Bogus Masonry and the Five Stages of Loss and Grief

David Pugh, MPS

Director of the Commission on Bogus Masonic Practices, Phylaxis Society

There are five stages of loss and grief that have been identified by renowned psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross that human beings experience, when faced with the prospect of their own demise or the loss of a loved one. These are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. This paper will examine each of the five stages and discuss my experience with each stage, as I grieved the loss of believing I was a legitimate freemason. On the surface, this may appear to be a trivial comparison. Continue reading →