By Robert L. D. Cooper
My curiosity about anti-Masonry was piqued after I read “Morgan, The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry” so I picked up “The Red Triangle”. I was not disappointed! It is a really informative book on Anti-Masonry- especially when coupled with “Morgan”- that sheds a lot of light on the Anti-Masonry movement that is still alive and well. This book focuses on Europe, but the reader quickly recognizes the fact the same issues and arguments also circulate today in the United States. Two prominent issues in particular jumped out at me- the constant argument over whether Masonry is a relgion and whether brethren abuse their membership in the fraternity through favors and cover ups.
While we’ve likely all found ourselves in conversations over whether Masonry is a religion, this book provides good depth on the argument over whether Masonry is a religion and explains some of the reasons anti-masons are able to so easily level the accusation and convince the uninformed.
“Red Triangle” provides a lengthy study of the perceptions that Masons abuse their membership by giving preferential treatment- particularly in jobs and hiring- to brothers and the perception that Masons in the legal system will cover up wrong-doing by Masons or flat-out protect brothers from prosecution for wrong-doing; a definite carry over from the issue front and center in “Morgan”.
What I like about the book is that it doesn’t say. It does not say “Masonry is (or isn’t) a religion and here’s why” or “Masons will always protect their brothers from the law or other civil punishment and here’s proof”. Rather, the book presents the arguments as they are normally leveled, and then discusses how anti-masons are able to use these beliefs to bolster their arguments. The author gives good examples of Masonic “behaviors” that lend themselves to- apparently- proving or supporting the ideas.
All-in-all a good book that sheds light on why Anti-Masonry is still alive and well and is a good read for the Mason conducting research. This book, coupled with “Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry” gives the Mason a good look at why certain perceptions persist in today’s world and educates us on the need to square our actions and be mindful of how our actions can be misconstrued or misrepresented.
I recommend this book as a companion book to “Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry” to all Master Masons.
Review by Companion Bill Boyd