<P> Darkness Visible: A Christian Appraisal of Freemasonry is a 1952 book on Freemasonry written by Anglican clergyman Walton Hannah . Darkness Visible has been influential among Christians, cited by both the General Synod of the Church of England and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as a reason for their concern about the compatibility of Freemasonry and Christianity . </P> <P> Addressing the book primarily to Anglicans, Hannah attempted to demonstrate that Freemasonry was incompatible with Christianity in general and avoided discussion of Masonic conspiracies . He did praise Freemasonry, saying that many Masons were of the "highest distinction and repute" and commending Freemasonry's charitable works . Hannah's criticisms were focused upon the texts of Masonic rituals . </P> <P> Darkness Visible is in two sections . In the first section, various elements of Freemasonry are argued to be incompatible with Christianity . These include the harsh nature of Masonic obligations (oaths) and the religious aspects of Freemasonry . He also lists the condemnations of Freemasonry by various Christian denominations . The second section discusses Masonic rituals, particularly the first degree initiation ceremony, the second degree passing ceremony and the third degree raising ceremony, and a reprint of Darkness Visible claimed that the book was used by new initiates for learning their initiation rituals, as it was easier to use than official Masonic copies . </P>

The light of a master mason is darkness visible