Sworn in Secret: Freemasonry and the Knights Templar

Excellent book providing great evidence and connections regarding the Templars and inspirations of Freemasonry. Holst does a fantastic job describing Phoenician history and offers a deeper insight into how Freemasonry began. A must read for anyone interested in learning about this "society with secrets" from a more or less objective approach

This is the best book about the history of Freemasonry that I have ever read. That is because most books I've seen that delved into the history of Freemasonry have been written by people who were simply Freemasons. This book is written by someone who is both a Freemason and a historian, and it shows in his reasoning and in the depth of detail about the Knights Templar and the times in which they lived that you just can't get from Masonic writers such as Pike and Mackey. They are good, but Holst is more modern and has a more readable writing style than they, along with his wealth of research. Holst makes, to my mind, a very good argument for there to be a connection between the Knights Templar and Freemasonry, and it is consistent with what I already know about linguistics and life in the medieval era. It is also not the typical argument that I've seen. This book is well worth reading

'just finished reading Sworn in Secret: Freemasonry and Knights Templar by Sanford Hoist. In line with John J Robinson's Born in Blood, this book with high probability wont get a heartfelt endorsement from mainstream Grand Lodges as it traces the connection/origin of Freemasonry to Knights Templar. Most especially, the book will get trashed by anti-Mason liberals and conservatives alike as the author connects the founding of US by personages who happened to be Freemasons--- men who knew the importance of freedom, tolerance and an ideal bigger than themselves. The author/historian presented his research in plain language without masonic terms and lingo that irritate some uninitiated readers. A worthy reading material and source of light---- recommend to all Masons or non Masons. Truth is what we want to believe.

I loved this book and learned so much! Author, Sanford Holst, did extensive research for this book, which was in depth & well written. If this subject interests you, you will learn much history & background information. I hope you like it as much as I have! I plan to read it again to grok this history.

This book takes into account many supposedly beginnings of Freemasonry. It is interesting in that it provides possible unknown reasons for the link between Freemasons and the Templars. Some hyposisis are interesting, to say the least. The Phonecian connection may be a little far fetched.

This book was very informative. I grew up in a Masonic household and became a member of Eastern Star at the age of 18. The teachings have always governed my life, just as those brave men of old intended. I have always felt safe in a Masonic Lodge and knew that I could count on all my Masonic and Eastern Star sisters and brothers. I have been a member for 47 years and have learned so many things from this book. Thank you.

Provides a more intelligent history of the masonic origins than most. When speculating, the author clearly states that he is speculating .. A much needed book for the masonic history investigator. Expands on Born In Blood and follows the trail of history much farther back in time. If you are an American, and enjoy the freedoms and rights of this country, then you need to understand Freemasonry. Freemasonry, its forms, constitution ,relationship with religion, and education are all mirror images of the US constitution. You live in a Masonically conceived republic this book does much to explain how and why good men suffered and worked for so long to bring forth these freedoms. Also if you are a man that enjoys these freedoms you need to be a free mason.

I found the first half of the book more enjoyable than the second half - I thought the second half got bogged down in a bunch of stuff that I found less interesting. The early part dealt with the formation of the Templars and their success up until King Phillip of France outlawed the Templars so he could confiscate their wealth to help solve his own financial problems.

This book shows how very well intended people long ago started a movement to help society. Eventually when something is too good the dark side of human nature takes hold to benefit of it for their own interests. This book gives the reader the factual honest information - a book for those who want to know why the financial, political and religious universes can corrupt anything of value.

Holst describes the late years of the knights Templar and speculates how they became the free masons. He includes a good amount of material that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Overall, a wonderful book.

SEHR SCHNELLE lIEFERUNG; ALLES OK

Very informative , goes deep into the History of Masonry and The Templars

I absolutely cannot put this book down. It is filled with accurate information which is not always the case. I definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in the early days of Freemasonry.