Joseph's Temples: The Dynamic Relationship between Freemasonry and Mormonism

by Michael W. Homer

The apparent parallels between Mormon ritual and doctrine and those of Freemasonry have long been recognized. That Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and other early church leaders were, at least for a time, Masons, is common knowledge. Yet while early historians of the LDS Church openly acknowledged this connection, the question of influence was later dismissed and almost became taboo among faithful church members. Just as Mormons have tried to downplay any ties to Freemasonry, Masons have sought to distance themselves from Mormonism. In Joseph’s Temple, Michael Homer reveals how deeply the currents of Freemasonry and Mormonism entwined in the early nineteenth century. He goes on to lay out the later declining course of relations between the two movements, until a détente in recent years.

There are indications that Freemasonry was a pervasive foundational element in Mormonism and that its rituals and origin legends influenced not just the secret ceremonies of the LDS temples but also such important matters as the organization of the Mormon priesthood, the foundation of the women’s Relief Society, the introduction and concealment of polygamy, and the church’s position on African Americans’ full membership. Freemasonry was also an important facet of Mormons’ relations with broader American society.

The two movements intertwined within a historical context of early American intellectual, social, and religious ferment, which influenced each of them and in varying times and situations placed them either in the current or against the flow of mainstream American culture and politics. Joseph’s Temple provides a comprehensive examination of a dynamic relationship and makes a significant contribution to the history of Mormonism, Freemasonry, and their places in American history.

Genres: Mormonism, Religion, Lds

466 pages, Hardcover

First published June 14, 2014

Reviews

[Art · Rating 5 out of 5]

The parallels between LDS Church doctrine and temple worship and Masonic legends and rituals has been noted by historians for years. Although many early LDS Church leaders were Master Masons, the ties between the two organizations broke down after Joseph Smith's death and the Church became openly involved in practicing polygamy in the mid to late 1800s. As an individual who belongs to both organizations, I found the book fascinating. Most of the books on the subject aren't worth reading. This one is well researched and is heavily footnoted. The author does show respect for each organization by not revealing the various signs, tokens, passwords, and due-guards used in Masonic and LDS Temple rituals. Smith introduced the endowment to a small group of followers shortly after becoming a Master Mason. The author doesn't attempt to answer whether or not Smith was "restoring" or "plagiarizing" things when he created the LDS endowment ritual. There is no way to definitively answer that question. It really depends on what you believe about Joseph Smith. Of course, a third option may be that Smith was "restoring" some things and "borrowing" other things to help his followers remember certain lessons/principles. Again, it sort of depends on what you believe about Joseph Smith. The author does point out inconsistencies in various policies the Grand Lodge of Utah and the LDS Church have taken over the years on various subjects. However, I believe most readers would say he is fair in pointing out these inconsistencies and contradictions. Today, relations between the Grand Lodge of Utah and the LDS Church are generally cordial. In 2008, Glen Cook, an LDS Mason, was installed by the Grand Lodge of Utah as the 137th grand master. Highly recommended.

[Christopher Angulo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was going to analyze masonry and mormonism. It does, but it does them separately. The history sections on masonry, or Kirtland temple, or the Nauvoo temple were nice, albeit brief. I was just frustrated by the lack of analysis between the two groups. You are left having to draw your own conclusions in many areas.

[Devan Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Homer has written this tremendously helpful, well-documented history to explain the dynamic interactions between the Freemasons’ temple ceremonies, symbols, passwords, handgrips, and penalties and the somewhat similar, though Christianized, versions taught and adapted by Joseph Smith and his prophetic successors to the present. He respects both traditions by mentioning the symbols but not revealing specifics. He also discusses the historical tensions expressed between Freemasons and Latter-day Saints between their similar but sometimes competing worldviews and methods. Highly recommended!

[Loyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of good information and research, but zero driving thesis or narrative to make sense of it. Felt as if I was reading the author's research notes.

[Richard Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A definite 4.5 I loved it but as is the case with books like this, I'm always left with wanting something more.

[Rob Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joseph's Temples: The Dynamic Relationship between Freemasonry and Mormonism offers a thought-provoking exploration of the intriguing and often complex relationship between Freemasonry and the Mormon faith. Homer does an excellent job of detailing the historical connections and the potential influences that Freemasonry had on the development of Mormonism, particularly its temple practices and rituals. The book provides a thorough analysis of the shared symbols and rituals, and it carefully examines the ways in which Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, might have incorporated elements of Masonic tradition into the newly restored religious framework.

One of the strengths of Joseph's Temples is its scholarly approach, balancing historical documentation with an insightful analysis of the ideological and theological implications of these shared practices. The author’s detailed comparison of Freemasonry and Mormon temple rituals is fascinating, particularly for readers interested in how religious movements can be influenced by the broader cultural and social contexts in which they arise. The writing is accessible yet deeply researched, making the book a valuable resource for both scholars and general readers.

However, when comparing this work to Method Infinite: Freemasonry and the Mormon Restoration, it’s clear that the latter book takes a more in-depth approach to analyzing Freemasonry symbolism in relation to Mormon temple symbolism. Method Infinite provides an unparalleled exploration of the parallels between Masonic and Mormon rituals, diving deeper into the symbolic and esoteric meanings behind the practices. While Joseph's Temples offers a great starting point for understanding the historical connections, Method Infinite arguably delivers a more thorough and focused analysis of the symbolic overlap between the two traditions.

Overall, Joseph's Temples is a highly informative and engaging read, providing valuable insights into the relationship between Freemasonry and Mormonism. For those interested in the historical and symbolic interplay between the two, it serves as an excellent primer, but for a deeper dive into the symbolic nuances, Joseph's Temples: The Dynamic Relationship between Freemasonry and Mormonism offers a thought-provoking exploration of the intriguing and often complex relationship between Freemasonry and the Mormon faith. Author [Author's Name] does an excellent job of detailing the historical connections and the potential influences that Freemasonry had on the development of Mormonism, particularly its temple practices and rituals. The book provides a thorough analysis of the shared symbols and rituals, and it carefully examines the ways in which Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, might have incorporated elements of Masonic tradition into the newly restored religious framework.

One of the strengths of Joseph's Temples is its scholarly approach, balancing historical documentation with an insightful analysis of the ideological and theological implications of these shared practices. The author’s detailed comparison of Freemasonry and Mormon temple rituals is fascinating, particularly for readers interested in how religious movements can be influenced by the broader cultural and social contexts in which they arise. The writing is accessible yet deeply researched, making the book a valuable resource for both scholars and general readers.

However, when comparing this work to Method Infinite: Freemasonry and the Mormon Restoration, it’s clear that the latter book takes a more in-depth approach to analyzing Freemasonry symbolism in relation to Mormon temple symbolism. Method Infinite provides an unparalleled exploration of the parallels between Masonic and Mormon rituals, diving deeper into the symbolic and esoteric meanings behind the practices. While Joseph's Temples offers a great starting point for understanding the historical connections, Method Infinite arguably delivers a more thorough and focused analysis of the symbolic overlap between the two traditions.

Overall, Joseph's Temples is a highly informative and engaging read, providing valuable insights into the relationship between Freemasonry and Mormonism. For those interested in the historical and symbolic interplay between the two, it serves as an excellent primer, but for a deeper dive into the symbolic nuances, Method Infinite may be the preferred choice.

[Brandon "Buddy" Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work details the history behind the early Saints building the Kirtland and Nauvoo temples. It does a wonderful job at presenting this history while maintaining the integrity of the sacred nature of the temple.

[Stephen Cranney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall liked it, you can tell the author was trying to be very fair and non-threatening to all parties involved. That being said, there were huge chunks of the book that had little to do with masonry such as its coverage of race and polygamy. Important topics to be sure, but their extensive treatment in a book about masonry seemed a bit forced.