AN
INTRODUCTION TO THE
MORMON TEMPLE CEREMONY
by Larry Hall
"There
is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death."
(Proverbs
14:12)
Those Christians who
have made a study of Mormon history, doctrine, temple ceremony, and symbolic
temple architecture are well aware of the very obvious
satanic link. This article is meant to prepare our readers with a basic understanding
of the temple Endowment ceremony. As we present this topic, it is important
for you to know our intent. Our purpose is not to offend, but to enlighten!
If you are involved with Mormonism, Masonry, or Witchcraft, you will know that
this information is factual and carefully documented.
As a Christian, I am obligated to present to you the Living Gospel, in truth
as well as love. I do it in the same way I would throw you a life preserver
if you were drowning. I react with the same concern that I would show if you
were a small child running after a ball in a busy intersection. I do it with
fear and apprehension, but without hesitation.
If I sound overly critical at times, please understand that I have tried to
enlighten cultists for many years with the "gentle" approach. It simply has
not been very effective. The fact is that Christians don't have much time to
show the cultic groups the correct path to salvation! Time is running out, and
the Lord is coming back soon to sort it all out. If you belong to one of these
cultic groups, I'm sorry for making you upset; but I don't apologize
for exposing your darkness to the blinding light of God's word!
Inside the Temple
The Mormon Temple is the most sacred and secret structure of the LDS church.
It is far different from the local chapels. A special permit is required by
every person who is determined worthy to enter. Temple Recommends are
obtained only after lengthy series of interviews and worthiness (tithing) investigations
have been completed. A course of study often must be fulfilled to qualify
the Mormon according to the required standards of loyalty, dedication, and personal
traits.
"Marriage for Eternity" is one of many ceremonies conducted in the Mormon Temple.
This secret bonding cannot be witnessed by anyone who does not have the necessary
Temple Recommend--even the couple's parents. It cannot be conducted until the
couple can convince their Bishop(s) that they have abstained from coffee, tea,
tobacco, and alcoholic beverages and have been faithful in their tithing. According
to John L. Smith (accomplished researcher, author, and lecturer on Mormonism),
"This abstinence often ceases immediately after the ceremony, and sometimes
there is a question about their having kept it before." 1
Rodella Hunter, in her book A Daughter of Zion, explained: "I truly
think that all you have to do to get a Temple Recommend is to be an accomplished
liar." 2
During a member's first visit to the temple, he "receives his own endowments,"
which means that he is taking care of his own personal salvation. On subsequent
trips to the temple, he is expected to renew his commitment and to act as proxy
for the deceased during "Baptism for the Dead" ceremonies. These practices are
discussed in other articles.
During the Mormon's Endowment ceremony, the member is first escorted to a dressing
room where all his clothing is removed. According to Mr. Schnoebelen, "Nudity
in religious ceremony was not new to me." 3
(Author's note: Mr. Schnoebelen is the co-author of Mormonism's Temple of
Doom and Whited Sepulchers. He has an extensive background
in the higher degrees of Masonry, Mormonism, and Witchcraft.)
In the Masonic ceremony, the initiate is also required to change clothing.
"The candidate during the time is divested of all his apparel (shirt excepted)
and furnished with a pair of drawers kept in the lodge for the use of candidates.
The candidate is then blindfolded, his left foot bare, his right in a slipper,
his left breast and arm naked, and a rope called a Cable-tow round his neck...."
4
In the Witchcraft initiation, the process is very similar. According
to Steve Wahrner (former witch), "The candidate was led blind-folded,...by
a rope to the edge of a magic circle." 5
In preparation for the washing and anointing segment, the Mormon patron is then
dressed in a thin, white, poncho-style sheet called the "shield." Schnoebelen
explains, "...the shield was identical to the one I had worn when going
through my initiation into the witchcraft Melchizedek Priesthood in Zion State
Park outside Chicago." 6
(Incidentally, the title "Melchizedek Priesthood" is used in Witchcraft, Mormonism,
and Masonry alike. In Masonry, men are anointed priests after the Order of Melchizedek
in the Scottish Rite, 19th Degree "Grand Pontiff.")
Concerning the Mormon shield, Schnoebelen continues, "The only difference
was that the shield I'd worn in witchcraft was black. I'd been taught that the
lower degrees of witchcraft wore black, but the highest degrees wore white.
In fact, we used the term 'The Great White Brotherhood,' to refer to high-level
Magi. Since I knew that this was to be a very high initiation, I expected
the color to be white." 7
After the shield is in place, the patron is taken to the washing and sealing
room. There, the patron is ceremonially washed so that he "may become clean
from the blood and sins of this generation." 8
The Mormon Temple worker moistens his finger with running water, places his
hands under the shield, and touches each section of the patron's naked body
as he pronounces a blessing on it. He starts at the top of the patron's
head and touches the shoulders, back, breast, vitals and bowels, and loins.
Next, preparatory to becoming "a King and Priest (or a Queen and a Priestess)
unto the Most High God, hereafter to rule and reign in the House of Israel forever,"
9 the Mormon is anointed with oil in
the same fashion as before. According to Jerald and Sandra Tanner (well-known
Mormon researchers and authors), "The oil is very definitely applied to
the various organs of the body." 10
In a higher degree of Masonry, anointing with oil is also done. "Master
takes a box of perfumed ointment and anoints candidate on his head, eyes, mouth,
heart, the tip of his right ear, hand, and foot and says- You are now, my dear
brother, received a member of our society;..." 11
Witches also practice the same anointing of body openings, believing
it is necessary to keep out evil spirits. According to Schnoebelen, "The
LDS anointing ceremony is a procedure nearly identical to witchcraft
anointing rites. The only difference is that the witch rites are done male to
female with more intimate contact. Of course, the LDS rites are also filled
with Biblical phrases to make them sound Holy." 12
After the anointing, the temple patron is dressed in the "Garment of the Holy
Priesthood." He is advised that, "It will be a shield and a protection
to you from the power of the destroyer until you have finished your work on
the earth." 13 He is then told that
the garment must be constantly worn, day and night, for the rest of his
life!
Regarding the Mormon Temple garment, Mr. Schnoebelen had this to say: "I
was amazed at how well the occult symbolism had been carried through
on the stitched marks: the temple garment was a textbook study in Luciferian
symbolism. I was well acquainted with the Masonic symbols because at a certain
point in my Wiccan development, my teachers told me to seek Masonic initiation,
so I did." 14
The one-piece Mormon garment resembles a wide-necked, short-sleeved T-shirt
(like long-johns) that is cut off at the knees. Masonic markings of "sacred"
significance are stitched over the right and left breast, the navel, and the
knee.
But garment markings are not unique to Mormonism. Schnoebelen explains: "The
placing of magick talismans in underwear is common in witchcraft. But please
bear in mind, this is not a recent idea; it appears in classical grimoires in
the British Museum which date back to the 16th century." 15
What about the garment markings? Where do they originate? What do they mean?
To understand the significance of the garment, we must look at the symbolism
involved.
Mormon literature has little to say about the markings, probably because of
their "sacred" significance. Even Mormon Apostle Bruce McConkie's detailed book
Mormon Doctrine is silent on the subject.
However, we get a clear picture of the design and meaning as Chuck Sackett (ex-Mormon
Temple worker) describes the Mormon garment: "Closer examination reveals
a pair of button-holes over the right breast sewn in the form of a square, reminding
the Mormon of the need for exactness and honor in living up to his temple vows.
Over the left breast a pair of button-holes in the form of a compass remind
the Mormon that all truth may be circumscribed into one great whole, and that
all appetites and passions must be kept within certain bounds which the Lord
has prescribed. One button type hole over the navel recalls the need of constant
nourishment for body and spirit, and an identical hole over the right knee signifies
that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ."
16
It is certain that these Mormon symbols were taken from Masonry. Joseph Smith,
Jr. was raised to the Sublime Degree in the Nauvoo, Illinois, Masonic Temple
on March 16, 1842.17 He then introduced the
Mormon Temple Endowment ceremony less than two months later and in the
same room "where the Masonic fraternity meet occasionally." 18
In Masonic initiations, the square is presented to the naked right breast and
the compass to the left breast, similar to Mormon placement on the garment.
And likewise, the Blue Lodge Mason is taught that the square is both "a symbol
of morality" and the symbol of a Master Mason. 19
The compasses are presented to the craft because, "...by a due attention
to their use, they are taught to circumscribe their desires, and keep their
passions within due bounds." 20
All of this sounds quite innocent until you look closer. Remember, everything
is subject to change in Masonry. It depends on how enlightened they think the
progressive Mason has become. The "new truth" is reserved for the adept, the
sage, and the elect!
Regarding the square and compass, the 32nd Degree Mason is finally told the
real meanings. The symbol of this Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret
Degree is an old Hermetic (Gnostic or occultic) figure of a two-headed
being. One head is male and the other female. The male arm is holding the compass,
while the female side holds the square.
According to Masonic Grand Commander Albert Pike: "The square...is a natural
and appropriate Symbol of this Earth...The Compass is an equally natural and
appropriate Symbol of the Heavens,...
"The Heavens and the Earth were personified as Deities, even among the Aryan
Ancestors of the European nations of the Hindus, Zends, Bactrians, and Persians;...
They were deified also among the Phoenicians; and among the Greek Ouranos and
Gea, Heaven and Earth, were sung as the most ancient of the Deities, by Hesiod.
"The Hermaphroditic figure is the Symbol of the double nature anciently assigned
to the Deity, as Generator and Producer, as Brahm and Maya among the
Arians, Osiris and Isis among the Egyptians. As the Sun was male, so the Moon
was female; and Isis was both the sister and the wife of Osiris. The Compass,
therefore, is the Hermetic Symbol of the Creative Deity, and the Square
of the productive Earth or Universe." 21
Masonic investigator and cult expert Ron Carlson was absolutely correct when
he said, "The square represents the female, and the compass coming down
upon her represents the male that impregnates the female, and this generating
principle (represented by the "G" in the center of the Masonic symbol),
the male organ, is what brings immortality in life." 22
Could the adoption by the Mormons of this Masonic "Religion of Nature" be the
reason for their polygamous and adulterous history? Was it the catalyst for
their Gods in Embryo doctrine? Details of the temple ceremony are discussed
in other articles.
Please do not take lightly the symbolic meanings, for it is certain that the
author of these symbols and his minions have a very definite end result in mind!
Satan is here to deceive and destroy.
In the Masonic Edition of the Holy Bible, author and Masonic Lecturer Dr. John
Wesley Kelchner warns us in advance. In his explanation of the Symbol,
he writes: "Freemasonry is a complete system of symbolic teaching, and
can be known, understood and appreciated only by those who study its symbolism,
and make themselves acquainted with its occult meaning. To such, Freemasonry
has a grand and sublime significance." 23
Another Masonic writer, 32nd Degree Ralph Anderson, wrote an interesting passage
in an article for the Masonic magazine, The New Age. In his explanation
of the Masonic spiritual quest, he stated: "Masonry may be defined as
a system of symbols, a collection of allegories and a pictorial form which veils
and hides a truth so general and universal that man cannot live without
it. An allegory is a story which is susceptible of two meanings--an outer one
which captivates the fancy and engrosses the attention, and an inner one which
conveys to the initiate some basic, cosmic and human truth by which a man must
live.
"A Symbol is an outer and visible form which hides or veils an inner spiritual
reality. Today we are so accustomed to the form side of revelation that
we forget its inner core of significant meaning.
"...hidden behind the entire system of symbols is some spiritual value and
some definite and intended teaching which can be discovered by those whose vision
can be awakened." 24
With this declaration of Masonry in mind, the honest investigator of spiritual
truth is faced with a huge dilemma. How can one possibly trust the words of
a man who will intentionally lie to you today but will change his story tomorrow
when he determines that you are now worthy? Remember, Scripture
tells us "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." (James
1:8)
There is an old Swahili Proverb that says, "The lie has seven endings."
On which ending are you prepared to stake your eternal life?
If we are to know the real meaning behind the Mormon and Masonic symbols, it
is imperative that we look behind the "veiled allegories" and go to the root
of the problem!
Masonic and Mormon authorities have given rather innocent explanations of their
various symbols, but we must look to the ancient "mystery religions"
if we are to know what they really mean. Because the symbols of these groups
(by their own admission) are based in "antiquity," we cannot
rely on modern-day translations and misrepresentations!
Let me say it another way. No Christian group would think of adorning the outside
of its church building with a swastika. Those who have studied the subject know
that this symbol has a very complex, but sinister history.
The swastika has been identified as representative of Dyaus, the ancient Aryan
sky god. It is also associated with Brahma, Surya, Vishnu, Siva, and with Ganesha
as pathfinder and god of the crossroads. It has been suggested that the four-faced
Horus and other four-faced gods wear a swastika symbol. 25
Regardless of the actual meaning intended by Hitler, the swastika has proven
to be a symbol of hatred and death. Because all Americans know there is something
inherently evil about this symbol, any church who used it would probably have
a very small congregation.
Why, then, was Hitler able to get by with selling the swastika to an entire
nation? Reading Mein Kampf (My Battle) by Adolph Hitler will help answer
that question. Hitler said: "All propaganda has to be popular and has
to adapt its spiritual level to the perception of the least intelligent
of those towards whom it intends to direct itself." 26
Hitler also professed, "The great masses of the people... will more easily
fall victims to a big lie than to a small one." 27
I contend that Hitler was able to sell his swastika to the masses in the same
way that Brigham Young was able to sell his Satanic ceremonies, pentagrams,
beehives, planetary stones, and all-seeing eye to the Mormons.
First, they were both able to alter the perception of the masses through charismatic
speech, power, and psychological manipulation.
Second, their pride and visions of grandeur prevented them from obtaining messages
from the Holy Spirit. God requires humility and servitude! They were able to
succeed only because of the power they received from the Prince of Darkness!
Third, both Hitler and Young were convinced that most people do not reason well.
Many people are easily deceived. They will follow anyone armed with a "newer
and higher" truth. Hitler and Young both discovered (probably to their amazement)
that so few people would question their actions. As a result, millions of Europeans
and Americans died because of Hitler, and millions of Mormons have died spiritually
because of Brigham Young!
References:
(1) John L. Smith, Has Mormonism Changed...Now?,
1979, p. 67
(2) Ibid. (from A Daughter of Zion, Hunter, Readers Digest Condensed
Book, Vol. 5, 1974, p. 538)
(3) William J. Schnoebelen/James R. Spencer, Mormonism's Temple of Doom,
1987, p.11
(4) Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Mormonism- Shadow or Reality? 1982, p.
488 (from Freemasonry Exposed, Morgan, 1827, p. 18)
(5) Freemasonry: From Darkness to Light, Jeremiah Films, 1991
(6) William J. Schnoebelen/James R. Spencer, Mormonism's Temple of Doom,
1987, p. 11
(7) Ibid., p. 11 (he refers to the copious references to the White Brotherhood
by Helena Blavatsky and Elizabeth C. Prophet)
(8) Chuck Sackett, What's Going On In There? 1982, p. 6
(9) Ibid., p. 7
(10) Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Mormonism- Shadow or Reality?, 1982, p.
488 (from Temple Mormonism-Its Evolution, Ritual and Meaning), 1931,
p. 15
(11) Ibid., p. 488 (from Richardson's Monitor of Free-Masonry, p. 167)
(12) William J. Schnoebelen/James R. Spencer, Mormonism's Temple of Doom,
1987, p. 12
(13) Chuck Sackett, What's Going On in There?, 1982, p. 6
(14) William J. Schnoebelen/James R. Spencer, Mormonism's Temple of Doom,
1987, p. 12
(15) Ibid., p. 14 (from Witchcraft, the Way to Serenity, Frost, School
of Wicca, 1978, p.1 and The Greater Key of Solomon, Mathers, 1914)
(16) Chuck Sackett, What's Going On In There?, 1982, p. 12
(17) History of the Church, Vol. 4, p. 52
(18) History of the Church, Vol. 5, pp. 1-2
(19) Albert G. Mackey, Mackey's Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry,
Vol. 2, p. 963
(20) The Colorado Craftsman (Masonic Monitor), 1966, p. 25
(21) Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish
Rite of Freemasonry, 1919, pp. 850-851
(22) Freemasonry: From Darkness to Light, Jeremiah Films, 1991
(23) John W. Kelchner, The Bible and King Solomon's Temple in Masonry,
1968, p. 27
(24) Anderson, A Spiritual Quest Or - (printed in the Masonic The
New Age magazine), April 1985, p. 49
(25) J. C. Cooper, An Illustrated Encyclopaedia Of Traditional Symbols,
1978, p. 165
(26) Adolph Hitler, Mein Kampf (My Battle), 1933, Vol. I, Chapter 6
(27) Ibid., Vol. I, Chapter 10
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