Did Joseph Smith Copy the Freemasons, or Did THEY Copy HIM?!

Ward Radio: Temple and Ancient Connections - Summary

Key Concepts: Temple endowment, ancient connections, King Benjamin's sermon, Book of Mormon, Masonic influence, creation narrative, mysteries of God, covenants, apologetics, restoration.

I. The Endowment and Ancient Origins

• Main Point: The Latter-day Saint endowment has elements predating Joseph Smith's exposure to Masonry, suggesting ancient origins.
• Counter-Argument to Criticism: Critics claim Joseph Smith plagiarized the Masons when creating the endowment. The speakers argue this is an oversimplification and ignores evidence of earlier origins.
• Andrew Miller's Research: Andrew Miller's work on King Benjamin's sermon highlights parallels with the Nauvoo-era temple endowment.
• Timeline Significance: King Benjamin's sermon is one of the earliest texts translated by Joseph Smith, making the presence of endowment-like themes significant.

II. King Benjamin's Sermon as an Endowment Analog

• Setting: King Benjamin's sermon was delivered at the temple, with the audience gathered outside due to the large crowd. This is compared to the Nauvoo Temple dedication where only those with temple recommends could enter the chapel, and the proceedings were broadcast via satellite.
• Warning Against Mockery: King Benjamin warns against trifling with or mocking his words (Mosiah 2:9), which is interpreted as a warning against mockery before initiation.
• Blessing and Unveiling: He invites listeners to open their ears, hearts, and minds so that the mysteries of God may be unfolded (unveiled).
• Creation Themes: The sermon contains themes related to creation, drawing parallels to Genesis 1 and 2. King Benjamin speaks of God creating them from the dust of the earth, placing his hearers into the creation narrative, as if saying "All of you are Adam and Eve."
• Angel and Unison Prayer: The sermon includes a message from an angel and a unison prayer with a symbolic posture, mirroring elements of the temple ceremony.
• Mosiah 1:2: Benjamin teaching his sons the language of his fathers so they might know the mysteries of God.

III. Connections to Ancient Practices and Scriptures

• Plates of Brass: King Benjamin taught his sons about the records engraved on the plates of brass, emphasizing their importance in understanding the mysteries of God and commandments.
• Egyptian Influence: The speakers suggest that the teachings originate from ancient Egyptian records, supporting the claim that these concepts were taught from the beginning (Adam, Noah, Moses).
• Echoes Throughout History: The speakers argue that echoes of these teachings can be found throughout history, predating Masonry.
• Don Bradley's Findings: Don Bradley found similar elements in other parts of the Book of Mormon, further supporting the idea that these concepts were present before Joseph Smith's exposure to Masonry.

IV. Specific Parallels Between King Benjamin's Sermon and the Endowment

• List of Connections: Brad Whitbeck lists connections found by Andrew Miller:
  • Sermon for those who have proven themselves worthy
  • New name
  • Warning not to trifle with sacred things
  • Discussion of the creation, Garden of Eden, and the Fall of Adam
  • Rebirth formula used at coronation of kings
  • Imagery of a king seated on the right hand of God
  • Obedience
  • Sacrifice
  • Law of the Gospel
  • Chastity
  • Consecration
  • Taking upon us the name of Christ
  • Unified prayer offered accompanied by a symbolic posture
  • Sealing blessings (Mosiah 5:15)
• Coronation and New Identity: King Benjamin gives all the people a new name (the name of Christ), making them kings and queens in a coronation ceremony.
• Psalms Reference: Language hearkens back to Psalms, where the king was begotten by the Lord and became his son. King Benjamin alludes to this, stating that they are spiritually begotten and have become his sons and daughters (Mosiah 5:7).

V. Apologetics and Proactive Defense

• Spiritual Experience: Brad Whitbeck describes his experience of recognizing these connections as a powerful spiritual experience.
• Disappointment: The speakers express disappointment that these connections are not more widely discussed and understood within the Church.
• Proactive vs. Reactive Apologetics: The speakers discuss the shift from a reactive, defensive apologetic approach to a more proactive approach.
• Fair Mormon: Fair Mormon is described as a weapons developer, while Ward Radio is likened to soldiers in the trenches, applying the scholarship in real-world discussions.
• Importance of Scholarship: The speakers emphasize the importance of relying on the scholarship of others and making it accessible to a wider audience.

VI. Conclusion

• Convenience of Inclusion: The speakers find it remarkable that Joseph Smith included these elements in the Book of Mormon, particularly in one of the earliest translated texts.
• Overlooked Profundity: The speakers lament that the depth and profundity of these connections have been overlooked, especially given their potential to strengthen faith and understanding.
• Call to Action: The speakers encourage listeners to explore these connections and deepen their understanding of the temple and its ancient roots.