Title: The boy who cried wolf
First published: 1994
Description: While history reveals numerous attacks against Freemasonry since its founding, some of the most potentially damning assaults in this century have been launched in the last two or three years. Religious leaders, such as Ron Carlson and Pat Robertson, have singled out the Order for attack. Basing his premise on a misrepresentation of Masonic texts, Carlson has convinced many of his followers that Freemasonry is rooted in heresy.

Masons, who have traditionally chosen to remain silent in the face of criticism - no matter who the detractors were, what their motives were, or the stakes involved - have generally proved to be an easy target. In The Boy Who Cried Wolf Richard P. Thorn, M.D., shows that the current charges against Masonry come not from ignorance but deliberate misrepresentation. And he is convinced that it is the duty of Freemasons not to turn the other cheek this time but to set the record straight.

Using the same texts on which Carlson bases his accusations, Dr. Thorn demonstrates, point by point, how the material has been deliberately manipulated and misquoted to denounce the Order. Thorn proves that conflicts between Freemasonry and religious beliefs are pure fabrication.

He unequivocally refutes such nonsensical and fraudulant charges (which have unjustly garnered attention in recent times) as Freemasonry was instituted as a religion; it has its origin in the Mystery cults, and its members are taught to practice sun worship, nature worship, and astrology; it is a secret society; and Freemasons believe that good works are a substitute for faith in a Supreme Deity.

Dr. Thorn ably demonstrates through his compassionate defense that Freemasons are commanded to act in a spirit of reconciliation rather than division, following the Masonic principles of Brotherhood, Relief, and Truth.
Subjects: Controversial literature, Religious aspects, Southern Baptist Convention, Religious aspects of Freemasonry, Baptists, Religious fundamentalism, Freemasonry, Fundamentalism, Freemasons
LC classification: HS495 .T39 1994