A Pilgrim's Path: One Man's Road to the Masonic Temple

by John J. Robinson

Freemasonry has never lacked for detractors. Enemies of the organization have included the Roman Catholic Church, the Communist Party, and the Nazis. It has been denounced by popes and kings, by the ignorant and by those who felt threatened by the fraternity's reputation for secrecy.

Unfortunately, because it has a long history of never answering critics, Freemasonry makes a wonderful target for bigotry. Now, a group of religious fundamentalists has managed, after years of struggle, to take a controlling position in the largest Protestant denomination in the United States. It has launched what is potentially the most damaging assault on Masonry in the past century.

In A Pilgrim's Path John J. Robinson relates the history of the attacks against the organization and the motives behind the attacks. In doing so he discusses the origins of Freemasonry, its tenets, and its goals. Then he takes on the anti-Masonic evangelists who currently seek to destroy Freemasonry. Defusing and refuting fabrications and misstatements of Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Dr. James Holly, Robinson makes an eloquent plea for an end to their kind of hatred.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Religion, Esoterica

178 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1993

About the author

John J. Robinson was an American author and historian, best known as the author of Born in Blood: The Lost Secrets of Freemasonry, which was originally intended as a book about the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, but instead traced the fall of the Knights Templar, which he connected to the rise of Freemasonry. As a result of his research for this book, he became more interested in Freemasonry and subsequently wrote A Pilgrim's Path: Freemasonry and the Religious Right. He is also credited as being the "founding visionary" of the Masonic Information Center run by the Masonic Service Association of North America. He was a member of the Medieval Academy of America, The Organization of American Historians, and the Royal Over-Seas League of London.

-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Michael P Glasgow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains a lot of the famous misnomers of anti-masonry such as the Lucifer reference by Albert Pike and the anti-masonry hoax of Leo Taxil. It also reviews the good works Freemasons have done over hundreds of years. Good down to earth reality on the freemasonic craft. If you are thinking of becoming a freemason, you will feel better about it after reading this book.

[Tyler Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here, another instance where I wish I could squarely give 3.5 stars instead.

This is the second of Robinson's books on Freemasonry that I've read, the first being Born in Blood. A Pilgrim's Path is broken into two distinct halves, the first addressing the accusations of (usually) reactionary religious entities against Freemasonry. He does a good job at this, often picking the anti-Masonic indictments into so many pieces as to be more laughable than they even appear on the surface. The guy does his research, and it shows.

The second half of the book is addressed to Masons themselves, pointing out some methods that might diminish even the opportunities for wacked out zealots to get their ideas distributed. Primarily, he wishes that Freemasons would take it upon themselves to address and react to anti-Masonic propaganda with the simple facts; and that Masons and their appendant bodies would toot their own horns a bit more, to illuminate and enumerate the massive amounts of charitable work carried out by the brotherhood. All reasonable suggestions.

As a book, A Pilgrim's Path is a quick, lively read. Robinson seems to wander off in random directions occasionally, but he tends to bring it back home eventually. As I said above, his research is extensive and appreciated. He obviously arrives at the doorstep of this work from a place of education and experience. And the reader will appreciate his appreciation.

[Mathew Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accurately explains a lot of what religious folks seem to think is Satanic about Freemasonry. Has some solid stuff about the origins (or lack thereof) of Freemasonry, ideas on how to improve it a bit, and some other good stuff. Recommended to masons.

[Kelly Feldcamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome!
For a man who is not a Mason, Mr. Robinson "gets" what it means to be a one. I highly recommend this book to anyone involved in Freemasonry, anyone who is curious about it, or anyone who just wants to really understand what it is all about.

[Ethan Burgess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Robinson’s most personal book, with its popular culture and modern religious commentary pleasantly guided by decades’ worth of knowledge and experience.

Those who have read about the Taxil Affair, Humanum Genus, Pat Robertson, or the misunderstandings of Albert Pike may not learn much new information but someone reading about the historiography of anti-masonry for the first time here will learn a lot in just a short number of easy-to-read pages.

Bias is indeed present. Robinson wades into the fight to respond directly to the most scathing and baseless accusations of the last century. Those in need of inspiring answers to the over complicated debates of Freemasonry will be eased by this book. A worthy trade-off for its academic status, in my opinion. He said what needed to be said, and at a critical time in U.S. history.

The touching final chapter denotes the moment in time when Robinson decided to become a Freemason, after many years of researching and discussing it with the world (and, after writing this book). His work ethic showed that you get what you want out of the craft, and he worked hard to bolster and defend its meaning not only for himself but for everyone—from children in need of urgent relief to opposing conspiracy theorists and fundamentalists who would make an enemy out of a public servant like Robinson.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robinson, who is not a Freemason, does excellent research on the background, characteristics, and current challenges of Freemasonry. Unlike countless other authors on the market today, he does not jump to ill-informed conclusions. Rather, he is able to distinguish between a literal, conservative Biblical hermeneutic used by many Christians and a figurative, metaphorical hermeneutic required for grasping the true nature of Masonry. He debunks many of the hot spots that prominent authors have used down through the years to attack the craft. He does offer criticism of prominent Masonic author Albert Pike but clarifies that Pike in no way speaks in any official capacity. If you'd like to read an accurate, objective assessment of Freemasonry, this book is the one to buy. I recommend it highly.

[Andrew Martins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an age of rampant religious fundamentalism and tin foil hats. When hate and misinformation are being transported at lightning speed. Bigotry and idiocracy seek to demonize or violently attack Masonry once more. John Robinson's 1993 book, A Pilgrims Path, provides the view of a non-mason who had long researched the fraternity. He dispels the myths, lies, and bigotry that has been hurled at the fraternity since before Leo Taxil and into modern times. It is just as relevant now as it was then to masons and non-masons who wish to understand the history and intentional misinformation.

This is one researcher's journey of meeting both Masons and Anti-Masons while attempting to separate facts from fiction while speaking around the country. Ultimately, in the final chapter, he makes a choice that will change his life forever.

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a journey through what the Religious Right and what they believe is what Freemasonry is, and through extensive research, Robinson explains truly what it is, and what it is not. One issue I did have was his talk about Albert Pike, and somewhat excusing his white supremacist attitudes as being part of the war for "States' Rights." Otherwise, it paints a true picture of what Freemasonry is, and also turning the lens on brothers to have them find new ways to interact with these figures who have their sordid opinions of Freemasonry.

[Hans · Rating 3 out of 5]

An informative book that seeks to correct many of the misguided perceptions of Freemasonry. The author admits upfront that he gets carried away at times and freely interjects his opinions and observations about "Anti-Masons". He doesn't hide his feelings about how anyone who use fear to stir up anger and hatred towards any group is the true danger.

I will admit that I am biased as well and side with the author on many of his points. It saddens me to see how easy it is for people to base their impressions on rumors and opinions without the least attempt to find out if any of it is actually true.

Now aside from the authors defense of freemasonry against those who try to exploit its silence, the book is also full of great ideas where Freemasonry should actively consider changing. It could definitely use some reforming in order to regain its former stature as a pillar of civic society involved in both national and local causes for the improvement and benefit of others. I can only hope that the younger generations of Freemasons will take up that responsibility all the while preserving the traditional core or heart of Masonry.

[Kenny B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit when I first read the title of this book, "A Pilgrim's Path" I had just assumed this was going to be a book of America's earliest settlers and their journeys through early American Freemasonry. After reading the preface to the book my assumptions were proven incorrect. This book was about the Author's pilgrimage into Freemasonry from an outsider’s perspective. Much like Joseph Fort Newton's, "The Builders", I highly recommend this book to all masons- mostly because it touches on some of the various questions non-masons had inquired of myself, and not being satisfied with the typical cookie-cutter responses I have found this text to be an invaluable source.

[Greg Van Vorhis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I marked this book a favorite but I didn't read all of the pages. This is a well argued book supporting freemasonry in the face of opposition from the ill-informed (ignorant) fundamental religious right. There are a lot of good ideas in this book on how to grow the Masonic tradition and how to fight the negative image he have been handed.

[Sien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book well worth the read if your interested in how the founding fathers of the US came up with religious freedom.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like "Born in Blood," the author seems to float around a bit. His writing is good and he makes excellent points. I particularly liked his take on Pat Robertson.

[Frank Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent resource, would have been better but contained a substantial number of typos. Wondering if perhaps, considering the subject matter, the typos aren't part of some elaborate hidden code...