Book Record - The Secret History of the World by Jonathan Black.

Paperback, 575 pages, 10/10.

"The Secret History of the World" by Jonathan Black delves into alternative belief systems within ancient paganism and mystical Christianity, exploring hidden traditions and the influence of secret societies like Freemasons and Rosicrucians. 

The book presents a narrative where humanity's connection with spirits and deities diminishes over time, leading to a reliance on scientific methods for understanding creation. 

Despite its ambitious scope, the book has faced mixed reviews. While some praise its originality and mind-boggling content, others criticise its lack of substantial documentation and hazy sources. 

I found the book intriguing yet challenging due to its complex narrative and mystical themes. Overall, "The Secret History of the World" offers a unique perspective on history and spirituality, blending esoteric beliefs with historical events to create a thought-provoking read.

The main thesis revolves around the idea that humanity's origins are deeply intertwined with the spirit world. 

The book explores how ancient mystery schools, such as the Freemasons and Rosicrucians, passed down esoteric knowledge that connected humans with spirits and deities. It suggests that over time, humanity lost its direct connection with the spirit world, leading to a reliance on scientific methods for understanding existence. 

Booth's narrative delves into the shift from a world where spirits were as real as the material world to our current state where belief in disembodied spirits is challenging. The book emphasises the importance of recognizing the irrational elements in life and challenges orthodox religious teachings that prioritize blind belief over experiential knowledge of the spirit realms.

Imagination is the key…