There has been discussion that the LDS Temple Ceremonies are stolen from Masonic Ceremonies.
Are they similar, and if so, what would be the reason for this similarity?
2007-04-23 07:39:21 · 13 answers · asked by Sister blue eyes 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
They are more than similar. I had a tape, called "What's Going On In There?" - produced by a bunch of ex-Mormons...they did a bunch of the Mormon ceremonies for the video....and I had been telling my father (a lifelong Mason) that Mormon and Masonic rituals have many similarities.
Dad saw the tape. I showed it to him. He was shocked. When I asked him: "Well....are they the same?" All he did was shake his head "Yes". And looked ashamed.
2007-04-23 07:48:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
I read, by an LDS author, that they are indeed similar. His explaination was that PRIOR to the Gospel being restored, truth was had by many different peoples around the world. However, none of them had ALL of the truth. Therefore it is perfectly understandable that some churches and peoples, groups and societies, might have (to varying degrees) part of the truth, but not all. One such group was the Masons. Also, just because a person/church/group/society has truth doesn't mean they know where it came from or what it means or what to do with it, as it relates to the big picture (which they don't have).
Here's the article. UPDATE: Oops, wrong link. I'm still looking for the right one, but the one below also answers many questions, just not the one you're asking. Hold on, I'll be back with a new link.
2007-04-23 14:55:43 · answer #2 · answered by Tonya in TX - Duck 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
They are similar. There are also similarities in Mayan temples to the temples of the Old Testament, yet most people would not claim that the Mayans stole the temple format from the Jews. LDS members believe that the truth was given in the beginning and over time parts of it have changed as people spread out or stopped following the prophets. These doctrines surface in beliefs around the world and point to a single truth which is the truth as revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith and taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
2007-04-23 14:50:12 · answer #3 · answered by moonman 6 · 6⤊ 1⤋
There was a recent TV program actually showing the Masonic initiation. The two are as different as night and day, from what I saw. The similiarity is very superficial. The Masonic reinactment depicted the time of Solomon. The LDS ordinance doesn't mention it at all.
2007-04-23 16:21:32 · answer #4 · answered by Isolde 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know if they have similar ceremonies or not. One could easily just bypass that accusation by saying that the Masonic Ceremonies were performed as God wished them to be. After all, Mormons also practice many rituals outlined in the Bible and as such I do not see them as stealing them but using them because they feel that is how God wishes them to worship him.
2007-04-23 14:47:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
That is no surprise, since Joseph Smith is associated with Masonic brotherhood.
But "Stolen" is hardly the right word. There are similarities, and there are many differences.
There is an article on fairlds.org that may explain what you asking.
2007-04-23 16:09:05 · answer #6 · answered by Wahnote 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
There are similarities, the reasons lie in the fact that Joseph Smith used them in creating his inspirations.
2007-04-23 14:42:20 · answer #7 · answered by ɹɐǝɟsuɐs Blessed Cheese Maker 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
I agree with Tonya in TX
2007-04-23 15:33:46 · answer #8 · answered by cclleeoo 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
They were. Joseph Smith was a Mason. Google "Mormon Masonic" and you'll see.
2007-04-23 14:42:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
J smith did just as muhamid did... he blatently took things from many different "religions"... he was not smart enough to make up something on his own...except he did get a good con going...and then his "followers" took it over from him and made the real profit from the so-called prophet
2007-04-23 14:44:43 · answer #10 · answered by idahomike2 6 · 0⤊ 5⤋