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33 Degrees of Deception: An Expose of Freemasonry

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Freemasonry — A Deadly Deception The shadow of death hovers over many of the rites and rituals of Freemasonry. In Letters on the Masonic Institution by John Quincy Adams we learn of an ancient Masonic ritual known as The Fifth Libation, which involves drinking wine from a human skull. Every Mason takes death oaths and several Masonic executions have taken place throughout history. Author Tom McKenney exposes the deadly secrets of this fraternity, which has more than three million members around the world. In a careful and objective manner, he reveals the connection between Freemasonry and the New Age Movement, and he delves into the occult roots of this secret society. 33 Degrees of Deception is a very comprehensive book that tells the personal story of one completely dedicated Mason—Jim Shaw, who became a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, Worshipful Master of the Blue Lodge, and Master of all Scottish Rite bodies. You will want to know why Jim Shaw left Masonry—and the price he paid for leaving. This book sheds light on the darkness of Freemasonry as the author gives penetrating answers to the questions many people ask about this secret society. Is there a connection between Masonry and the Illuminati? Why is Masonry opposed to Christian schools? Is Freemasonry a religion? Can a man be both a Christian and a Mason?

463 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2011

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About the author

Tom C. McKenney

13 books6 followers
Lt. Col. Tom Chase McKenney, USMC (Ret.) is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was an infantry officer and parachutist in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Korea and Vietnam. A student of military history, he has contributed articles to such magazines as Guideposts, the American Legion Magazine, Military, and Leatherneck. His books and activism for veterans' issues have had him appearing on hundreds of radio and television programs including Fox News, the Today Show, and CBS Morning News."

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
1 review
January 16, 2018
33 Degrees of DECEPTION, by Tom C. McKenney, is a book with which I am highly impressed. McKenney uncovers this secret society accurately, cogently, objectively. I concur, after having read many Masonic authors, including Masonic occultist Pike, Freemasonry is paganism revived, i.e. Hiram Abiff / Osiris / Baal sun-god worship, cloaked in malevolently misquoted, misapplied Bible verses to conceal its deception. And there are even more disturbing revelations based on the true experiences and testimonies of seceded masons at the highest levels, who have risked their lives to expose Freemasonry's true dark nature. It is a compelling read. Read the Masonic literature yourself and compare it to God’s Word and the words of former Masons who now have the light of Christ.
Profile Image for Donna.
180 reviews9 followers
January 4, 2012
There is a wealth of information about the mechanics of Masonry in this book. I also like the personal story of a man who had risen to the highest levels of Masonry, then was saved and demitted. Telling it in the 1st person made it an engaging story, easy to read.

What I was hoping for, though was a description of the functioning of the highest levels. How they control things politically, economically, and so on. I guess I'm still searching for that information. But this book is very good for those who are not familiar with the true nature of Masonry - that it is anti-Christian and Satanic.
Profile Image for Matt Moore.
11 reviews
November 29, 2025
To be Christians, Tom and Jim have no problem with bearing false witness.

This book surrounds the story of James D. Shaw’s alleged spiritual awakening while being engaged in the Masonic lodge.

The book is filled with sensationalized telling of the initiation experience through the three Masonic degrees and the Scottish rite. The story goes through Jim’s experience as Master of his lodge and receiving the 33° in the Scottish Rite.

There is one problem. He never served as Master of his lodge nor did he receive the 33°.

Going through lodge records, the list of Past Masters of Allapatah Lodge No. 271, F.&A.M. Miami, Florida does not include his name. Also, pulling his Scottish Rite record, it is true that he received the Knight Commander of the Court of Honour designation, but never was awarded the 33°.

He also lied about the alleged high costs of the Scottish rite degrees. He claims that it costed him hundreds and thousands of dollars to receive the degrees. It only costs him $160.00. He also elected to purchase his hat so add $7.50.

It is amazing how far anti-masons will go to disparage Freemasonry and its members. It is also discouraging how people can outright lie about a group of people and get away with it. They should be seen as the people they truly are - liars.

3 reviews
December 8, 2024
This well-researched book gives a fair and balanced explanation of what Freemasonry actually is including a first-hand account. It is obvious throughout the book that the repercussions for revealing such "secrets" come with threats, including death and blacklisting, against those who try to leave Freemasonry or remove the veil of secrecy. In fact, actual murders have taken place for this reason. It is clear Freemasonry is not the benevolent society as it is presented to newcomers, but a powerful organisation which, at the very top (33rd degree), boasts some of the most elite (and evil) people in society. Freemasonry is revealed as a religion, but not of the Christian kind. Rather its practices are based on deception of the individual leading them blindly into occult rituals (literally) and ultimately, the worship of Lucifer (members are asked to seek the "light"). In fact, the Catholic Church has had a ban on Freemasonry for centuries and it is illegal in Catholic Italy. Thankfully, Freemasonry is in decline around the world, and books such as these should be studied by anyone who, unwittingly, may have a curiosity about Freemasonry or even a naive inclination to join.
Profile Image for Robert Scrivner.
36 reviews
March 4, 2023
The author conveniently points out material that will help present his case buts leaves out paragraphs and or pages from the books he covers that also refute his argument. In addition the author adds multiple chapters in his book over the same topic just recorded. Rather than 426 pages, the author could have written his book in a 100 or less.
Profile Image for Tyson  McPhillips.
7 reviews
July 5, 2025
me. I wish i could find an actual expose that actually revealed something tangible. sensationalized and ignited fervor, McKenney is more entertaining than to be taken serious. that much could be contagious
1 review
Want to read
September 27, 2020
Which I could get a copy sent by!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
May 13, 2021
Quiero leerlo podrían mandármelo a mi correo porque no me deja leerlo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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