A Pilgrim's Path: Freemasonry and the Religious Right

After becoming a member, I had a friend question me about being a Mason and he gave me all sorts of Anti-Masonic information. I read through it all and decided to do some research myself. I found even more Anti-Masonic information but little Pro-Masonic information, outside of the Lodge that is. I talked with some other brothers in my Lodge and one of them lent me this book to read and it refuted all of the Anti-Masonic information that I was given. I have since then recommended this book to that friend and to everybody else that has asked me questions about the fraternity. My wife has read it and now has a much better understanding about why I'm a member and better allows her to answer questions when people ask her about me being a Mason and how she feels about it. I highly reccomend this book to everybody interested in becoming a member, every existing member, any family member of a Mason, or anybody who's just curious about who we are and what we do. It's a long journey, but it's well worth the trip!

I have over the years read several books on Freemasonry. There are other works which are much longer and go into much more detail but page for page this is probably one of the best books ever written about or for Masons. Furthermore it would be a perfect read for any man about to join the Brotherhood, and his family, especially his wife, should read it as soon as he is finished. John Robinson writes in a style that not only can be understood by someone who has never been exposed to Masonry but it also holds the total interest of someone who has not only been a Mason for years but who grew up going to Lodge functions.Robinson spends the first section of the book taking on the Pat Robertson's and other Anti-Masons of the world. He has without a doubt spent a lot of time making a study of Anti-Masonic writings for he is able to take their arguments one at a time and expose the deception and outright lies they make a living on. For example, Pat Robertson, James Holly and others like them take a document credited to Albert Pike which makes it look like Pike if not all Masons do indeed worship Lucifer. This document was in fact written by a man named Leo Taxil who would later freely admit he made the whole thing up and that Pike had nothing to do with it. Taxil in fact took great delight in telling people how he had pulled the wool over their eyes and had made a fortune in so doing. Robertson in his book "A New World Order" attributes this document to Pike. Either he didn't research his work too well or he simply didn't care about the truth. Maybe lies are more profitable.Finally, Robinson delivers several great ideas to help Masonry not only survive but grow. Several of the mistaken ideas he mentions that he has heard from Masons themselves I have heard also. As he points out, to exclude your family from your Masonic life is to invite problems. Masons everywhere should listen to his advice and Masonry can't help but benefit.In short, if you are curious about Masonry or already have a bad impression of Masonry but still have an open mind, read this book. If you are a Mason this book can make your Masonic life much more rich.

This book is highly readable and extremely educational. I knew very little about Freemasonry and was not a Mason when I read the book. It has helped me feel much more excited and proud of the fact that I am planning to become a Mason. Because of this book I now understand the intense anti-Mason dialogue in a much clearer way. John Robinson has made a remarkable effort to clear away much of the nonsense regarding these ridiculous attacks on Freemasonry. But he has gone much further than that - he has tried very hard to offer positive and constructive suggestions and ideas in an attempt to encourage more participation by Masons and non-Masons in the whole process of Freemasonry. Freemasonry is religous tolerance and this country was founded on that principal, unfortunately, there are those in this country who find religious tolerance incompatible with their faith.

I finished the Pilgrim's Path a few weeks ago and am only to sad that John Robinson can not continue his work in promoting the craft. After reading the Robinson's book I was enfused with even more joy in being raised a true brother of mankind. I am very proud to be a Mason and see myself as the pilgrim who must bring light to my fellow man throught the glory that is masonry. A very important point I derieved from reading A Pilgrim's Path is that as church attendance declines and greed increases in the world many are wrongly attacking the one originization that could bring new life and morality into the world. I strongly feel that churches that seek more active members within there churches should encourage members to learn about the greatness that is Masonry. I feel that pious men who learn the truth about Masonry would join and throught the teachings of Masonry become better men who are more active in their respective church. Ever since I have become a Mason I have returned to regular church service and have become more active in my church. I proudly where the emblems of Masonry and eagerly enlighten those who ask, "What is that?". And feel very fortunate that I have some of the knowledge gained through the reading of the Pilgrim's Path to give an educated response to those who have a less than positive view of Masonry.

I recommend this book to Everyone interested in Masonry or Anti-Masonry--esp., to those joining The Craft (see the Dedication of the book) & their loved ones. John J Robinson gives a well-written appraisal of Freemasonry and the Anti-Masonic Propagandists, who slander the organization. Everything he says can easily be backed-up with a little research & this book is a concise, sensible, articulate piece of research material that sums-up most of the important aspects of Freemasonry.... and the unfortunate, ridiculous attacks by the Uninitiated. A Great "coffee table" book for Freemasons. Buy one for your Church and loan it to those who are confused by the evangelists and other money-mongers. My Credentials? : I made my decision to join The Freemasons long-ago, not knowing if I would be found worthy... and not knowing anyone of my generation who had joined this organization, that I admired so-much. As I sought methods of joining the fraternal order, I stumbled-across a cornucopia of information about Freemasonry. I was distressed to discover that Anti-Masonic propaganda was being used by various groups to further the ignorance of various causes. I read everything I could get my hands on about The Masons, for many years, because of my great respect for them. I know many Masons, in other states, and my family--The Lincolns--have been affiliated with Masonic orders for generations, but my Grandfather kept all of his secrets.... My Grandmother was in The Order of the Eastern Star, and so was my Great-Grandmother (a VERY religious, Christian woman). I am also a member of a Humanitarian organization that has always attracted Freemasons and is based on Masonic Principles. My experience with Masonry has made me a better man and I have seen nothing (Despite the Propaganda) that would make me think any less of Freemasonry. -- "A Pilgrim's Path" is a book that could have saved me ten years of research and helped me to teach others, along the way, without saying a word..... However, my research has led me to the conclusion that Mr. Robinson is very knowledgeable and I recommend his book, because I admire his work and his writing skills. I believe this book will be adopted as a Masonic Handbook for those joining or interested in the Freemasons. Women want to know more about The Masons and this book is for them, as well!