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Why do Mormon Temple ceremonies have a strong resemblance to Masonic ceremonies?
EcclesJordanTrigger
I wouldn't say there is a strong resemblance, but there is a slight resemblance. The many Masonic ceremonies are longer and more detailed than the Mormon Temple ceremonies.
Most of the Mormon Temple ceremonies are very basic: Baptism simply involves a person being immersed in the water following a short prayer. Confirmations and ordinations are just a blessing with hands layed on the subject's head. Sealings are simply a couple or family kneeling at an altar while a blessing is pronounced on them. The longest and most detailed ceremonies are the washing and endowment, which are similar to some of the ceremonies of the Tabernacle described in the Old Testament. (for example see Exodus 29:4-9 and Leviticus 8:6-13)
Most of the Masonic ceremonies are very different from the Mormon ceremonies. The only similarity to Masonry is in the basic format of the Mormon Endowment ceremony, in which one learns information through symbols, covenants not to reveal that knowledge, and then is tested on that knowledge through recitation before advancing. The actual symbols, and the knowledge and information given is completely different between the Masons and the Mormons.
As for why they are similar, there are many theories but no hard facts. One of the theories is that God revealed to Joseph Smith the covenants and knowledge, and charged him to teach it to the people. Since Joseph had a Masonic background, he knew that that way of teaching was effective and adapted it to fit his needs. Another is that Masonry, coming out of the building of ancient temples, was originally the same as the Mormon ceremony but has changed in the thousands of years since it was created. Of course there is also the theory that Joseph made the whole thing up, although the purpose for him doing so is not evident.
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∙ 12y ago
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Are Mormons concerned with their temple rituals being Masonic?
No. Most members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) who have participated in temple ceremonies know and understand the difference between their ceremonies and those of the Masons. Only one Mormon temple ceremony bears similarity to one Masonic ritual - they follow a similar pattern and that is all. The overall lesson and covenants made are completely different, as are most of the symbols. Many Mormons are Masons and can attest that the ceremonies are not the same.Other Mormons are not concerned simply because they don't care.Another answer:The temple rituals are ancient, and follow a pattern set forth in the Old Testament. That the Masons can read the Old Testament means only that the pattern is made sufficiently clear to those who know scripture.There is also evidence that forms of ancient temple worship were passed on from father to son, and through priestly guilds, since ancient times, and that that the predecessors to Masons may have been privy to that knowledge. N.b. that many of the mysteries of Godliness are kept close by believers to prevent them being trampled by unbelievers. (Luke 2:19, Deut. 29:29, Ps. 25:14, Prov. 3:32, Job 29:4, Judg. 13:18, Dan. 2:19, Dan. 2:28, Amos 3:7, Matt. 13:11, Matt. 13:35, Rom. 16:25-27, 1 Cor. 14:2, and lots more)Any similarity between Masonic ritual, Mormon ritual, and Old Testament ritual comes, in Mormon belief, from the same source: God.
When was Coeur d'Alene Masonic Temple created?
Coeur d'Alene Masonic Temple was created in 1909.
When was Masonic Temple Building-Temple Theater created?
Masonic Temple Building-Temple Theater was created in 1927.
When was Masonic Temple - Lahore - created?
Masonic Temple - Lahore - was created in 1860.
When was Burlington Masonic Temple created?
Burlington Masonic Temple was created in 1897.
When was Lowville Masonic Temple created?
Lowville Masonic Temple was created in 1928.
When was Russellville Masonic Temple created?
Russellville Masonic Temple was created in 1926.
When was Sacramento Masonic Temple created?
Sacramento Masonic Temple was created in 1920.
When was Sparta Masonic Temple created?
Sparta Masonic Temple was created in 1923.
When was Kilbourn Masonic Temple created?
Kilbourn Masonic Temple was created in 1911.
When was Wheatland Masonic Temple created?
Wheatland Masonic Temple was created in 1898.
When was Detroit Masonic Temple created?
Detroit Masonic Temple was created in 1922.
