Freemasons For Dummies

by Christopher L. Hodapp

Fascinated by Freemasons? Freemasons For Dummies is the internationally best-selling introduction to the Masons, the oldest and largest "secret society" in the world. This balanced, eye-opening guide demystifies Freemasonry, explaining everything from its elaborate rituals and cryptic rites, to its curious symbols and their meanings. Find out what goes on in a Masonic meeting. You'll understand the true purposes of Masonic "secrecy" and philosophy, meet famous Masons throughout history, and discover related organizations like the Knights Templar, the Scottish Rite, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Shriners. Explore the controversies and conspiracy theories that swirl around this organization at the center of Dan Brown's novel The Lost Symbol, and discover the changes coming to the Craft.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Religion, Audiobook, Politics, Ebooks, Reference

368 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

About the author

Christopher L. Hodapp is the Public Relations director for the Grand Lodge F&AM of Indiana and the Editor Emeritus of the "Journal of The Masonic Society." He is the author of the best-selling "Freemasons For Dummies," and "Solomon's Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington D.C." His newest Masonic book, "Heritage Endures" was published in January 2018.

He is also the co-author with Alice Von Kannon of "RVs & Campers For Dummies," "The Templar Code For Dummies" and "Conspiracy Theories and Secret Societies For Dummies."

His "Freemasons For Dummies" blog is the world's most widely read source of national and international news about the Masonic fraternity.

Hodapp is a 33° Scottish Rite Freemason and a Knight Templar, and belongs to countless appendant Masonic bodies and research organizations. In 2010, he and Von Kannon developed episodes for the History Channel program, "Brad Meltzer's Decoded," and web content for TruTV. They have appeared on History, Discovery, National Geographic, Smithsonian, and the American Heroes Channel, most recently on "America: Fact Vs. Fiction."

Chris spent more than twenty-five years editing, writing and directing as a commercial filmmaker for regional and national clients. He has written for corporate and non-profit programs, and his voice has appeared in many television and radio commercials. He is a popular speaker and appears on radio and TV, and at Masonic lodges and schools across North America.

Chris lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is also the director of the Masonic Library and Museum of Indiana, and served in 2019-21 as the Worshipful Master of the Dwight L. Smith Lodge of Research U.D.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This simple book explains the origin, the philosophy and symbols of the organization. They do not reveal their initiation process other than that the new member has to be invited to the group. Many have thought the Masons are a cult but mind you they have been around for hundreds of years. Even George Washington and other significant figures in the early settlement years of the United States were members of this so called secret society. It is called a secret society because not just anyone can join and the members are sworn not to share its rituals or what is discussed.

The Masons are like a fraternity of brotherhood that values service, a belief in a God of a higher power, humility and their symbols that are represented have a significant meaning. There are Masons worldwide and when you enter a Mason Lodge regardless where you are you are welcomed with open arms just like Alcoholics Anonymous or a Fraternity at a University.

I would recommend this book for anyone interested learning the basic Masonic life and how it all began. You will be glad you did. It may explain why some your fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins, and other male friends or family members joined this fine organization that prides itself on a spiritual journey of growth and change and service to mankind.

[Art · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, in-depth book on Freemasonry. You'll receive a crash course in Masonic history from 1000 B.C. until today, discover what goes on in a Masonic lodge, get the lowdown on differences between York Rite and Scottish Rite masons, and learn about ten amazing conspiracies, anti-Masons, and hoaxes. Appendix A contains The Regius Manuscript and Appendix B contains Anderson's Constitutions. This book is a pleasure to read!

[Fernanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick way to learn about the freemasons. After reading „The Lost Symbol“ I must confess I got very suspicious and curious about the society, so this book was a great way of ending some prejudgments and getting to know more about it. Highly recommend it!

[Krisette Spangler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a basic look at the Freemasons. It cover their rituals, history, and beliefs. I feel like I have a little better understanding of who they are.

[Peter Henriques · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was decent. However you must be mindful that books written in reference to freemasonry only put out what they want you to know & understand. Inside the Masonic lodge they swear numerous oaths not to reveal the secrets to those who are unworthy. The birth place of freemasonry began in Kemet(Egypt) but not only that freemasonry teachings & practice is rooted in the death of an original man by the name of Haram Abiff who was a master builder & such rituals like this symbolically tell you how they stole the knowledge from out of the mystery schools of ALkebulan(now called Africa which is Greek). In short they know who the true & living God is which is the Asiatic Blackman . I make no apologies.

[Mike Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want a generally favorable treatise on the history of the Freemason movement, this book adequately fulfills that need. The book is written from that perspective and does a good job at it. There is a short chapter called "myths and misconceptions" which addresses such figures as Albert Pike and the influence of Eliphas Levi on his writings. Critics of the organization will probably find it inadequate, and those favorably disposed will probably find it sufficiently explained.

The rest of the book is an overview of the historical context, organizational structure, and philosophical underpinnings of the Freemasons in a positive light. This book can be recommended to those who would be interested in learning the subject from the viewpoint of someone active in the movement.

[Valdeir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a good overview of the modern history of the craft. Also explains the structure of Freemasonry within the USA and gives a few explanations on foreign Freemasonry. For any one interested to know more about the Freemasons and see that they are not a secret society this is a good book to start with.

[Amys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you want to know about Freemasonry without giving away any secrets. The author even gives a spoiler warning for anyone who is thinking of becoming, or about to become a Freemason. History and symbolism explained and illustrated nicely. A great reference book.

[Kenn Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of interesting facts and written in a very entertaining way. Did I learn a lot? No, I am a Master Mason. Did I learn a little? Yes, there is too much Masonic history for one to learn in just a few years.

This book is a very good first look at Masons and for me, it is a great reference.

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Bought to research the Masons and to provide an overall reference after (hopefully?) membership.

[Leemaslibros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy interesante y esclarecedor.

[Tyler Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a life changing book, but an extremely readable one. Good reference, reasonably laid out, with concepts clearly (if cursorily) explained. That's the m.o. of the Dummies series. Recommended for quick reference, or for someone who wants a very thin into to Freemasonry, but doesn't want to spend much time on it.

Loses points for saying, a couple of times, that Freemasonry was born from stonemasons' guilds. You know, those chisel-happy fanatics that made you swear under pain of extraordinary forms of death if you revealed their secret stone...secrets. No one writing books should be using that throw-away explanation anymore. C'mon, dude.

[Barry · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great book for dummies....I feel that Hodapp and others are part of a group that want to lay all things bare and take away all the mystery from the Order. I'm not saying that ALL victorian era writers on the Craft were correct in their admittedly outlandish assumptions....but some of it is really subjective, isn't it? It was a little too much "in your face". It's like the kid in grade school that told you there really wasn't a Santa Claus.....he may be right, but he's still a dick.

[Stacy Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our book group tackled the subject of Freemasons, so this is one of the books I read for information. The book was well written and informative but I didn't give it more stars because the subject matter was just okay. I didn't have a burning desire to know everything about Freemasonry but this covered the topic in detail and answered everything from conspiracy theories to prominent Freemasons throughout history. We had an interesting discussion as well.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a great book on the history, facts, myths and the structure of something I new little about. All around very informative.

My only question is can one person (the author) speak for a fraternity of millions?

[Royce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro to Freemasonry, for Masons and non-Masons alike. Written for the very simple, but offers a great outline of the Craft. While most Masons will learn little about things in their own Lodges and work, they may learn things about International Masonry that they don't know.

[Ju · Rating 4 out of 5]

366.1 Never knew a single thing about the Masons and I learned a lot. This book covered what it is, the history of it, how it works, and a thought or two on where it's headed. Also includes lists of famous members & cool Masonic places. Info on lodge locations in an appendix.

[Ryan Mercer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris did a great job writing this book. He knows his stuff, did it tastefully, and didn't feel the need to lie or stretch truths to sell some book copies. He doesn't speculate, he just gives it to you how it is. Great book to learn about the craft for brothers or outsiders!

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're interested in Freemasonry, this book has it all. History, current structure and hierarchy of the Lodge, and even a myth or two! Definitely a MUST READ for anyone interested in joining the fraternity or with questions about what Masons do, why, and how.

[P. Es · Rating 5 out of 5]

hands down one of the best introductions to The Craft and ancillary bodies.

[Timothy Fitzwilliams · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be 1
Ask 1

[Tom Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

[Tori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lost interest.

[Toby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for new and old Masons. I loved this book, and it will be an invaluable resource for years to come.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This guy has a chip on his shoulder. This was very dry, lots of history. Other for dummies books I've read had a lighter touch and more humor. This was a disappointment.

[Leland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really informative, definitely cleared up some misconceptions I had.

[Grant Talabay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a very active Freemason, dedicating shelves to the study of this grand fraternity. However, this is an awesome go to guide for answers to all your questions about the Masons. Very handy book!

[Tammy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought it was uninformative, and contained allot of rubbish information. For anyone truly interested in its orgin's and principals do not waste your time.

[Ross Heckmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author did a very good job of what he set out to do: provide a basic introduction to the Freemasons.