These sources collectively explore the intricate and often debated connections between the early history of Mormonism and Freemasonry, analyzing narrative parallels, ritualistic similarities within temple ceremonies, and the influence of Masonic concepts on Mormon practices. Furthermore, some texts investigate the historical development and changes within Mormon temple rituals, including the controversial "oath of vengeance" and blood atonement doctrines, alongside discussions of the temple garment and its symbolism. Other sources critically examine the authenticity and origins of Mormon scriptures like the Pearl of Great Price, pointing to potential literary influences and historical context. Finally, a portion of the provided materials addresses allegations of satanic ritual abuse within Mormon communities and the reported impact of temple ceremonies on survivors, while also touching on the historical and theological nuances of Mormon doctrines.
Briefing Document: Themes and Ideas in Provided Sources
I. Cosmology and Creation:
* Multiple Worlds: The "Pearl of Great Price" presents a cosmology with "worlds without number" created by God through his "Only Begotten Son" for his own purpose. Moses is shown a vision of these creations and learns that "each land was called a earth, and there were inhabitants on the face thereof." God states, "For mine own purpose have I made these things," and emphasizes the vastness of his creations: "And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my words."
* Earth's Purpose and Inhabitants: God informs Moses that he will primarily receive an account of "this earth, and the inhabitants thereof." While there are innumerable worlds, this earth and its people are the current focus.
* Kolob: The "Joseph Smith Jr._ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint - Pearl of Great Price (2013, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) - libgen.li.pdf" introduces Kolob in the Book of Abraham as "the greatest of all the Kokaubeam" and the one "nearest unto me [God]."
II. The Fall of Man and the Plan of Salvation:
* Adam and Eve: The narrative of Adam and Eve's transgression is recounted, with the serpent "beguiled" the woman, and Adam following suit. This act brought upon them mortality ("if so thou shouldst surely die?") and a curse upon the earth. However, even after the Fall, Adam and Eve "made all things known unto their sons and their daughters."
* Satan's Influence: "Satan came among them, saying: I am also a son of God; and he commanded them, saying: Believe it not; and they believed it not, and they loved Satan more than God." This marked the beginning of men becoming "carnal, sensual, and devilish."
* Atonement through Christ: God emphasizes the "plan of salvation unto all men, through the blood of mine Only Begotten, who shall come in the meridian of time." Belief in the Son and repentance are presented as necessary for salvation ("as many as believed in the Son, and repented of their sins, should be saved").
* Agency and Opposition: The concept of agency is present, with God stating, "Behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual." This duality suggests a framework for choice and opposition.
III. God and Humanity's Potential:
* Face-to-Face Communication: God communicates with Moses "face to face," indicating a direct and personal relationship.
* Divine Purpose and Wisdom: God states, "For mine own purpose have I made these things. Here is wisdom and it remaineth in me."
* Human Potential: The text hints at human potential, stating that God placed cherubim and a flaming sword to "keep the way of the tree of life," implying that partaking of it was once possible, and perhaps a future aspiration ("Man, Potential to Become like Heavenly Father").
* God as a Perfected Man: The "lucifergoddoctrine_digital.pdf" excerpts, attributed to outside sources but referencing Mormonism, state: "God is a perfected man. . . . If God was once a child, he must have had a Father, who also must have had a Father, and so on back into infinity." This aligns with the Mormon concept of eternal progression.
IV. Priesthood and Authority:
* Priesthood Lineage: The "Pearl of Great Price" discusses the lineage of the priesthood through Adam, Noah, and Abraham, emphasizing the authority passed down through generations. Abraham receives the priesthood from Melchizedek.
* New and Everlasting Covenant: "mormonkingdomone_digital.pdf" quotes the Doctrine and Covenants referring to "a new and an everlasting covenant; and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned." This is often interpreted as referring to plural marriage.
* Joseph Smith as a Prophet: Several sources discuss the role of Joseph Smith as a prophet and his authority. "lucifergoddoctrine_digital.pdf" quotes a belief that confessing Joseph Smith as a prophet is essential ("Every spirit that confesses that Joseph Smith is a Prophet... is of God"). "mormonkingdomtwo_digital.pdf" quotes Brigham Young stating, "no man in this dispensation will enter the courts of heaven, without the approbation of the Prophet Joseph Smith, jun."
V. Temple Ordinances and Freemasonry:
* Endowment Ceremony: "Joseph's Temples" discusses the Mormon temple endowment, noting the involvement of women and the existence of a "Holy Order." It mentions women being "allowed into Mormon temple" but also "excluded from prayer circles." The endowment involved specific clothing and ceremonies.
* Masonic Influence: "lucifergoddoctrine_digital.pdf" and "mormonismmagicmasonry_digital.pdf" highlight perceived connections between Mormon temple rituals and Freemasonry. This includes the temple garments with "Masonic markings—the square, compass and rule" and similarities in grips and signs like "The Sign of the Nail."
* Secrecy: The "Pearl of Great Price" mentions certain sacred knowledge to be shown "not unto any except them that believe." "lucifergoddoctrine_digital.pdf" mentions a secret ceremony where Joseph Smith was allegedly "crowned king under God" with a vow of secrecy "under the penalty of death!" The temple endowment itself involved "solemn covenants and obligations of secrecy."
VI. Plural Marriage:
* Divine Sanction: "mormonkingdomone_digital.pdf" quotes the Doctrine and Covenants justifying plural marriage, stating that if a man espouses virgins with the first wife's consent, "then is he justified; he cannot commit adultery for they are given unto him."
* Practice and Controversy: "Joseph's Temples" notes Emma Smith's initial involvement and later issues with plural marriage. "satanicritualabuse_digital.pdf" discusses the practice and its justifications, even raising concerns about extreme interpretations.
VII. Blood Atonement:
* Doctrine and Justification: Several "mormonkingdomone_digital.pdf", "mormonkingdomtwo_digital.pdf", and "occulticritualabuse_digital.pdf" excerpts discuss the doctrine of blood atonement. This belief held that certain sins were so severe that they could not be forgiven by the Atonement of Christ or baptism and required the shedding of the sinner's own blood as an atoning sacrifice. Brigham Young is quoted saying there are transgressors who "would beg of their brethren to shed their blood, that the smoke thereof might ascend to God as an offering to appease the wrath that is kindled against them."
* Statements from Church Leaders: Jedediah M. Grant and Heber C. Kimball are also quoted advocating for blood atonement in specific cases, referring to "covenant breakers" and those whose "sins are of too deep a dye." The rationale was sometimes presented as an act of salvation for the individual.
VIII. The Danites:
* Secret Society: "mormonkingdomone_digital.pdf" and "mormonkingdomtwo_digital.pdf" describe the Danites as a secret society within early Mormonism. Their purpose was allegedly to defend the church and advance its interests, sometimes through forceful means.
* Unlimited Power: One account claims the principles of the Danites "tended to give the presidency unlimited power over the property, persons and... lives of the members of the church as physical force was to be resorted to if necessary to accomplish their designs."
* Contradictory Accounts: Joseph Smith is quoted in "mormonkingdomone_digital.pdf" both admitting to the existence of a Danite band for self-defense and later denying its existence as described by others.
* Avard's Role: Sidney Rigdon and others mention Avard as a key figure in organizing the Danites and teaching that it was their duty to "waste away the Gentiles by stealing their goods and consecrating them to the Kingdom of God."
IX. Conflict with "Gentiles" and the Kingdom of God:
* Us vs. Them Mentality: Several sources reveal a strong distinction and often animosity towards non-Mormons, referred to as "Gentiles."
* Taking the Riches of the Gentiles: James C. Owens testifies that Joseph Smith intended to have surrounding counties "consecrated to him" and that "the time had come when the riches of the Gentiles should be consecrated to the Saints." Brigham Young also expresses a desire to "take... the State of Missouri, and then... the State of Illinois."
* Establishing God's Kingdom by Force: Accounts of the Danites and statements about war and defense suggest a belief that the Kingdom of God would be established on earth, potentially through forceful means.
* Disregard for Gentile Law: Testimony indicates a disregard for the laws of the state and federal government when they conflicted with the perceived will of God or the Prophet. Joseph Smith is quoted as saying he did not intend to keep the laws and told his men to "fight like angels." Brigham Young is quoted threatening to fight federal troops entering Utah and declaring martial law.
X. Critiques and Controversies:
* Flaws in the Pearl of Great Price: The document "flawsinthepearlofgreatprice_digital.pdf" suggests textual changes and potential issues with the authenticity or translation of the text.
* Luciferian Interpretations: "lucifergoddoctrine_digital.pdf" highlights critical interpretations that view some Mormon symbolism and teachings as having connections to Luciferian or pagan beliefs.
* Occultic Ritual Abuse: "occulticritualabuse_digital.pdf" and "satanicritualabuse_digital.pdf" excerpts, while not directly from primary Mormon sources, include accusations or discussions of ritualistic practices and their potential for abuse, sometimes drawing connections to interpretations of early Mormon doctrines.
This briefing document highlights the complex and sometimes contradictory themes and ideas present in the provided sources. It touches upon core theological concepts, historical practices, and significant controversies surrounding the early history and doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The inclusion of critical perspectives alongside primary source excerpts reveals the multifaceted nature of interpreting these historical and religious materials.
