The book of mormon talks about how bad secret combinations (secret societies) are. The best example is the Gadianton robbers. Freemasonry would fall into this category. Also, the mormon temple ceremony has so much in common with the freemason ceremony that it could be classified as a secret society as well (only the temple ceremonies of the mormon church). I guess my real question may be, how can mormons justify the temple ceremony if the same thing is condemned in the book of mormon?
2007-07-02 07:48:15 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
A secret society is an organization that conceals its activities and membership from outsiders.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_society
It doesn't mean it's existence is secret.
You think taking blood oaths, swearing your life that you won't talk about the ceremonies isn't keeping it secret? (This applies to mormonism and freemasonry)
2007-07-02 15:15:09 · update #1
I am a third degree Freemason and also a Temple recommend holder I find it no problem to be both except for time. Freemasonry is not a secret society nor a religion. The Church will never come out against the masons as a few of the Prophets were masons.
2007-07-02 19:37:23 · answer #1 · answered by saintrose 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Well it seems like you have read the Book of Mormon or parts of it, that makes me glad. It is true secret combination are not seen as a good thing, however notice how those secret combinations in the Book of Mormon only did evil things. In our Temples we do not do evil things. Maybe you have heard the common phrase: what goes on in the Temple is not secret, it simply sacred. The Temple is the Lord's house, in the time of Moses not just anyone could enter the Temple and it is the same now. You must be worthy (not perfect, but worthy) meaning that you are living up to necessary standards and are trying to live as Christ would.
2007-07-06 00:41:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
first, freemasonry is not a secret society, it is a society with secrets, and yes there is a difference. a secret society is a little known or unknown to the people in general, and not recognized by the people in the society. Freemasons will tell you that they are Freemasons, but someone in the Illuminati will deny membership. as for the Mormons, it isn't the ceremony, it is the belonging to a secret society that is the problem. any one can be a Freemason as long as they recognize the great architect of the universe. they do not have to believe in god. that said there are degrees in freemasonry that do require you to be a professed christian, the Knights Templar is one of them.
2007-07-02 07:58:51 · answer #3 · answered by richard b 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
When I was LDS, I was informed that we were not allowed to be Freemasons. I was a temple recommend carrying member and I am sure my bishop was not mistaken.
They do not condemn the ceremonies of "secret combinations" (- I always thought that term was extremely stupid -) but they condemn organizations which conduct themselves in secret. Which leads to your next question. "Why do they condemn secret organizations when they themselves conduct their temple operations in secrecy?"
They SAY the reason things in the temple are hush-hush is that it is sacred and that there is a difference between something being sacred and something being secret. Personally, in this instance, I don't see the difference. It's very secretive.
2007-07-02 07:56:40 · answer #4 · answered by Candidus 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Mormons And Masons
2016-11-11 03:23:05 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mormon Freemason
2017-01-04 13:38:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a mormon and we are not secretive. The reason everyone is not invited to the temple is because you first have to be a member of the church. Second you have to go and have a interview to make sure your are clean and not a bad person. Then you can go to the temple but you have to wear all white because white is pure. IF you want more info go to.... www.lds.org it will explain all you need to know or you can just read the scriptures.
2007-07-02 09:07:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
Pretty much amen to Richard B. Mormons are anything but a secret society. You know all about our missionary program. The temple ceremonies are sacred and reserved for those that are willing and able to keep the covenants made there. We openly invite all to partake.
2007-07-02 08:04:04 · answer #8 · answered by Senator John McClain 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Joseph Smith and his inner circle WERE Masons. The Gadiantons were based on the Masons.
2007-07-02 08:03:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
To say that Masons, and our temples, are "secret societies" begs the question:
If they are supposed to be so secret, then why are the temples (ours and the Masons) so OUT IN THE OPEN? I mean, when you see a Masonic temple, it's no secret that this is a MASONIC TEMPLE. And when you see an LDS temple, it's DEFINATELY no secret that this is an LDS TEMPLE. So, how can they be "SECRET" societies if their presence is no secret?
It makes no sense to me.
2007-07-02 14:25:05 · answer #10 · answered by mormon_4_jesus 7 · 1⤊ 4⤋