The
Secret Science of Masonic Initiation, by
Robert Lomas, San Francisco, CA, Weiser Books, 2010. ISBN-13: 9781578634903.
Robert
Lomas’ book, The Secret Science of Masonic Initiation, explores
the more esoteric aspects of Masonic Initiation and delves into the use of
Freemasonry to teach the ancient Mysteries. He believes that, if truly
understood, the Masonic Initiation is a transformative experience. Not just in
the sense of “making a good man better” but in a physical and physiological sense.
Lomas argues that Masonic Initiation, being tied to the ancient Mysteries,
actually transforms us spiritually and intellectually into a different stream
of consciousness from normal men. He states that the greatest men of all ages
that have worked for the advancement of mankind have been initiates of the ancient
Mysteries. These ancient Mysteries can be seen in the rites and legends of the
Ancient Egyptians, the Phoenicians and all of the major religions of the world
which have had their secret initiatic orders, apart from their public religion.
While
I found this book interesting, I kept wondering why my Initiations into
Freemasonry had not had the major transformative effect on me that Lomas
describes. I guess I am just “not there” yet. I do not fully agree with his
description of the esoteric side of the degrees, but I do agree that
Freemasonry can be transformative. Perhaps as I conduct further research and
study I can get closer to Lomas’ views on our initiations and their true
purpose. I will say that I have read other, similar, books since I read this
one; books such as Hall’s The Lost Keys of Freemasonry and Steinmetz’s book, Freemasonry –
Its Hidden Meaning, which discuss the same theories as Lomas, but with a
slightly different take on the process of initiation. I would suggest reading
Lomas’ book, but I think it would have been better to start with Steinmetz,
Hall, Wilmshurt and then move to Lomas; perhaps then I would have been more
ready and attuned to his message.
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