Christopher Hodapp 
Freemasons For Dummies 

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.

Inhoudsopgave

Introduction 1

Part I: What Is Freemasonry? 9

Chapter 1: Lodges, Aprons, and Funny Handshakes: Freemasonry 101
11

Chapter 2: From Cathedrals to Lodge Rooms: A History of the
Freemasons 21

Chapter 3: The Philosophy of Freemasonry 55

Chapter 4: Politics, Religion, and Freemasons: They Don’t
Mix 63

Part II: The Inner Workings of Freemasonry 89

Chapter 5: How the Freemasons Are Organized: Who Does What and
Why 91

Chapter 6: The Ceremonies of Freemasons 115

Chapter 7: The Symbols of Freemasonry 129

Chapter 8: Myths and Misconceptions about Masons 151

Part III: When One Lodge Isn’t Enough: The Appendant
Bodies 163

Chapter 9: Introducing the Appendant Bodies: Who’s Who,
and Who Isn’t 165

Chapter 10: The York Rite 181

Chapter 11: The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite 203

Chapter 12: Shriners International 221

Chapter 13: The Extended Masonic Family 231

Part IV: Freemasonry Today and Tomorrow 249

Chapter 14: So Is It Still Relevant? 251

Chapter 15: Freemasons and the Future 259

Chapter 16: So You Want to Become a Freemason 267

Part V: The Part of Tens 279

Chapter 17: Ten Groups of Famous Masons 281

Chapter 18: Ten Amazing Conspiracies, Anti-Masons, and Hoaxes
289

Chapter 19: Ten Cool Masonic Places 301

Part VI: Appendixes 305

Appendix A: The Regius Manuscript 307

Appendix B: Anderson’s Constitutions 329

Appendix C: Finding a Lodge 335

Index 347

Over de auteur

Christopher Hodapp has been an active Freemason and board
member in his home state of Indiana for many years and holds
memberships in several national Masonic organizations. He has
written numerous articles and has contributed to several
documentaries about Masonry. He is editor of the Journal of the
Masonic Society and has authored and co-authored several books on
the topic including The Templar Code For Dummies and Conspiracy
Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies.