Masons examine 'The Lost Symbol'

Published on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 10:14 PM PDT
Joe Ciriello, Special to the Kern Valley Sun

As most folks know, author Dan Brown wrote the best selling novel The DaVinci Code. His latest novel is the “The Lost Symbol.” In this novel the dominant theme is Freemasonry, which Brown portrays as important, benevolent, historically significant and mysterious.

According to the California Freemason “The Lost Symbol” uses the mystique of Freemasonry as the backdrop for the entire plot. The story is set in Washington D.C. Harvard Symbology professor Robert Langdon races against the clock to crack codes, uncover ancient mysteries, investigate the symbols and tenets of Freemasonry and locate a legendary “Masonic pyramid” with the secrets to human potential.

While Brown takes some dramatic license for his story, the Freemason says that overall he is very respectful to Masonry, calling it one of the most unfairly maligned and misunderstood organizations in the world.

Brown says, “In this age when different cultures are killing each other over whose definition of God is better, one could say the Masonic tradition of tolerance and open-mindedness is commendable. Moreover, Masonry is open to men of all races, colors and creeds and provides a spiritual fraternity that does not discriminate in any way.”

At the end of the day, “The Lost Symbol” may well do for Masonry what “Top Gun” did for the Navy – send droves of men to inquire about membership. While Brown’s book casts Freemasonry in a positive light it has a few inaccuracies.

To clear up those inaccuracies and to invite our community to see our Lodge for yourselves The Masons of Kern Valley Lodge #827 would like to invite our friends and neighbors to an evening of fellowship and information about the Masonic fraternity.

On Wednesday evening, April 28 at 7:00 p.m., at 562 James Road in Kernville, John Cooper III, Past Secretary of the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of California will be our guest speaker. He will speak on “The Lost Symbols” and its references to Freemasonry.