Weekly Masonic Doubts

A brief review

Some time ago, a superb Mason whom I’ve gotten to know over the past few years here on Emeth, and elsewhere in the world of electronic Masonry sent me a manuscript draft of a book he’d written.

I found it to be quite a nice gem of a book, and one that seeks to teach about Freemasonry in a rather unique way. A very Masonic way, I think.

Instead of Chapters explaining the author’s opinion or perspective about some part of our Ancient Craft, it is completely open ended. The author briefly explains a facet of our Craft, and then encourages the reader to contemplate that facet for himself. To discover the truth, as the reader sees it. This is well in keeping I think with that ancient directive to ‘Know Thyself.’ By contemplating these parts of Freemasonry, we will not only come to know ourselves as Masons better, but we will come to better understand our Craft as well.

I found a lot of enjoyment when I read the book in draft form, and I look forward to re-reading it in its final form soon.

I don’t know if it was contemplated by the author, but this book could also be a very effective tool for the Worshipful Master seeking to bring meaningful Masonic discussion to his Lodge. Many, perhaps most, of the topics in the book could lead to great group discussions in Open Lodge.

I am pleased to be able to highly recommend this book to you.

I do think that in this instance, some thoughts about the author are appropriate to include here as well. Brother Istvan is now a Canadian Mason, but he didn’t start his Masonic journey there. He is from Hungary, and began his Masonic career in Eastern Europe. I’ve found that this gives him a perspective on Masonry that is a bit different from our North American perspective, and I find it interesting to see how he may question what I may take for granted.

I know, based on our past electronic discussions that Brother Istvan doesn’t always see exactly eye to eye with me when it comes to Freemasonry. But that is not a flaw, it is a benefit. As the old saying goes ‘iron sharpens iron,’ and I know that I have a better understanding of Freemasonry today because of brief conversations he and I have had, and the things I’ve read that he has written. Ultimately, he’s had an influence on me, and helped broaden my perspective on our Craft.

The ebook can be purchased at your favorite retailer, a full list and some more information is here:

Weekly Masonic Doubts by Istvan Horvath

I see that print copies are available from Amazon as well.