theories combined.
263 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 30, 2010
If you're a mason, this is the book to give your friends who ask you what freemasonry is. Well-informed and written with sufficient detachment to inspire confidence, the tone is neither reverential nor apologetic, and makes needed criticism of the institution where it's deserved.
Familiar anti-masonic claims are debunked efficiently, placing their origins in historical context.
Familiar anti-masonic claims are debunked efficiently, placing their origins in historical context.
May 21, 2017
I come from a long line of Masons -- Master Masons, Knights Templar, Scottish Rite and the Shrine -- but never entered the Craft myself. My curiosity about the Masonic Order late in life was prompted by the silly fictions in the novels of Dan Brown and the even sillier fictions in Robert Anton Wilson and Robert Shea's "The Illuminatus! Trilogy" (1975), none of which made sense of what I knew of my father, grandfathers, and Uncles. Jay Kinney's little book did an excellent job of answering my questions without putting firehose down my throat. A Mason himself, he does not fell prey to the temptation to be a cheerleader and flack. The book is nicely balanced between criticism and defense of Masonry. It also contains many references which suggest avenues for further inquiry by those whose curiosity is provoked by some part of this shorter work.
March 3, 2025
A very biased and not at all critical look at Freemasonry by a Freemason. The writer demystifies the biggest aspects of Freemasonry (rituals, symbolism, founding of the USA, connection to the Templars and Illuminati) to show there's nothing suspicious behind what most Masons do together. He does this usually by setting up Strawman Arguments like, "Who's running this organization? Not reptilian aliens. Just a bunch of old men" to shut down thought about the disturbing influence and secrecy his group has.
I believe him that 9% of Freemasons are just regular people but the writer comes off very insincere and even dishonest addressing theories that are logical but he's sworn to not reveal. He relies on a formula of addressing a theory but then giving us a dismissive response before the damning evidence. If he was objective and not hiding anything, he would attack criticisms after explaining them.
I was also bothered at how dismissive and authoritarian the writer was discussing the Freemason groups outside of his own "English" version. Other forms of Freemasonry are treated as invalid or corrupt and their claims on Masonic origins and history are "alternative history", as if the public is just as partial and privy to the schisms within Freemasonry and automatically on his side. One glaring problem in the book is the total ignoring of racism in Freemasonry. At one point, its crucial to the story of the biggest schism in Freemasonry's history and he simply calls it "unimportant right now" so he doesn't have to admit he's on the side of historically racist "mainstream" Freemasonry. The Zionist intentions of Freemasonry are also briefly mentioned and denied but plainly obvious later. He simply feigns ignorance of certain symbolism when he knows it is unpopular and undermines the image he's selling (or was sold himself).
Overall, its a very informative introduction to Freemasonry for those who want to have their minds put at ease but its a very narrow and unreal reflection of a much bigger and controversial history that isn't so easy to defend and admire.
I believe him that 9% of Freemasons are just regular people but the writer comes off very insincere and even dishonest addressing theories that are logical but he's sworn to not reveal. He relies on a formula of addressing a theory but then giving us a dismissive response before the damning evidence. If he was objective and not hiding anything, he would attack criticisms after explaining them.
I was also bothered at how dismissive and authoritarian the writer was discussing the Freemason groups outside of his own "English" version. Other forms of Freemasonry are treated as invalid or corrupt and their claims on Masonic origins and history are "alternative history", as if the public is just as partial and privy to the schisms within Freemasonry and automatically on his side. One glaring problem in the book is the total ignoring of racism in Freemasonry. At one point, its crucial to the story of the biggest schism in Freemasonry's history and he simply calls it "unimportant right now" so he doesn't have to admit he's on the side of historically racist "mainstream" Freemasonry. The Zionist intentions of Freemasonry are also briefly mentioned and denied but plainly obvious later. He simply feigns ignorance of certain symbolism when he knows it is unpopular and undermines the image he's selling (or was sold himself).
Overall, its a very informative introduction to Freemasonry for those who want to have their minds put at ease but its a very narrow and unreal reflection of a much bigger and controversial history that isn't so easy to defend and admire.
July 29, 2018
I had high hopes for this book, and as a woman who participated for many years in one of the Masonic youth groups (Job's Daughters) I had enough familiarity that I was hoping to get into some interesting details.
It was tough to get through some parts that felt long/dragging - too much detail in some areas and not enough in others. Many myths were discussed without adequately disproving them (though I know they are not true). A more interesting and lively narrative could have made this flow much more smoothly!
It was tough to get through some parts that felt long/dragging - too much detail in some areas and not enough in others. Many myths were discussed without adequately disproving them (though I know they are not true). A more interesting and lively narrative could have made this flow much more smoothly!
June 9, 2021
Secrets Unlocked
Jay Kinney lays down the myth and history of the Blue Lodge coupled with the background of Lodges and organizations that have passed on. I believe a person who has a genuine interest in Masonry be he or she a Mason or not can be well served by Brother Kinney’s work. It is clear, concise and informative. It is good work.
Jay Kinney lays down the myth and history of the Blue Lodge coupled with the background of Lodges and organizations that have passed on. I believe a person who has a genuine interest in Masonry be he or she a Mason or not can be well served by Brother Kinney’s work. It is clear, concise and informative. It is good work.
February 28, 2023
1/10
Слабо.
Единственото хубаво в книгата е че тезите и теориите, които авторът се опитва да опровергае, звучат още по-правдоподобно. Иначе се чувствам като герой, защото прочетох 150страници от 250.
Слабо.
Единственото хубаво в книгата е че тезите и теориите, които авторът се опитва да опровергае, звучат още по-правдоподобно. Иначе се чувствам като герой, защото прочетох 150страници от 250.
December 10, 2019
Masons
The book was interesting enough, but it did get a little boring in parts. I was surprised that since the Jobs Daughter's were mentioned, the Order of DeMolay was not.
The book was interesting enough, but it did get a little boring in parts. I was surprised that since the Jobs Daughter's were mentioned, the Order of DeMolay was not.
June 24, 2022
Not my cup of tea
August 11, 2025
Zajímavé čtení o mýtech a především historii zednářů. Vřele doporučuji, chcete-li se dozvědět jistá fakta a případně se stát zednářem, neboť autorem této knihy je zednář.
June 2, 2018
Generally, an interesting history of the Masons and the author's reasoned defense of Masonry is supported evenhandedly in presenting the pros and cons on issues discussed. The reading gets a bit "bogged down" in the descriptions of all the degrees of the Scottish and York Rites and I, uninitiated with the intricacies of Masonry, became confused and overwhelmed. Nevertheless, the historical aspects were enlightening and the conspiracy concerns of anti-Masonites debunked.
July 30, 2011
I think I enjoyed the second two thirds of this book a lot more than the first third. Kinney falls squarely in the "Masonry developed from operative Stonemasons" camp, which I always find frustrating for its facility and lack of considerations. He dismisses Robinson and other "alternative" historians, but doesn't really give ANY basis for that, offers no particular scholarship to underpin his position. He chooses not to underpin the received position with any of the research that has been done, instead merely tossing off his point of view, when in fact the realities behind that position are far more complex and fascinating than the bland dismissal found in most books would allow one to believe.
But that said, the rest of the book is well written and interesting. Nothing terribly shattering for a fellow Brother to read, but it would be a reasonable title to suggest to someone interested in the fundamentals of the Craft. I did largely skip the chapter on appendant body degrees, as I've not joined either Rite yet and I don't care for spoilers! That said, his very basic discussion of the 3 Blue Lodge degrees was general enough that a man could read them and not have his own potential future degrees spoiled.
Kinney's chapter of the Illuminati was also amusing and worthwhile.
This book, it seems, has essentially been written before: for instance Complete Idiot's Guide; FM for Dummies, etc. And again, it doesn't offer too much in the way of additional material for the casual reader—though some of the information about the Rites was strong and well written. A worthwhile read, less glib and postmodern than the two mentioned just above. It also includes an annotated bibliography Acceptably recommended.
But that said, the rest of the book is well written and interesting. Nothing terribly shattering for a fellow Brother to read, but it would be a reasonable title to suggest to someone interested in the fundamentals of the Craft. I did largely skip the chapter on appendant body degrees, as I've not joined either Rite yet and I don't care for spoilers! That said, his very basic discussion of the 3 Blue Lodge degrees was general enough that a man could read them and not have his own potential future degrees spoiled.
Kinney's chapter of the Illuminati was also amusing and worthwhile.
This book, it seems, has essentially been written before: for instance Complete Idiot's Guide; FM for Dummies, etc. And again, it doesn't offer too much in the way of additional material for the casual reader—though some of the information about the Rites was strong and well written. A worthwhile read, less glib and postmodern than the two mentioned just above. It also includes an annotated bibliography Acceptably recommended.
January 2, 2010
Since the founding of the premier grand lodge in 1717 London, books, pamphlets, exposures, and articles have been written about the Freemasons. They have been vilified and praised, and wherever a conspiracy theory is born, there's a Freemason in it somewhere. A whole cottage industry of alternate history began with the publication ofHOLY BLOOD, HOLY GRAIL in the 1980s, and continues today with Dan Brown's popular novels breaking records. many accounts, much confusion.
Jay Kinney's book, THE MASONIC MYTH, will help cut through the hype. He writes cogently, calmly, and examines the existing evidence to discuss such questions as the origins, rituals, and purposes of Freemasonry, carefully examining the facts and drawing reasonable conclusions. The book may not satisfy a taste for discovering hidden puppet-masters, but will give a well-thought-out and balanced view of just what Freemasonry is in the modern world. I highly recommend this book.
Jay Kinney's book, THE MASONIC MYTH, will help cut through the hype. He writes cogently, calmly, and examines the existing evidence to discuss such questions as the origins, rituals, and purposes of Freemasonry, carefully examining the facts and drawing reasonable conclusions. The book may not satisfy a taste for discovering hidden puppet-masters, but will give a well-thought-out and balanced view of just what Freemasonry is in the modern world. I highly recommend this book.
October 11, 2009
Written by an expert in essotoric religions, this book basicaly says that the Masonic Myth is that there are secrets. When they are no real secrets and no conspiracies. But then the author is a Mason, so maybe that's what the Masons want you to think!
slightly more serious: this is probably one of the best and easiest to read books on Masonic history and traditions. Just don't expect to learn all the mysteries of the world.
slightly more serious: this is probably one of the best and easiest to read books on Masonic history and traditions. Just don't expect to learn all the mysteries of the world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2009
We've all heard about secret societies and their rituals. THE MASONIC MYTH takes you on a journey that allows you to understand the Freemasons. Find out the reasons behind certain symbols and rituals that have been concealed for hundreds of years.
I'm always up for a good conspiracy theory or secret society book, so when I was given the option to review this book, I just had to get my hands on it. I was not disappointed! This book opened my eyes wider than I thought possible.
February 27, 2013
Had some good ideas about the psychology and importance of rites of passage and initiations and how Freemasonry is one of the only groups that still does them. He also believes the future of freemasonry might be smaller and more concentrated groups of masons that care about the philosophical and esoterical side of masonry. He does touch on the history of masonry but nothing I haven't heard or read before.
August 9, 2012
An overview of the history and symbolism of Freemasonry. Kinney favors the historical-critical view of the origins of Freemasonry, while still recognizing the relationship of the Craft to earlier societies. Kinney’s greatest contribution in this book is the last chapter discussion on the future of Freemasonry and the emphasis on the formal and spiritual nature of the Craft, rather than the social or philanthropic aspects to which Masonry is now turning.
December 16, 2016
An interesting history and overview of a "secret society" that has always intrigued me. I don't think any secrets were unlocked. But the author is a Mason, so he can't unveil them, right? The author continued to state that there is basically nothing exciting or controversial about the secrets. Is that the truth, or is he just saying that? I guess I'll have to join and find out! So mote it be.
October 2, 2009
Enjoyable non-fiction. Covers various and sundry myths related to the origins, history and power of Masons but also what is real. Has descriptions of levels, various side Masonic groups and much more.
December 4, 2009
Fantastic book. Written for the Mason (or someone who is very interested in the subject).
September 12, 2010
I enjoyed reading about the Masons. I've always been curious about them, and this book seemed like a very fair portrayal.
July 24, 2013
A superb history that dispels a lot of myths. Recommended to anyone with an interest in the Craft and especially to those contemplated joining.
December 6, 2012
not much answers alot of fluff
September 22, 2015
Maybe I wasn't as interested in Masonic myths as I thought. There were some interesting tidbits but mostly it was very dry.
December 25, 2012
Summary: masonry is like boy scouts for grown ups.
August 30, 2016
I thought that the author did a good job of laying out Freemasonry, pluses and minuses.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews