Temple Ceremonies
-- By Bill McKeever



Scattered throughout the United States and in many countries around the world stand the majestic Mormon temples. These huge structures are believed by many to be similar to church buildings common to Bible-believing Christians; however, what goes on inside does not even closely resemble a Christian worship service.

Mormon temples are used for baptisms for the dead and what is known as "endowment ceremonies" for both the living and the dead. Vicarious baptisms for the dead comprise a great majority of the activity behind temple doors. Mormon Apostle Bruce McConkie explained the endowment ceremony as "certain special, spiritual blessings given worthy and faithful saints in the temples...because in and through them the recipients are endowed with power from on high" (Mormon Doctrine, pg. 226-227). Also performed in the temple are marriages which Mormons feel will last for "time and eternity." Mormon families can also be "sealed" together with the hope that, following this life, they will be reunited as a family unit in eternity.

Changes Made in 1990

The ceremony includes a type of melodrama which explains the LDS view of the creation and fall of man. In the past these dramas were acted out by Mormon temple workers playing such parts as that of Elohim (God the Father) , Jehovah (Jesus), Lucifer, etc. Today, most temples utilize video, making live actors no longer necessary.

Mormon Apostle John Widtsoe stated, "Joseph Smith received the temple endowment and its ritual, as all else he promulgated, by revelation from God" (Joseph Smith - Seeker After Truth, pg. 249). Because of this, Mormons have been told that it can never change. Royden Derrick, a Mormon Seventy, wrote, "Temple ordinances instituted in the heavens before the foundation of the world are for the salvation and exaltation of God's children. It is important that the saving ordinances not be altered or changed, because all of those who will be exalted, from the first man, Adam, to the last, must be saved on the same principles" (Temples in the Last Days, 1987, pg. 36). However, in April of 1990, the ceremony did go through some dramatic revisions, including the portion where Lucifer hires a minister to preach what Mormons view as false doctrine (termed "the orthodox religion" in the ceremony). The pastor is first interviewed by Lucifer who asks him if he has "been to college and received training for the ministry." Lucifer tells the pastor that if he is able to convert people to his "orthodox religion," he will pay him well. Lucifer then takes the preacher to two characters portraying "Adam and Eve" and tells him they "desire religion." The preacher tries to convince Adam to believe in a God who fills the universe, yet is so small that he can dwell in a person's heart, and a God that is surrounded by a myriad of beings who have been saved by grace. He also tries to convince Adam of the perils of hell, "a lake of fire and brimstone where the wicked are cast." Adam, the "good guy" in the scenario, rejects his teachings. Of course this is intended to make Christian pastors to look like hirelings of Satan bent on convincing God's children to believe in a false gospel. Such a scene was highly offensive to Christians as well as to many Mormons. Today, all mention of this minister has been dropped entirely from the ceremony.

The ceremony also included what was known as the "five points of fellowship" which was similar to Freemasonry's "Five Points of Fellowship." Patrons would stand in front of a veil which was marked with a square, compass, a "navel mark," and a "knee mark," (similar to the marks on the temple garment). The temple worker stood behind the veil and placed his hand through one of the "marks." He then asked the patron for a token (handshake). After giving the required handshake, the temple worker and patron were to embrace in a way that the inside of their right feet was touching. They would also be "knee to knee, breast to breast, hand to back, and mouth to ear." Mormons were led to believe that this is how "the Lord" will communicate with them through the veil. Though temple workers still require a "token," the five points of fellowship is no longer a part of the ceremony.

Also removed from the post-1990 ceremony is the "Lecture at the Veil." This lecture was given as a verbal summary of the ordinances, covenants, tokens, and key-words in the Endowment. In this lecture they were again warned "never to speak outside of the temples of the Lord of the things you see and hear in this sacred place."

Temple Recommend

No one is admitted into a Mormon temple without a "Temple Recommend." The recommend is an identification card which verifies that the member is in good standing (i.e. paid a full tithe, is morally clean, doctrinally pure, has kept the "Word of Wisdom," etc.). In other words, the temple recommend-carrying Mormon has been approved and deemed "worthy" of entering the sacred temple. The only time a non-Mormon (Gentile) can enter a temple is during an open house held shortly before it is dedicated or after a renovation.

Washing and Anointing

The first time patrons go through the temple, they go through an ordinance called "washing and anointing." The temple participant enters a locker room where they change from their street clothes put on a poncho-like "shield" (men are separated from the women). It is curious to note that each locker comes equipped with a lock and key. The shield is open on both sides. Wearing nothing but the shield, the patron enters an area of the temple which contains the washing and anointing rooms.

The temple participant enters one of several small booths where a temple worker ceremonially touches or "washes" various parts of the patron's body. Men are still separated from the women at this point. Wetting his/her fingers, the temple worker places his/her hand under the shield and recites the following words: "...I wash your head, that your brain and your intellect may be clear and active; your ears, that you may hear the word of the Lord; your eyes, that you may see clearly and discern between truth and error; your nose, that you may smell; your lips, that you may never speak guile; your neck, that it may bear up your head properly; your shoulders, that they may bear the burdens that shall be placed thereon; your back, that there may be marrow in the bones and in the spine; your breast, that it may be the receptacle of pure and virtuous principles; your vitals and bowels, that they may be healthy and strong and perform their proper functions; your arms and your hands, that they may be strong and wield the sword of justice in defense of truth and virtue; your loins, that you may be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth, that you may have joy and rejoicing in your posterity; your legs and feet, that you may run and not be weary, and walk and not faint."

The member then has hands laid upon his head by two temple workers, one of whom prayerfully "confirms" the washing. The patron is then ceremoniously anointed with olive oil. A similar invocation is recited followed again by a "confirmation."

The patron is then assisted in putting on a special piece of clothing known as the "Garment of the Holy Priesthood." Over the garment patrons wear white clothes. The women wear white dresses and shoes. The men wear white suits, shirts and ties, pants, and shoes.

New Names

Members are given new names as part of the ceremony. This name is to be considered sacred and never to be revealed except at a certain time later in the ceremony. All men entering the temple on the same day are given the same name; the same occurs with the women. These names are usually taken from either the Bible or the Book of Mormon. Mormon doctrine has taught that on the Resurrection Day, the husband must call his wife from the grave by using her temple name. According to Charles W. Penrose (Penrose would become a First Counselor to Heber J. Grant): "In the resurrection, they stand side by side and hold dominion together. Every man who overcomes all things and is thereby entitled to inherit all things, receives power to bring up his wife to join him in the possession and enjoyment thereof" (Mormon Doctrine, Plain and Simple, 1888, pg. 51).

Pre-Endowment Instruction

Patrons are then welcomed to the temple and then reminded to be "alert, attentive and reverent during the presentation of the Endowment." Patrons are told that if they "are true and faithful," the day will come when they will be called up and anointed "Kings and Queens, Priests and Priestesses."

Before April of 1990, patrons were told, "The endowment is to prepare you for exaltation in the celestial kingdom." These words have since been replaced with, "Your Endowment is to receive all those ordinances in the House of the Lord, which are necessary for you to enable you to walk back into the presence of the Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels, being enabled to give them key words, the signs, and tokens, pertaining to the Holy Priesthood, and gain your eternal exaltation." The newly added portion is interesting for the reason that Brigham Young used almost the same exact wording in a speech he gave on April 6, 1853. (See Journal of Discourses 2:31.)

This reminder is followed by a warning that if anyone were to violate his sacred obligations, it "will bring upon you the judgment of God; for God will not be mocked. If any of you desire to withdraw rather than accept these obligations of your own free will and choice, you may now make it known by raising your hand."

The Creation of Fall of Man

Older temples came complete with various rooms representing different times and places. In the early days when temple workers would act out the various parts of the drama, it was necessary to move from room to room.

The film depicts the Mormon "Elohim" sending "Jehovah" and "Michael" on a mission to organize unorganized matter into a world "like unto the other worlds" that have been previously formed. In Mormonism, Elohim and Jehovah are separate beings who represent God the Father and Jesus. The Bible however, never implies this and often uses these names together. (It is often translated "Lord God." See Genesis 2:4-22; Psalm 100:3; Isaiah 3:15.)

Following six days of creation, "Michael" is shown to be in a deep sleep. A narrator explains to the patrons, "Brethren and sisters, this is Michael, who helped form the earth. When he awakens from the sleep which Elohim and Jehovah have caused to come upon him, he will be known as Adam, and having forgotten all, will have become like a little child." He is later given "Eve" to be his wife.

Later, another character enters the drama. His name is Lucifer and he claims to be the brother of Eve (and Adam). In Mormonism, Lucifer is one of the literal sons of Elohim as is Jehovah and Michael (Adam). Lucifer succeeds in persuading Adam and Eve to partake of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. After partaking, Adam asks Lucifer about the unique apron he is wearing. Lucifer states "it is an emblem of his power and priesthoods." Patrons participating in the Endowment Ceremony have also brought with them a similar apron. Embroidered on the apron are fig leaves. When the film shows Adam and Eve hiding from Elohim, the narrator then instructs the patrons to "put on your aprons."

Because of Lucifer's part in Adam's fall, Elohim rebukes him and says, "because thou hast done this, thou shalt be cursed above all the beasts of the field. Upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust thou shalt eat all the days of thy life." It is interesting to note that, regardless of Elohim's curse, Lucifer is always seen standing upright, apparently unaffected by God's judgment.

Lucifer is cast out of the Garden and Elohim instructs Jehovah to have cherubim and "a flaming sword be placed to guard the way of the Tree of Life."

Law of Obedience and Law of Sacrifice

Patrons are then made to make two vows. The women are first asked to follow the "Law of Obedience" whereby they covenant to "obey the law of the Lord" and hearken unto their husband's counsel as he hearkens to the Lord's (pre-1990 ceremonies compelled the women to "obey the law of their husbands"). The women are then instructed to raise their "right arm to the square" and covenant that they will observe "the law of the Lord." Following this, the men are instructed to raise their arm "to the square" and make a similar promise to follow the law of God.

Patrons then covenant to keep the Law of Sacrifice. In doing so, participants "covenant to sacrifice all that we possess, even our own lives if necessary, in sustaining and defending the kingdom of God." According to Mormon thought, the "kingdom of God on earth" is the LDS Church (Mormon Doctrine, pg. 415).

The drama later depicts Adam praying to his heavenly Father. Three times he utters the prayer, "Oh God, hear the words of my mouth." This may not seem important except for the fact that the one who answers his prayer is Lucifer! Mormons often make an issue out of the fact that God will always answer a sincere prayer; yet the temple ceremony itself shows Lucifer answering what appears to be a sincere prayer offered up by Adam. If the devil can answer sincere prayer, how is the Mormon to honestly know whether or not it was God or the devil who answered his prayers regarding the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, or the Mormon Church as a whole?

When Lucifer is later rebuked by the character representing the Apostle Peter, he looks into the camera and says, "I have a word to say concerning these people. If they do not walk up to every covenant they make at these altars in this temple this day, they will be in my power!" This is no doubt disconcerting for the honest Mormon who knows he will not live up to "every" covenant he makes in the temple that day.

The Law of the Gospel and the Law of Chastity

Patrons also must raise their arm "to the square" and covenant to observe the "Law of the Gospel." This includes promising to avoid "all lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's anointed, the taking of the name of the Lord in vain, and every other unholy and impure practice." Later in the ceremony, they again raise their arm "to the square" and promise to observe the "Law of Chastity" whereby couples make a vow of faithfulness to their spouse.

Tokens of the Priesthood

An important aspect of the endowment ceremony is learning several "tokens" or handshakes. These handshakes were alluded to earlier in the ceremony when they were told of angelic sentinels who would block the path of the patron when he attempts to return to Elohim after death. Participants are compelled to "covenant before God, angels and these witnesses" never to reveal these tokens. This following explains how the tokens are to be given.

First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood: "The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood is given by clasping the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb directly over the first knuckle of the hand."

Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood: "This token is given by clasping the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb between the first and second knuckles of the hand."

First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail: "This token is received by bringing the right hand into this position: the hand vertical, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended; and the person giving the token placing the tip of the forefinger of his right hand in the center of the palm, and the thumb opposite on the back of the hand of the one receiving it."

Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, The Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail: "This token is given by clasping the right hands, interlocking the little fingers, and placing the tip of the forefinger upon the center of the wrist."

Sign and Penalties

Before April of 1990, patrons made certain oaths along with signs showing the "penalty" for divulging the aforementioned tokens. For instance, after the patron was given the "First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood," he was instructed to place his right "thumb under the left ear, the palm of the hand down, and by drawing the thumb quickly across the throat to the right ear, and dropping the hand to the side." A promise was then made that the person would suffer his "life to be taken" rather than reveal the token. In the earlier days, members had to be more specific with their oaths. They had to promise that, if the secret was ever revealed, their throats would be "cut from ear to ear" and their "tongues torn out by their roots" (Temple Mormonism, pg.18).

Members were also compelled to make another oath accompanied by a sign representing the penalty for divulging the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood. By promising that they would rather die than divulge the secret, they would draw their right hands (in cupping shape) across their chests. Again, this oath has been toned down. Earlier Mormons agreed to "have our breasts cut open and our hearts and vitals torn from our bodies and given to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field" (Temple Mormonism, pg.20).

A third oath was given when the patron received the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood. This penalty was represented by drawing the right thumb (palm downward) quickly across the stomach area. Earlier oaths made members promise that their "bodies be cut asunder in the midst of all and the bowels gush out" should they divulge the secret given them (Temple Mormonism, pg. 20). The penalties were completely removed in 1990 although patrons still vow not to discuss the ceremony.

By making these various promises or oaths, the Mormon is actually violating his own scripture found in the Book of Mormon. Throughout the Book of Mormon, secret oaths are considered to be an abomination (Alma 37:27, Helaman 6:22-26, 4 Nephi 42, Ether 8:15-16, 3 Nephi 12:34-36).

Baptism for the Dead

The most often practiced ritual in the Mormon temple is baptism for the dead. In a font resembling King Solomon's "brazen sea," participants are baptized on behalf of those who died not having embraced Mormonism. To say that early Christians were baptized in a similar font is without historical merit. There was no brazen sea during this time period. According to 2 Kings 25:13 the brazen sea was destroyed by the Chaldean's and its pieces carried off to Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem. It was never again replicated.

Mormons claim the Apostle Paul participated in this practice since he mentions baptism for the dead in I Corinthians 15:29. While scholars have debated as to what the apostle was actually referring too, one thing is certain: Paul actually separated himself from such a practice when he said, "Else what shall THEY do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are THEY then baptized for the dead?" If baptism for the dead was in fact the "most glorious of all subjects belonging to the everlasting gospel" (D&C 128:17), it seems odd that Paul would not include himself as a participant.

Biblical scholars have noted that heretical groups such as the Cerinthians and Marcionites practiced a form of baptism for the dead. Still, there is no evidence to suggest that such a practice was the Christian norm.

Conclusion

While the Mormon Church leaders insist temple ceremonies resemble those of the ancient temple in Jerusalem, the fact of the matter is nothing could be further from the truth. There is not one shred of evidence to support the notion that the participants in Jerusalem ever made blood-oaths vowing to keep the ceremony a secret or performed marriages or baptisms for the dead in the temple. Nor were participants compelled to wear sacred garments 24 hours a day. Clearly this is further proof that the Mormon Church is not at all a restoration of true Christianity as it claims.

The Bible teaches temple buildings are no longer necessary since the individual believer is himself a "temple of the living God" (2 Cor. 6:16).

Jesus predicted that temple worship would come to an end when he told the Samaritan woman, "Believe Me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father...But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father seeketh such to worship Him" (John 4:21,23).

This came to pass during Jesus' crucifixion when the temple veil was ripped from top to bottom (Matthew 27:50,51). This signified that there is now free access to God by the blood of Christ and that Christ Himself is our High Priest and advocate (Hebrews 10:19-21). A temple was no longer essential.

It is because of these teachings from the Bible that Christians have never been, nor ever will be, a temple building people. The fact that Mormons do, shows a lack of understanding of the biblical message.

MASONRY & THE MORMON
TEMPLE CEREMONY

Few Mormons realize that the LDS temple ceremony is not of ancient origin, nor of modern revelation. Instead, the ceremony originated around 1790 when the Masons first conceived it for use in their secret society. Until 1990 the Mormon Temple Ceremony closely resembled the Masonic Initiators Ceremony, signs, tokens and penalties included. I never made the connection between Masonry and Mormonism until I began a serious study of the Mormon temple ceremony.

In 1827 Capt. W. M. Morgan, a disillusioned Mason, published a book entitled Freemasonry Exposed, which reveals a detailed description of their ceremonies in word and illustration. Because of this exposé, Morgan was murdered three months later by members of his lodge. After Morgan's death, his widow, Lucinda Pendleton Morgan, a very pretty and intelligent woman married George W. Harris on January 12, 1831. While married to Harris, Lucinda became one of the first plural wives of the prophet Joseph Smith in 1838. It seems likely that Smith married her while living at the Harris home. This circumstance would seem to corroborate the story of Mrs. Sarah Pratt, who related in an interview with W. Wyl, "Mrs. Harris was a married lady, a very great friend of mine. When Joseph made his dastardly attempt on me [in 1842], I went to Mrs. Harris to unbosom my grief to her. To my utter astonishment, she said, laughing heartily: "How foolish you are! Why, I am his mistress since four years.'" (No Man Knows My History by Fawn Brodie, p. 460.)

Mormon leaders proclaim that the temple endowment was given to Joseph Smith by revelation, but after reading the book Freemasonry Exposed, I seriously questioned the validity of the Church's claim. After reading only a few pages of the book I could see the unmistakable similarities between the Masonic Initiation Ceremony and the Mormon Temple Ceremony.

Joseph Smith became a Mason on March 15, 1842 and rose to the sublime degree the following day. This initiation took place in his upper business office or Masonic lodge room (History of the Church, vol. 4, p. 550-551). Only a few weeks after Joseph's initiation into Masonry, he taught the other LDS Church leaders in the same Masonic lodge room. Joseph's interest in Masonry became so infectious that many Mormon elders hastened to follow his lead, and within six months the lodge had 286 candidates. He gave instructions on the principles and order of the Priesthood, attending to washings, anointing, endowments, and the communication of keys. (Ibid. vol. 5, p. 2) There is no doubt that Joseph's primary interest in Masonry was because of its ritual. Like Solomon, he became a temple builder. Joseph Smith's own temple records indicate his temple endowment took place on May 4, 1842, just seven weeks after his Masonic initiation. In Smith's own words he said: "In the evening I received the first degree in Freemasonry in the Nauvoo Lodge." The next day he stated: "I was with the Masonic Lodge and rose to the sublime degree." This qualified Joseph to be a Master Mason. (Ibid. 1842 vol. 4, p. 552)

Joseph Smith Sr., Joseph Smith Jr., Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Newel K. Whitney, John C. Bennett, John Taylor, Sidney Rigdon, and other Mormons were Masons. Shortly after their temple endowment ceremonies, Joseph Smith Jr. and other Mormons were expelled from the Masonic order for violating their oaths. It was May 4, 1842 that Joseph Smith introduced the Masonic Ceremony as the Mormon Temple Ceremony and declared that it was "received as a revelation from God." (History of the Church, vol. 5, pp. 1-2)

When Dr. Reed Durham, director of the LDS Institute of Religion, made this discovery in 1974 and gave a speech on the subject of the Mormon-Mason connection before the Utah History Association on April 20, 1974, he was highly criticized for making this matter public. He also showed the Jupiter talisman during that speech, and explained that Joseph had carried it on his person since 1826 (the same year he was convicted of money-digging charges and being a believer in magic), and that he had the Jupiter talisman on him at the time of his death. The talisman contains symbols relating to astrology and magic, and there were other magical items discovered at the same time that belonged to Hyrum Smith.

Although most Mormon historians do not mention these facts in their church-authorized writings (including Mormon deception, intimidation, repression, theft, and violence as well as other matters that might call into question the sacred nature and integrity of the Mormon experience), they have to admit that the endowment ceremony contains many details that are similar to the Masonic initiation rites of the 1800's, especially since Joseph became a Mason such a short time prior to the "revelation."

Similarities Between the Masonic Temple Ceremony
and the Mormon Temple Ceremony, Nauvoo, Ill.

1) Masonic Preparation Room
The candidate is ushered into the preparation room where he meets the Junior Deacon and Stewards who divest him of all his clothing except his shirt. He is then handed an old pair of drawers, which he puts on.

Mormon Dressing Room
The initiate is divested of all his clothing, and then directed to the washing and anointing dressing rooms where he eventually puts on a special pair of under garments.

2) Masonic Compass
The candidate then enters, the Senior Deacon at the same time pressing his naked left breast with the point of the compass.

Mormon Compass
The point of the compass is sewn into the left [breast] of the garment.

3) Masonic Square
As the candidate enters, the angle of the square is pressed hard against his naked right breast.

Mormon Square
The square is sewn into the right side of the garment.

4) Masons Washing Ceremony
Master orders the basin of the perfumed water and a clean napkin to be brought to him, and directs candidate to wash his hands, which he does...Master takes a box of perfumed ointment and anoints candidate on his head, eyes, mouth, heart, the tip of his right ear, hand, foot, and says - "You are now, my dear brother, received a member of our society."

Mormon Washing Ceremony
The initiate is washed, and various organs of his body (head, lips, breast, ears, hand and feet, etc.) are anointed with holy consecrated oil.

5) Masons Presenting New Name To Candidate
"I also present you with a new name; it is CAUTION"

Mormon Temple Worker Presents New Name To Candidate
" I give you a new name which you should always remember, and which you must keep sacred, and never reveal ... The name is ____."

6) Man Representing Adam In Masonic Ceremony
Thrice Puissant Grand Master, representing Father Adam, is stationed in the east. (This occurs in the Knight of the Sun Degree.)

Man Representing Adam In Mormon Ceremony
Elohim -- (Turning to the audience) - "This man who is now being operated upon is Michael who helped form the world. When he awakes ... he will be known as Adam"

7) Man Representing Deity In Masonic Ceremony
One of the members now personates the Deity, behind the bush, and calls out "Moses! Moses!" (This occurs in the Royal Arch Degree.)

Man Representing God In Mormon Ceremony
A temple worker dressed in white clothing, representing Elohim, comes from behind the curtain.

8) Masons Use A Mallet
He gives a rap with the common gavel or mallet.

Mormons Use A Mallet
One of the temple workers, ... gives three raps with a mallet.

Masonic entered apprentice vs. First token of the Aaronic Priesthood

9) Masonic Penalty Sign
Made from the due-guard by dropping the left hand carelessly; at the same time raise the right arm and draw the hand, still open, across the throat, thumb next [to] the throat, and drop the hand perpendicular by the side.

Mormon Penalty Sign
"The Execution of the Penalty is represented by placing the thumb under the left ear, the palm of the hand down, and by drawing the thumb quickly across the throat to the right ear, and dropping the hand to the side."

10) Masonic Grip
The right hands are joined together as in shaking hands and each sticks his thumb nail into the third joint or upper end of the fore finger.

Mormon Grip
The token is giving by clasping the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb directly over the first knuckle of the hand.

11) Masonic Wording Concerning The Grip
The Master and candidate holding each other by the grip, as before described, the Master says.
"What is this?"
Ans. "A grip."
"A grip of what?"
Ans. "The grip of an Entered Apprentice Mason."
"Has it a name?"
Ans. "It has."
"Will you give it to me?"
Ans. "I did not so receive it, neither can I so impart it."

Mormon Wording Concerning The Grip
Peter - "What is that?"
Adam - "The second token of the Melchizedek Priesthood."
Peter - "Has it a name?"
Adam - "It has."
Peter - "Will you give it to me?"
Adam - "I can not, I have not yet received it.

12) Masonic Oath
"... binding myself under no less penalty than to have my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by the roots ..."

Mormon Oath
"We and each of us, covenant and promise that we will not reveal any secrets of this... Should we do so, we agree that our throats be cut from ear to ear and our tongues torn out by their roots."

Masonic fellow craft vs. Second token of the Aaronic Priesthood

13) Masonic Oath
"...binding myself under no less penalty than to have my left breast torn open and my heart and vitals taken from thence and thrown over my left shoulder."

Mormon Oath
"We and each of us do covenant and promise that we will not reveal the secrets of this ... Should we do so, we agree to have our breasts cut open and our hearts and vitals torn from our bodies "

14) Masonic Penalty Sign
"The sign is given by drawing your right hand flat, with the palm of it next to your breast from the left to the right side with some quickness, and dropping it down by your side"

Mormon Penalty Sign
"This is the sign. The Execution of the Penalty is represented by drawing the thumb quickly across the body and dropping the hands to the side."

15) Masonic Grip
"Take each other's hands as in ordinary hand-shaking and press the top of your thumb hard against the space between the first and second knuckles of the right hand."

Mormon Grip
"This token is given by clasping the right hand and placing the joint of the thumb between the first and second knuckles of the hand."

16) Masonic Name Given
"Brother, I now present you with my right hand, in token of brotherly love and confidence, and with it the pass-grip and word of a Fellow Craft Mason .... the name of it is Shibboleth."

Mormon Name Given
"The Name of this token is your own first given name."

Masonic Master Mason vs. First and second token of the Melchizedek Priesthood

17) Masonic Sign
"The sign is given by raising both hands and arms to the elbows, perpendicular, one each side of the head, the elbows forming a square."

Mormon Sign
"The sign is made by raising both hands high above the head."

18) Masonic Penalty Sign
"The Penal Sign is given by putting the right hand to the left side of the bowels, the hand open, with the thumb next to the belly, and drawing it across the belly, and letting it fall; this is done tolerably quick."

Mormon Penalty Sign
"The Execution of the Penalty is represented by placing the right hand on the left breast, drawing the hand quickly across the body, and dropping the hands to the sides."

19) Masonic Oath
"binding myself under no less penalty than to have my body severed in two in the midst..."

Mormon Oath
"We and each one of us do covenant and promise that we will not reveal any of the secrets of this... Should we do so, we agree that our bodies be cut asunder in the midst and all our bowels gush out."

20) Masonic Grip
Grasp each other's right hands very firmly, the spaces between the thumb and first finger being in interlocked and the tops of the fingers being pressed hard against each other's wrist where it joins the hand, the fingers of each being somewhat spread.

Mormon Grip (Slightly Different Method of Grip)
The Grip is made by grasping the hand, the forefinger on center of the wrist and little fingers locked.

21) Masonic Grand Hailing Sign And Due Guard
The sign is given by raising both hands and arms to the elbows, perpendicularly, one on each side of the head, the elbows forming a square.
The due guard is made by holding both hands in front, palms down.

Mormon Pay, Lay, Ale
The sign is made by elevating both the arms above the head ... the arms dropped to the square,... and then to the sides.

22) Masonic Apron
While the Wardens are examining the candidate, the Master returns to the east and gets an apron, and as he returns to the candidate... The Master then says to the candidate, "Brother, I now have the honor to present you with a lamb-skin or white apron..."

Mormon Apron
Adam-- (Turning to the audience)--"Brethren and sisters, put on your apron."

Masonic raising of Hiram Abiff vs. Mormon Veil

23) Masonic Five-Points of Fellowship as Hiram Abiff's Dead Body is Raised
He (the candidate) is raised on what is called the five points of fellowship, which are foot to foot, knee to knee, breast to breast, hand to back and mouth to ear.

Mormon Five-Points of Fellowship at The Veil
"The five points of fellowship are "inside of right foot by the side of right foot, knee to knee, breast to breast, hand to back, and mouth to ear."

24) Master Mason Raising Candidate
The Master, in raising him, is assisted by some of the brethren, who take hold of the candidate by the arms and shoulders; as soon as he is raised to his feet, they step back, and the Master whispers the word "Mah-Hah-Bone," in his ear, and causes the candidate to repeat it, telling him that he must never give it in any manner other than that in which he receives it. He is told that Mah-Hah-Bone signifies marrow in the bone. They then separate.

Mormon Passing Through The Veil
At the five points of fellowship ... one putting his mouth to the other's ear, in which position The Lord whispers: "This is the name of the token: Health in the navel, marrow in the bones, strength in the loins and in the sinews, power in the priesthood be upon me and upon my posterity through all generations of time and throughout all eternity." The patron repeats the token and then they separate...

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It may seem surprising that Joseph Smith would incorporate so much Masonry into the endowment ceremony in the very weeks when all his leading men were being inducted into the Masonic lodge. They would have been blind indeed not to see the parallelism between the costuming, the grips, passwords, keys, and oaths. However, Smith covered his bases when he told the men that the endowment ceremony had to be restored to the original and pure form of Adam's time. According to Smith the Masons had corrupted the ceremony originated by God in Solomon's time by removing and changing many parts.

Smith also made free use of other Masonic symbols--the beehive, (Utah is known by Mormons as the Beehive State) the all-seeing eye (which is still visible in the St. George, Utah Tabernacle), the clasped hands, and the point within the circle. The Masonic square and compass are cut into the temple garment on the breast and a slash is made across the knee. There is also a slash in the garment across the abdomen, symbolic of the disemboweling that would be the fate of anyone who reveals the sacred oaths.

Former BYU historian Michael Quinn has done extensive research on rites and ancient mysteries related to occultism. Quinn states, "The following are ten essential characteristics common to both occult rituals and the Mormon Temple ceremony."

1) They are revealed by God from the beginning, but distorted through apostasy.
2) They place an emphasis on the worthiness of initiates.
3) They include washings and anointing, a new name and garments.
4) They emphasize vows of non-disclosure.
5) There are both lesser and greater rituals.
6) They feature presentation of the ritual through drama.
7) They contain an oath of chastity requiring strict purity and virtue of the participants.
8) They feature prominent use of the sun, moon and stars as key symbols.
9) The purpose of the ritual is to assist the mortals to godhood.
10) They employ titles and offices of prophets, priests and kings to those in leadership.

Michael Quinn commented that the ancient occult mysteries and the Mormon endowment manifest both philosophical and structural kinship.

While Mormon apologists have a hard time explaining the fact that the Bible does not support the doctrine of baptism for the dead or temple marriage, they are faced with an even greater problem when they turn to The Book of Mormon. Since The Book of Mormon is supposed to contain the fullness of the gospel, why doesn't it contain even one passage to support either of these two doctrines? It's interesting to note that the same revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants that contains the information concerning Temple Marriage is also the revelation that contains the teaching of polygamy. Therefore, 'polygamy' and 'temple marriage' must stand or fall together.

The Blacks...
Until 1978, persons with any known trace of black African ancestry were not permitted to enter a Mormon temple, even if they were otherwise worthy members of the Church. Joseph Smith taught that Negroes (blacks) are the descendants of Cain. (J. S. History, vol. 4, p. 501) Brigham Young was equally adamant about the status of the blacks. Young said; "Blacks are cursed with a flat nose and black skin". (Journal of Discourses, vol. 7, pp. 290-291) "Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African Race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God, is death on the spot. This will always be so." Brigham Young also said "…that if the priesthood was ever given to the Blacks, on that very day and hour, if we should do so, the priesthood will be taken from this church." (Brigham Young Addresses, p. 61) Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith said: "They are an inferior race, and their intelligence is stunted." Apostle Bruce McConkie said: "The Negroes were less valiant in the preexistence, and therefore spiritually restricted."

In spite of earlier revelations concerning the blacks, in 1978 the leaders of the Mormon Church announced that they had received a revelation allowing all worthy male members to receive the Priesthood. (D&C, p. 293). On June 13, 1978 the Salt Lake Tribune reported that President Kimball refused to discuss the revelation that changed the Church's 148-year-old policy against ordination of blacks, saying it was a personal thing. Kimball said: "The revelation came at this time because conditions and people have changed. It's a different world than it was 20 or 25 years ago. The world is ready for it."