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Dec 26, 2009, 7:16pm

The Chequered Pavement :: Masonic Research and History :: Masonic Books Papers and Publications :: The Lost Symbol

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Topic: The Lost Symbol (Read 53 times)

Steve Foley
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The Lost Symbol
« Thread Started on Oct 7, 2009, 9:30am »

Well, at last I have finished reading it. NOT an easy read, it didn't have me gripping the edge of my chair, it was not in the "I couldn't put it down" category of book and yes it had the stereotypical car chase only slowed down a bit compared to DVC and Langdon gets saved by a deus ex machina which may be scientifically possible but which I doubt is anywhere near that state of development.

Enough about the novel. As to the Masonic content. There was nothing I found derogatory to Freemasonry nor offensive to me as a Mason. Any Master Mason should recognise a symbol which features greatly in the story and to a Rose Croix member such as myself (18th Degree in the A&ASR), there was much that struck a chord. Those Brethren not au fait with Freemasonry outside of UGLE might be slightly confused by some of the terminology used in this book but just remember that some things are done in a different manner or have others names outwith the jurisdiction of Gt Queen Street.

IMO, "The Lost Symbol" has done no harm to Freemasonry, and may indeed encourage some to knock at the West Gate of our Temples.

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stewartedwards
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Re: The Lost Symbol
« Reply #1 on Oct 21, 2009, 6:30pm »

Well I am abouttwo thirds of the way through it now, and from an esoteric perspective I can tell you that there is a lot of truth in that there book. And the few bits that I have seen first hand re Chamber of Reflections (I once supplied a chair and some salt for one) are also esoterically accurate in that the explanation given of the candle and the word are precisly what I found to be the case in life, and indeed have bored you to death about for years.

Now if the page that I have just finished reading is accurate then I have a much better understanding why I am like marmite to the masons (sorry I was recently told this and I quite like it

).

It may be a work of fiction, but it was written with some very clear esoteric knowledge.

I am like a little kid again, I cant wait to get to the end to see if the answer is what I think it is.

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Truth - What is a Life Without It?

Steve Foley
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Re: The Lost Symbol
« Reply #2 on Oct 21, 2009, 10:35pm »

Much my own feelings on it. As a story it was not the best I have read but the Masonic aspects were handled reasonably IMO.

Part of the nomenclature and terminology could be confusing for some UGLE Freemasons if they are not aware of practices in US Freemasonry and in other GLs etc, but all in all, like "National Treasure" I feel that Freemasonry will gain rather than lose by this book.

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stewart edwards
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Re: The Lost Symbol
« Reply #3 on Oct 22, 2009, 8:06am »

Oct 21, 2009, 10:35pm, Steve Foley wrote:

I feel that Freemasonry will gain rather than lose by this book.

Indeed, there is the risk however that it will attract people who have esoteric abilities, who are already some way down their journey. Now if lodges are not ready to take on board this type of person then it could be a double edged sword.

To take one probably uncommon but not unknown example what if an adept were to read the book, and realise that his lifes work is reflecting in the masonic world? What if he were to understand the nature of God?

Using myself as an example (I know many would like to make an example out of me

) the first time I was asked in whom would I place my trust, I replied something to the effect of "in myself as I understand that God is withing each and everyone of us and in everything. And that you have to look inwards not outwards." I remember the poor masons face - it must be a good I guess 5/6 years ago now. Anyone reading the Lost Symbol will find that in there. Yet I rather suspect that it would cause most masons some problems, simply because they have not yet reached that level of enlightenment. For what it is worth I could now reply "in God" but only because I have moved forwards a further step in my relationship with God and I now understand much more clearly the trinity, though in no way does this change my previous answer it just condenses it. And unlike many I do understand it as opposed to merely repeating it like I have been told to. Though again I suspect that many religious people would have difficulty with my understandings. It could be the same for others that this book attracts.

Is the masonic world ready for an inflow of enlightened souls? Or should it remain the preserve of those just starting the journey? An important question I think.

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