Exploring the Connection Between Mormons and Masons

by Matthew B. Brown, Dave Maller

Exploring the Connection Between Mormons and Masons Matthew B. Brown Why did Joseph Smith become a Freemason? Who introduced Freemasonry into Nauvoo, Illinois, in the early 1840s? Do the Masons really descend from the stonemasons who built King Solomon's temple? Is there an ancient relationship between the Masonic lodge rites and the Mormon temple ordinances? The subject of Joseph Smith and Freemasonry sparks a wide range of responses among Latter-day Saints, from curiosity to suspicion to outright excitement. In this helpful guide, trusted LDS scholar Matthew B. Brown clearly and skillfully addresses the subject's history, theology, traditional understandings, and myths. Entering the upper room of Joseph Smith's red brick store, which was used as a temporary Masonic lodge room as well as a provisional temple, readers consider provocative questions as well as meaningful scriptural patterns and interfaith connections. With research ranging from the particular to the panoramic, this volume offers engaging, edifying exploration of the relationship between the ritual practices of Freemasonry and the blessings of the House of the Lord. Audio Book on 3 CDs. Narrated by Dave Maller.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds, History, Church, Mormonism

4 pages, Audio CD

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Matthew B. Brown (1964–2011) was an author and historian whose emphasis was on the history and doctrine of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. He wrote several books published by Covenant Communications, and also published articles for the Neal A. Maxwell Institute of Religious Scholarship at BYU and FAIR (now FairMormon).

source: about the author in "Ancient Temple Worship"

Reviews

[Lyle Beefelt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Matthew Brown misses the mark. As a mormon and a freemason with long experience with both rituals, the historical connections between the masonic lodge in Nauvoo and the temple ceremonies introduced in Nauvoo are too obvious to ignore. Mr. Brown's scholarly research leads him to the conclusion that masonic ritual has its roots in ancient christian ritual as opposed to masonry's mythic origins surrounding the building of King Solomon's temple. This potentially true but inconclusive. Even Mr. Brown admits that there is no conclusive documentation for the origins of freemasonry.

Unfortunately, when Mr. Brown lapses into the role of mormon apologist, he leaves scholarship behind. He weakly tries to distance the temple endowment for masonic ritual by setting up then knocking down a series of "straw men". However, poking holes in the most speculative theories regarding masonry does not actually explain the connections.

I'm still waiting for the scholarly work that adequately addresses the many masonics forms and symbols that found they way, though some only temporarily, into the temple ceremony. After buying two such attempts by "respected LDS scholars", I think I'll borrow the next book first.

[Cameron · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a Mormon, I was very much intrigued by the idea of exploring the connection that the church, and more specifically temple worship, share with Freemasonry. I had only a slight knowledge of Freemasons and their practices before this book, and was quite aware of some of the similarities. However, this book, which has numerous flaws of presentation, didn't leave me much wiser about the subject and felt like a grasping defense of something that probably didn't need to be defended.

Because of the sacred/secret nature of both parties and their rites attempting to be explored, little can be gleaned by anyone without a specific working knowledge of at least Mormonism or Freemasonry, simply because very little is actually said about either. As the book progresses, it became clear that the author was deliberately trying to distance any connection between Mormonism and Masonry as much as possible, somewhat undercutting the title of the book itself.

All in all, that is a fine stance to take. However, it becomes increasingly defensive on the point, even to where referencing a footnote in the obscure 1599 Geneva Bible is put forth as established proof on one subject. Also, redefining a clear definition of the term "Masonry" is also attempted. The "protesting too much" principle seems to be in effect.

Though I am admittedly not as informed as the author or many other people on the matter, I think the true crux of the argument lies in Appendix 2, hidden at the back of the book. It is an incredibly brief collection of quotes about Masonry being an apostate (meaning altered significantly over the course of time) version of what Mormons practice today in holy temples. Rather than spending the whole of the book defending the position that Joseph Smith's induction as a Mason and the church's involvement in Masonry in Nauvoo was practically incidental, this seems to be the more interesting, logical and powerful point to cover.

It is, of course, a difficult subject to address in any book, especially as it concerns people's faith. However, despite the volumes of references cited, the mark seems to have been missed on this attempt. And, when little information can be shared because of its sensitivity (and rightfully so, to the author's credit), little information can really be gleaned.

[Quinn Lavender · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book totally misses the mark. There are extreme similarities between Masonic initiation ceremonies and the Mormon temple endowment. Yes, there are other similarities as well....but when people talk about the "similarities between Mormons and Masons" they are talking about the connections in their respective temples. This book is nearly silent on why the ceremonies are so similar. You have to wait clear until Appendix 2 of the book to get a few quotes from past Mormon leaders about why they are so similar.

Additionally, the author's logic failed me on a couple of points. Great time and effort is spent to "disprove" that Masonic rites are, in fact, a remnant of ancient Solomonic temple rites, by pointing out that many Masonic symbolism is "borrowed" from early Catholic monastic symbolism. Great, so the Masonic rituals can't be "true" because Catholic monks and nuns were doing them first. Okay. No attempt is made to explain where the early Catholics got their symbolism and rituals. And, furthermore, following the same logic: Mormon temple symbolism and rituals (specifically the endowment) can't be "true" because they were being done after the Masons. Oh, but wait: the Mormon "version" IS true because it was established by revelation. I am Mormon and I do believe in modern-day revelation, so I'm okay with this answer...but it now it does not explain why the Masons (and apparently the early Catholics) ended up with versions so close to the truth.

Since temple covenants are among the most sacred to Mormons, there is a general reluctance to speak of details that occur inside the Mormon temple (and again, I am Mormon and abide by the same principle.) But I guess my thought is: why write a book about a subject that you can't really delve in to? This book left more questions than answers.

[Rae · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book--and was mostly unfulfilled. The information here is interesting but I felt like the author was condescending and defensive much of the time. Neither a Mormon nor a Mason would get much out of the superficial information presented here. And Brown needed a better editor. The book is not particularly well-written (I know because I read it out loud to my husband while traveling...the writing doesn't really flow). Perhaps it was written quickly to ride the Lost Symbol tide?

All that being said, I did like the final conclusions of the book regarding the supposed linking of the LDS temple ceremonies with Masonry--the idea that it all goes back to a more spiritual ceremony from God. I don't think any book can really do this subject justice. Both ceremonies are sacred to those involved, and therefore somewhat secret, and the LDS ceremony relies heavily on the subjectiveness of the Spirit to teach the participant. Arguing or trying to prove things one way or the other just won't suffice.

[Viliami · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Exploring the Connection Between Mormons and Masons" - Matthew Brown

If I wrote a book on the Mormon Masonic connection it would go like this.

"There is an obvious connection between the Masonic ritual and the structure and presentation
of the Mormon endowment. That's pretty much where the connection ends." (Pauni. Knopf 2012, pg.1 of 1)

That's it. That would be my whole book. But the late great Matthew Brown wrote a very good book with Mormons and Masons. His research was thorough and his language and logic were really accessible. I disagreed with a number of his conclusions but the Chapter notes were worth the price of the book.

The last time I saw Matt was at Seagull Book. He was doing a book signing. We had met prior to that at a conference so when he had a few minutes we chopped it up a bit. I think we talked mostly about his conclusions regarding the use of the Masonic distress signal by Joseph. (I think more along the lines of Gregory Kearney.) I think Matt was a fine scholar and contributed a great deal to Mormon thought and scholarship.

[Ben · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book lacks academic integrity, it's poor quality writing.

Whatever the truth of the relationship between Mormonism and Freemasons, this book does little to clarify it. This book picks facts and presents half-truths in the cheapest, easiest way to reassure those who might fear that Mormonism's rituals are a pantomime of borrowings. Matt Brown should take a lesson from Richard Bushman- present the facts thoroughly, honestly, and justify your interpretation with a little respect for your readers' critical thinking skills.

[Tayler Morrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember when this came out in 2009. I had just finished my college exams for the semester and was at BYU’s campus bookstore to buy my reward of a book for finishing another semester. I saw this on the shelf after I already purchased a book and knew I wanted to read it sometime.

I have always been interested in esoteric/religious history, especially after reading The Secret History of the World. Growing up, I had heard that Masons were bad and that Mormons were accused of taking things from Masonic rituals and putting it in their theology and rituals was anti-Mormon. But, as an adult, I realized that Masons weren’t evil, and that yes there are some similarities between Mormons and Masons, especially when it comes to the different things that happen in LDS temples.

What I loved about this book is that it did show similiarities between the two, but proved that Mormons did not base anything off Masons. The author used a lot of primary sources, although I felt his argument was a little week at a few times when he “proved” things saying that God had revealed it and using only Mormon scriptures…I mean, I believed it, but those who don’t believe God talks today or in Mormonism would just shrug off what he had to say.

One of the most interesting points he made was the the Masonic rituals were actually proved to be based of not only the medieval mystery plays (which were super-uber religious), but also from texts of the early Christian Church on what they did and how they practiced. So, if one argues that the LDS temples are Masonic in origin, you could really just skip Masonry as the middleman and say that LDS temples are based off early Christianity. Brown was also able to compare what Mormons did in temples to a lot of different rituals or symbols that different monastic orders use and do.

Now, to what point Masonry and Mormonism are similar, based off each other, coincidental, I don’t know and doubt I ever truly will. I doubt anyone will ever really truly be able to prove anything in anyway. What is important is how I feel and who I keep at the head of my mind while in the temple–Christ.

[Darrin Landroché · Rating 1 out of 5]

I believe that this title should be "A Shrewd Attempt at Trying To Make Mormon and Masonic Rituals and Symbols Look Dissimilar". Although I understood that the author is an LDS apologist, I hoped for less assumption that the reader believed in the truthfulness of temple ceremonies. It's clear through the first several chapters that the belief in the inspiration of Joseph Smith, the veracity of the Priesthood, etc etc is implicit in his arguments. One example is found in the first chapter: "It is apparent that the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are genuine houses of the Lord, while the Masonic lodges do not attempt to take upon themselves such a lofty and holy status. the 'temple' of the Freemasons is just an allegorical instruction device, whereas the Mormon temple is a replica of the hallowed sanctuaries of biblical times." This tone of implicit belief does not diminish through the book. It is filled with logical fallacy and propaganda. The most unfortunate part may be the final chapter, where the author seemingly attempts to claim Masonry is instead derived from 'The Church' or 'The Priesthood'. "Masonry had its origin in the Priesthood. A hint to the wise is sufficient" or "The LDS temple ordinances are 'the true origin of Masonry.'"

In summary, this seems like a misguided attempt to comfort confused temple-going members of the church with a tone of scholarship, but without the heart of it.

[Kole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. At first I was tentative in reading this book thinking it would be a little dry. Glad it wasn't. It was a quick read with lots of great information on the connection between Mormons and Masons.

One thing I liked is the balance of helping the reader see and understand the connection Mormons and Masons and doing this in a delicate way. There are rituals and ordinances that are sacred to each organization and the author made sure to stick to published sources and treat them these things with the respect they deserve.

I also appreciated the chapter with the timeline showing how Joseph Smith was prepared long before his Masonic time to receive the ordinances of the temple. This development was revealed precept upon precept to Joseph over many years.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to see and understand this connection better.

[Colleen Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first significant foray into Mormonism and its links to Masonry. For a starter inquiry, was a good choice. The book covers many facets of the topic, from origins of the fraternity to early Saints who embraced Masonry to symbolism and myths. However, the author, a faithful believer, goes too far at times in "disconnecting" the two practices -- not at the expense of his scholarship, which I think is solid. Rather, I can't help wondering why he doesn't entertain with any degree of possibility ideas stemming from the premise that Masonry could indeed have significantly influenced the LDS temple ritual. Still the amount of information and deep sourcing make for a useful tome.

[James Biser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good historical treatise concerning Masons and the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Questions are presented and answered concerning similarities between temple ordinances and Masonry.

[Zachary Foser · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is interesting and tries to stay neutral on controversial topics but, I feel that it fails to do so. It is very one sided and fails to make connections that make since between the two groups.

[Jessica Tenney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but thought it would explore more similarities as outlined in the Appendixes. A decent commentary.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bit dry and hard to follow. Is there an Appendix 3 as referenced?

[Sabra Ann Rasmussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good... i learned a lot about the background of the Masons and the very big differences between the two organizations.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent commentary for any speculation on the connection between these two very different groups.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was difficult to ascertain to whom the author was directing his information. Mr. Brown takes it for granted that the reader will share the spiritual beliefs of the LDS Church, yet his defensive tone is unnecessary for an LDS reader. Those reading to satisfy a curiosity of LDS ordinances will gain very little here; those well versed in the Temple ceremonies will find many correlations to the Masonic rituals.

Here’s how I see it: If the ceremonies practiced in the LDS Temples come from God (having originated anciently), the argument of whether the Masons did it first is irrelevant. If they didn’t come from God, and they were ‘stolen’ from the Masons, remember that the Masons also ‘stole’ them from the Israelites. According to Brown’s records, however, not at any time did the Masonic leadership accuse any of the founders of the LDS Church of sharing their secret rites. I fall into the former camp, believing the components to originate anciently and portions carried through time, sometimes falling prey to the whims of man. This goes for the argument that all things Christian were at one time pagan. I simply believe that before they were pagan, they were Adamic.

"Latter-day Saints view the ordinances as a revealed restoration of ancient temple ceremony and only incidentally related to Freemasonry. The two are not antithetical, however, nor do they threaten each other, and neither institution discourages research regarding the ancient origins of their two ceremonies."

Overall, it was an interesting read, but just as it wouldn’t resolve questions someone has about the LDS Temples, it didn’t satisfy my desire to know more about the Masons.

[Joe Wisniewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out slowly. I felt it was really going to be a superficial read, however I wasn't ultimately disappointed. The "meat" of this book ties together very nicely with the expansion of temple ordinance work between that which was performed in Kirtland and Nauvoo. In fact, close attention to this book provides an enlightened view of parts of the D&C.

The vast majority of the claimed relationships/borrowing from the Masons has as much to do with the unspecified origins of the Masons as much as anything else.

No one denies that JS and many of the church leadership at the time were Masons. It is however more akin to modern-day membership in philanthropic organizations or other groups or clubs which members of the church might be engaged with. Except however, that JS recognized that the Masons were probably first and foremost attempting to be an organization that helped to mold men according to well accepted morals and ethics. These were common goals of society, not only in the Mormon church or the Masons. As such any perceived overlap of temple design, worship, artifacts were known by JS much earlier in his life than at the time of this induction into the Masons and latter construction of the Nauvoo temple. A well-researched read.

It would have been much more helpful if a graphically displayed time line was included in the book that illustrated the various relationships of dates when certain events occurred and when JS would have been aware of claimed Mason influences.

[Christi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book hoping to learn more about the similarities between the Mason and the temple ceremonies, especially as Joseph Smith introduced them. Instead it was a well-researched, well-written defense showing that Joseph didn't, or couldn't have, stolen the Mason's ceremonies, and that instead any similarities between the two come from the fact that the Masonic ceremonies originated in early Christianity, which uses many of the same elements as the temple. So that was a little disappointing. I ended up reading it quickly and just picking out the things I thought would be interesting. I particularly enjoyed the chapter focusing only on showing evidences of Joseph's thinking before the temple ceremony was introduced. It was fun to see that timeline drawn out. Interestingly, the book doesn't mention polygamy at all even though it was happening at the same time in Nauvoo and even though the book DOES mention the introduction of eternal marriage. It was still a good book, it just didn't do what I thought it would do. Ultimately, it's not one I'd recommend--there must be something better out there. For further study though, I'd recommend reading the notes at the end of each chapter; there are very good sources listed in there.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

It certainly makes one uncomfortable. We all know Joseph could receive revelation, and that he didn't need help from the Masons, but such an intense interest? It does make one think. I got the impression Brown was suggesting that men were acting so dishonorably towards the church, he felt he needed support from honorable men and chose the Masons.
71:Freemasonry is the one of the strongest binding contracts that exists between man and man. John Taylor
95: The object of our religion is to make us more intelligent than we could be without it.
118: On 30 March, 1842, the Prophet said that the Relief Society was going to become a "kingdom of Priests" as in ancient days.

142:Newel K. Whitney said that the Relief Society was to be organized "after the pattern of the Prieshood" so as to prepare them to receive the initiation ordinances of the Nauvoo Temple. In other words, the Relief Society was to function partly as a way station for women before they became part of "kingdom of Preistesses."

Really, the source notes and chapter endings are almost as much fun to read as the book itself.

[Apzmarshl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brown tidily lays out why LDS temples and temple ordinance work is not founded or copied from Freemasonry. The book, as non-fiction is informative, especially the footnotes, but not a wild and intense read. Much of the information you probably already knew if you are LDS. Also, because Brown did not want to leak or slander the sacred LDS ordinances or Freemason rituals, there was actually little he could say......which is probably why you picked the book up in the first place (to get all of the nitty gritty!).
Brown does a good job of laying out the facts in a timeline fashion so that they are easy to understand. And he proves his point well.....if you already agreed with the point he was making. However, if you are not LDS, you probably don't really care about what he has to say. He assumes that the reader will count revelation, visions, and other spiritual activity as a plausable way of gleening information. While I do.......not everyone does. So, you could be left saying.........'Well, the whole shebang could have just been lied about or made up."

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating reading. I had heard some of the "myths" that Brown points out, but I had no idea of the depth of the supposed connections.

Brown did a good job of laying out the information and the evidence to support his claims. What I most missed was a more in-depth analysis of why things are said or believed. I also wanted more information on how Brigham Young changed things from the original (apart from the fact that Joseph Smith instructed him to standardize things and make things flow better). It would also have been interesting to trace any other changes through the years to the ceremonies of both (or either) groups.

Of course, this book is just about "Exploring the Connections" so I can accept that there was not more detail. It just left me wanting more, which may be a good thing if Brown wants to write a follow-up.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is great book. It seems well-written and was an interesting read. Matthew Brown is very respectful towards both the Masons and the Mormons, as he respectfully deals with their histories, leaders, and secret/sacred things that go on within their lodges and temples. The book isn't really super detailed on any one topic, but Brown seems to cover all the bases, providing a basic understanding. He separates fact from myth, and fleshes each of those out a bit. I love that Brown has endnotes for every chapter and a bibliography with a list of sources several pages long--that all helped to make his book feel more trustworthy.

In short, I would recommend this book if you're interested in this topic... :)

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I have ancestors who were Masons, beginning with my father, I read this book as more of a curiosity. Growing up, I spent a great deal of time in Masonic lodges because of my involvement in Junior Stars, the young woman's arm of Masonry.
I found the book to be very interesting and informative reading, and it answered questions I had about the origins of Masonry. I concluded that Masons originated with the Priesthood and not the other way around, as claimed by some. The explanations of Masonic symbols was most helpful in my quest to understand the connection between Mormon temples and Masonic lodges.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need a rating category that is 3 1/2 stars. This is a very scholarly treatment of the subject. There are extensive footnotes and source documentation. But don't let that scare you off. I enjoyed reading this because it was so well researched. I liked the history timeline of Joseph Smith joining the Masons and the introducing of the temple endowment. Lots of good tidbits for thought. I especially liked the chapter entitled History, Theory and Myth. The author explores 15 statements about the connection between Mormons and Masons, and either refutes them, or confirms them. Very interesting book - and very well written.

[Cnjbillhimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a subject that has long been on my to-read-about list. I was not disappointed. Very well researched and organized, notation was extensive and intriguing in itself, subject is well-covered.
From the inside jacket cover-
"Why did Joseph Smith become a Freemason?...Do the Masons really descend from the stonemasons who built King Soloman's Temple? Is there an ancient relationship between the Masonic lodge rites and the Mormon temple ordinances?...Readers will consider provocative questions as well as meaningful scriptural patterns and interfaith connections."

[Cyndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't know much about the Freemasons and when I had something thrown at me I decided to investigate a bit. It turned out what I thought it would be, there are similarities, just as there are similarities with other religions. What the Mormons claim is that their church is a restoration of the original church, before it went through modifications after the death of Christ. Research abounded, though I thought Brown's assertions were a bit of a stretch at times. Overall, I learned a lot and will probably look into this again at a future date.

[Rex Cluff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a examination of the alleged connection between Masonic symbols and Mormon symbols. Although Mr. Brown did some extensive research, he did not present it in this volume other than to give an overview of his findings. I would have liked to read more deeply on the subject. Overall, what he presented agreed with what I had already deduced on the subject with a couple of new thoughts for me to add to my mental file on the topic. I liked what I read but would have liked to read more.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I was the target audience for this book. The relationship between the Mormons and the Masons was discussed in generalities that required familiarity, not only with masonry and mormon temple ordinances, but also with the discussion and lore surrounding this topic . . . which I am not. Still - what I was able to digest and understand - it was quite interesting.

[Cam]

Just when I was about to give up on this book, it got interesting! Especially to see the parallels and differences between mormons and masons. This book is a shorter read that it appears, there are several pages of notes/siting sources after each chapter- that helped me get through it! There were times I was really bored with the info, and times where it got very intriguing!