Freemasons For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Author: Hodapp, Christopher

Genre: SOCIAL SCIENCE

Number Of Pages: 384

Publisher: For Dummies

Details: Product description Take the mystery out of the Freemasons Fascinated by Freemasons? Freemasons For Dummies is the internationally bestselling 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. With new and improved content, including updated examples and references throughout, this new edition of Freemasons For Dummies provides the most straightforward, non-intimidating guide to the subject on the market. Updated expert coverage of the basic beliefs and philosophy behind Freemasonry Revised information on the history of the society, including updates concerning its founding, famous historical members, and pivotal events New coverage devoted to the recent influx of younger membership The latest and ongoing controversies and myths surrounding Freemasonry The role of women in a Masonic organization, including opportunities for women to participate in Freemasonry The effects cultural and political changes and worldwide events are having on the organization If you're intrigued by the mystery that surrounds the Masons, get ready to learn the facts about this ancient order in Freemasons For Dummies. Review "No book since John Robinson's 'Born In Blood' has created more interest and excitement in Masonic circles and among the general public." Carl Wilson, The Rite Recorder "This might be the best general book on Freemasonry any Mason or non-Mason could want." Gary Dryfoos, A Page About Freemasonry "Chris Hodapp has written a darn good book." S Brent Morris, Author of The Complete Idiot's Guide To Freemasonry "The book is a delight; no Masonic prudery here, no academic dry as dust chapters, no grand lodge views as determined by a camel of a committee--rather, a simple, readable style that encourages one to read on." The Square Magazine "Highly recommended, especially for the new Mason." Jim Tresner, Scottish Rite Journal "Outside of a Masonic roast beef supper, it's the best twenty bucks you'll spend this year. . . I recommend you buy a couple of copies because the first one will be dog-eared in no time." Stephen Dafoe, Author of Nobly Born "If you are new to Freemasonry and want to learn more about it but cannot stomach dusty tomes with unpronounceable titles hidden in your local libraries, 'Freemasons For Dummies' is for you." Jose Diaz, Grand Lodge of Ohio "I think this book is the best thing that has happened to Freemasonry in many a moon, causing many a brother to read a Masonic book for the first time..." Ralph Herbald, PM, Southern California Research Lodge "I have enjoyed reading many portions out loud to my wife. . . She now understands more of what I hold so dear to my heart." Greg Johns, Evansville, IN From the Back Cover Take the mystery out of the Freemasons Curious about Freemasonry? Freemasons For Dummies is the internationally bestselling 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 countless symbols and their meanings. If you're intrigued by the mystery that surrounds the Masons, get ready to learn the facts about this ancient order in Freemasons For Dummies. Freemasonry 101 — find out what Freemasonry is (and isn't), get a crash course in Masonic history from 1000 B.C. until today, and grasp the basic beliefs and philosophy of the Masonic institution The stones and mortar of Freemasonry — discover what goes on in a Masonic lodge, from the officers and governing powers of Grand Lodges to the ceremonies and rituals of Freemasonry Who's who — shine a light on the many different groups (known as appendant bodies) within the Masonic family: who joins them, who can join them, and why they do Modern Freemasonry — get insights into how a very old, very private fraternity that advocates faith, morality, harmony, and personal responsibility survives in an age of isolation and indifference Famous Freemasons — get to know famous Freemasons, from founding fathers, civil rights activists, and scientists to musicians, actors, and sports figures Open the book and find: How Freemasonry unites men of different ages, faiths, and cultures The symbols, myths, and misconceptions of Freemasonry Details on the three essential Masonic degrees The lowdown on the York Rite and the Scottish Rite Masonic groups for women, children, and fans of funny hats Facts on how Freemasonry varies from one country to another Details on how to find a lodge and become a Mason Ten amazing conspiracies, anti-Masons, and hoaxes Learn: What goes on in a Masonic meeting The true purposes of Masonic "secrecy" and philosophy Facts about famous Masons throughout history Which other civic organizations are related to Freemasonry About the Author Christopher L. Hodapp is 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 book, Heritage Endures: Perspectives On 200 Years of Indiana Freemasonry will be published in January 2018. He is also the co-author with Alice VonKannon of The Templar Code For Dummies and Conspiracy Theories and Secret Societies For Dummies. He 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 content for TruTV. They have appeared on History, Discovery, National Geographic, Smithsonian, and the American Heroes Channel, most recently on America: Fact Vs. Fiction. His Freemasons For Dummies blog is the world's most widely read source of national and international news about the Masonic fraternity. Hodapp has spent more than twenty-five years editing, writing and directing as a commercial filmmaker. 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.