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Freemasonry: An Introduction
An experienced Freemason and award-winning psychologist provides a precise and engaging exploration of the core meaning and practices of Freemasonry for the new generation of people interested in joining the order, and those who are simply curious in the wake of recent media coverage.
Entertaining books and movies often depict Freemasonry as a shadowy, mysterious, and possibly sinister organization, and the TV and magazine specials on Freemasonry that inevitably follow often leave us with more questions than answers.
Mark E. Koltko-Rivera, a practicing thirty-second-degree Mason, has created a simple, authoritative, and easy-to-understand introduction to the history, rites, and meaning of Freemasonry. It may be the single most reliable short guide to Masonry, written by a widely recognized psychologist and scholar of esoteric history.
Koltko-Rivera's trustworthy handbook explores all the basic issues around Masonry,
*What is Freemasonry, and what is its history?
*How does one become a Freemason?
*What are some of the most important Masonic symbols?
*What do Masons get from their involvement in Freemasonry? What changes does it make in their inner and outer lives?
*What is it like to participate in the initiatory rituals of Freemasonry?
*What are some of the great historical controversies and myths surrounding Freemasonry?
*How is Masonry relevant today?
Entertaining books and movies often depict Freemasonry as a shadowy, mysterious, and possibly sinister organization, and the TV and magazine specials on Freemasonry that inevitably follow often leave us with more questions than answers.
Mark E. Koltko-Rivera, a practicing thirty-second-degree Mason, has created a simple, authoritative, and easy-to-understand introduction to the history, rites, and meaning of Freemasonry. It may be the single most reliable short guide to Masonry, written by a widely recognized psychologist and scholar of esoteric history.
Koltko-Rivera's trustworthy handbook explores all the basic issues around Masonry,
*What is Freemasonry, and what is its history?
*How does one become a Freemason?
*What are some of the most important Masonic symbols?
*What do Masons get from their involvement in Freemasonry? What changes does it make in their inner and outer lives?
*What is it like to participate in the initiatory rituals of Freemasonry?
*What are some of the great historical controversies and myths surrounding Freemasonry?
*How is Masonry relevant today?
- GenresNonfiction
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2011
21 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 26, 2016
Overall, I found this to be a decent and quick introduction to Freemasonry.
I did have one concern with the book, though. Kolko-Rivera, in discussing Catholic opposition to Freemasonry, omits that the Catholic Church does excommunicate any man who joins the Masons. It was hard to say if this is just an accidental oversight on Kolko-Rivera's part, or if he is being disingenuous. While Freemasons may have no issue with Catholics joining their organization, Catholics, rightly or wrongly, do. To insist that Freemasonry is about becoming a better man through religious practice (in part), yet suggesting somewhat slyly that a man should defy his church does not seem to be line with the principles of Freemasonry. None of this argues against Freemasonry per se, but it is a concern of mine in regards to the book. Caveat lector.
I did have one concern with the book, though. Kolko-Rivera, in discussing Catholic opposition to Freemasonry, omits that the Catholic Church does excommunicate any man who joins the Masons. It was hard to say if this is just an accidental oversight on Kolko-Rivera's part, or if he is being disingenuous. While Freemasons may have no issue with Catholics joining their organization, Catholics, rightly or wrongly, do. To insist that Freemasonry is about becoming a better man through religious practice (in part), yet suggesting somewhat slyly that a man should defy his church does not seem to be line with the principles of Freemasonry. None of this argues against Freemasonry per se, but it is a concern of mine in regards to the book. Caveat lector.
June 8, 2016
What one needs to recognize about Freemasonry is that, like any private organization based on ritual, it is steeped in exclusive knowledge. This means that a lot of what Koltko-Rivera (a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite) discusses in his book is "basic" knowledge -- i.e., that which is relatively accessible elsewhere. But this fact should not detract the reader's interest -- if they are indeed looking for "an introduction" as the title promises, they will receive one.
Koltko-Rivera dedicates a large portion of the book to disproving myths and conspiracy theories concerning Freemasonry -- while his arguments are clearly well-researched, the skepticist in me cannot help but raise an eyebrow to the claims made by a Freemason himself. But then again, what do I know.
All in all, a highly accessible and pleasurable book that whets one's appetite about Freemasonry. It touches on Masonic symbolism, history, imitation processes and the like. Anything else you'd like to know, it's best to ask a Freemason directly. Or to become one.
Koltko-Rivera dedicates a large portion of the book to disproving myths and conspiracy theories concerning Freemasonry -- while his arguments are clearly well-researched, the skepticist in me cannot help but raise an eyebrow to the claims made by a Freemason himself. But then again, what do I know.
All in all, a highly accessible and pleasurable book that whets one's appetite about Freemasonry. It touches on Masonic symbolism, history, imitation processes and the like. Anything else you'd like to know, it's best to ask a Freemason directly. Or to become one.
August 16, 2021
This book is stupid and so is Freemasonry
March 21, 2023
This book was very informative. As a woman, I do not have access to any of the freemason activities, so I was curious about the organization, how it is run, and what the men get from membership. I became interested in this because I watch "The Curse of Oak Island" on television and freemason symbols come into the mystery of finding the treasure on that island.
This book is all basic information but still gives a good understanding. It covers the history of the organization, and the expectation of its members, and discusses related mason groups for women, children, and other cultures.
It does not cover the secrets, the handshake, or any masonry business. Instead, it focuses on the steps for any man to take to become a Freemason and his choices as he rises higher in the organization. It also covers myths and lies about Freemasonry. The author takes them one by one and explains why they are false. There is also information about the Catholic Church and its part in the beginnings of Freemasonry.
After reading this book, the reader comes away with basic knowledge of freemasonry, what its purpose is, what obligations a member has, the expectations from membership, and the true history of the organization.
I would recommend this book to any man or young man wanted to learn more about Freemasonry.
This book is all basic information but still gives a good understanding. It covers the history of the organization, and the expectation of its members, and discusses related mason groups for women, children, and other cultures.
It does not cover the secrets, the handshake, or any masonry business. Instead, it focuses on the steps for any man to take to become a Freemason and his choices as he rises higher in the organization. It also covers myths and lies about Freemasonry. The author takes them one by one and explains why they are false. There is also information about the Catholic Church and its part in the beginnings of Freemasonry.
After reading this book, the reader comes away with basic knowledge of freemasonry, what its purpose is, what obligations a member has, the expectations from membership, and the true history of the organization.
I would recommend this book to any man or young man wanted to learn more about Freemasonry.
May 26, 2018
This was a brief and informative book. An easy and informative read! I enjoyed the history of the Freemasons, but I am disappointed that members that have no direct tie to knowing about the Masonic trade rise higher than those who have that tie. This is my opinion, but knowing about the Masonic trade via mathematics and the particulars of the trade reinforce the direct knowledge of masons.
Still, Freemasonry is a fraternal organization where men conduct themselves to build moral, social and spiritual character from within, and socially through Masonic brotherhood and social activities. So my aforementioned opinion is partially irrelevant here. In any case, I do appreciate Kolto-Rivera’s brief and thorough historic presentation of what Freemasonry is about, its controversies, response to conspiracy theories and the procedure to learn more and join. The references beckon further reading and the references are superb!
November 12, 2020
A wonderful, sober, and inspiring introduction to Freemasonry!
This is an excellent, accessible work that clearly lays out what Freemasonry is and is not. I found it not only very clear but truly inspiring. I heartily reccomend it.
This is an excellent, accessible work that clearly lays out what Freemasonry is and is not. I found it not only very clear but truly inspiring. I heartily reccomend it.
March 1, 2019
Very much worth a read if you have any interest in Freemasonry.
June 16, 2023
I enjoyed the book. I have read other books about Freemasonry and would recommend this one to anyone who has an interest in the fraternity. It is clearly written and concise.
January 6, 2025
Very informative and well written. If you're having thoughts about joining or just want to know more about the Masons, this is a good source.
September 16, 2015
Written by a long-time Freemason, this book is perhaps unsurprisingly very pro-Mason and quite defensive in parts. The author vehemently denies all sorts of myths and accusations about Masons, some more effectively than others. I had a particularly hard time believing that "because Freemasonry is not properly a place for business networking, its status as an all-male fraternity causes no economic harm to women (119)." Now certainly we all know better than that. I understand and believe the author when he writes that Masons are not officially allowed to talk about business, politics, or religion in the lodge room. I also agree that the Masons have the right to be a fraternal organization if they please. But if the author is suggesting that a Freemason who happens to be in a position to hire people is equally as likely to hire a woman he has never met before as he is a "brother" Mason, well, I scoff repeatedly, sir.
May 31, 2016
It's good to read a book about Freemasonry from an actual Mason. Mark E. Kolko-Rivera, a 32nd degree Mason, composes a brief introduction to Freemasonry to all of those who are interested. He reveals many written histories of his brotherhoood (Knights Templar and etc.) and its symbolism. Plus, he calls out on the negative rumors surrounding Freemasonry that includes orgies and Satanic ritual. Mark tells it how it really is! This is short, well-written book.
September 10, 2012
Knowing Mark personally as first, a student of his during my undergraduate studies at UCF, we then crossed paths at our Lodge (Winter Park Lodge #239 F&AM). Mark is very passionate about Freemasonry and life in general. I recommend this book to anyone as an introductory text to this "genre".
December 14, 2012
Perfect book to introduce those curious about Freemasonry. I've read quite a few masonic books and this one by far is the most helpful in introducing its basic precepts, history and purpose. For anyone interested in learning about the craft (Freemasonry), this is the book you want to start with.
September 18, 2013
A well-written introduction to freemasonry. The author discusses the history of freemasonry, some of the symbols used in the rituals, controversies surrounding freemasonry, and how one becomes a freemason. Basic information, but very well presented.
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December 23, 2013I think that the most informative information the what that stayed with me the most is what he says in the beginning and that most of the information concerning freemasonry you can only know if you're a freemason yourself. It's priveledged information
July 22, 2016
Excellent introduction to Freemasonry without giving too much away. As an aspiring Freemason one of the things I hear is try not to "read too deep" about Freemasonry before you start working on your degrees; this book does a great job of that. It just whets your appetite. Easy fun read.
February 14, 2012
Awesome book! The best Masonic primer I've ever read! Clear, succinct, and easy to read.
February 2, 2013
A good introduction to Freemasonry, explaining some of the common misconceptions.
Read
December 29, 2013yhrtujhrtu
March 22, 2014
Very clear and concise. A great book for those wanting to better understand some of the foundations of Freemasonry.
February 27, 2015
Very basic info.
April 23, 2017
A very good source to get to know about Freemasonry in general. It doesn't detail much (and I suppose it was not intended to) about the heavy attacks on the faternity throughout the conspiracy theory, but it touch-base. Yet, it's a very important resource to the ideals of the Freemasonry and it's symbolism. It's a very good book to see things from the other side of the story.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews