Was Joseph Smith Masonic?

[The Joseph Smith family] was a Masonic family which lived by and practiced the estimable and admirable tenets of Freemasonry. The father, Joseph Smith, Sr., was a documented member in upstate New York. He was raised to the degree of Master Mason on May 7, 1818 in Ontario Lodge No. 23 of Canandaigua, New York.

What degree is a master mason?

The third degree symbolizes man’s maturity in life or age and his increase in knowledge and wisdom. The last of the lodge ceremonies, the Master Mason degree completes the initiation ceremonies into the fraternity, and the new Master Mason may enjoy both the rights and responsibilities of membership.

What does the Catholic Church say about Masons?

In 1983, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, with the personal approval of Pope John Paul II, issued a Declaration on Masonic Associations, which reiterated the Church’s objections to Freemasonry.

What goes on inside the Mormon Temple?

Inside temples, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints perform sacred ordinances or ceremonies. When members take part in these ordinances, they show their commitment to follow Jesus Christ and receive blessings and direction from God.

What happens when you get sealed in the Mormon temple?

Faithful Latter Day Saints believe civil marriages are dissolved at death, but that a couple who has been sealed in a temple will be married beyond physical death and the resurrection if they remain faithful. This means that in the afterlife they and their family will be together forever.

Is the Mormon temple endowment a copy of Freemasonry?

Over the years much mythology was added to Freemasonry. Much of the Mormon temple endowment is a copy of masonic temple ceremonies, including the signs, tokens, and much of the wording. Some people might say well, Joseph Smith probably got these things from revelations given to him by God.

Are the Masonic symbols on LDS temple garments similar to Freemasons?

The masonic symbols that Freemasons use on their logo, which appear on most masonic lodges and temples, the square and compass, are exactly the same symbols that appear on LDS temple garments, along with the masonic guage.

Are temple ceremonies mentioned in the Book of Mormon?

Even the Book of Mormon, which Joseph Smith said was the “most correct book on earth”, never even mentions temple ceremonies. Not even once! If the temple ceremonies came from the time of Adam, as some LDS claim, then why wouldn’t they be in the Bible, or at least the Book of Mormon?

What is the relationship between Freemasonry and the LDS Church?

Mormon temple worship shares an extensive commonality of symbols, signs, vocabulary and clothing with Freemasonry, including robes, aprons, handshakes, ritualistic raising of the arms, etc. Even the symbols on LDS temple garments precisely the same the major symbols of a Freemason, which are tools of a stone mason.