Real LDS Freemasons on the Endowment

Key Concepts:

• Freemasonry: A fraternal organization that preserves ancient knowledge and traditions.
• Temple Endowment: A sacred ordinance in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• Fractals: Geometric shapes that repeat at different scales, used as a metaphor for the multivalent nature of Freemasonry and the temple.
• Sacred Reticence: The principle of not revealing certain aspects of the temple or Freemasonry due to their sacred nature.
• Operative Masonry: The practical aspects of Freemasonry, including degree work and lodge officers.
• Speculative Masonry: The philosophical and symbolic aspects of Freemasonry.
• Restoration: The concept that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a restoration of ancient principles and practices.
• Kabbalah and Merkava Mysticism: Ancient Jewish mystical traditions.
• Sealed Records: Records with hidden or encoded meanings, requiring specific knowledge to understand.
• Path of the Initiate: A common theme in both Freemasonry and Mormonism, representing a journey of spiritual progression.
• Axis Mundi: The center of the world, a concept found in various traditions.
• Multivalent: Having multiple meanings or interpretations.

1. Introduction and Background

• The video features Mike and Dave from "Sick of Joseph" with guests Josh Flansberg and Robert Kay, who are both Freemasons and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• Josh reached out after a previous episode on Freemasonry and the temple, while Robert was recommended by a mutual acquaintance.
• Robert Kay is described as an expert on the Hebrew background of the Book of Mormon and ancient Jewish mystical traditions like Kabbalah and Merkava.

2. Robert Kay's Background and Perspective

• Robert Kay explores the Hebrew background of the Book of Mormon, focusing on ancient Israelite culture, language, and prophetic traditions.
• He emphasizes that the Book of Mormon contains Hebraic elements from traditions not commonly taught in mainstream Judaism.
• He comes from a family with traditions in Kabbalah and Merkava, which influences his interpretation of the Book of Mormon.
• Merkava mysticism involves contemplation and ascent in the temple.
• Robert believes that Freemasonry preserved ancient truths during times of religious persecution.

3. Freemasonry as a Preserver of Ancient Knowledge

• Freemasonry is presented as a "fortress" that preserved ancient knowledge during periods of religious persecution.
• The institution of Freemasonry is relatively modern (around 900 AD), but its elements are much more ancient, even predating Israel.

4. Fractals and the Multivalent Nature of Freemasonry and the Temple

• Josh introduces the concept of fractals, specifically the dragon curve fractal, as a metaphor for Freemasonry and the temple.
• Fractals are geometric shapes that repeat at different scales, illustrating how the same meaning can be found at different levels of understanding.
• Freemasonry and the temple are described as "multivalent," meaning they have multiple layers of meaning that can be interpreted differently depending on one's perspective and knowledge.
• The answer to a question might have a bigger meaning, a smaller meaning, a meaning for the general crowd, and a meaning for Masons only.

5. Sacred Reticence and the Limits of Disclosure

• The speakers discuss the concept of "sacred reticence," which limits what can be openly discussed about the temple and Freemasonry.
• While some things are considered secret, the idea is more about respecting the sacred nature of the information and the commitments made not to reveal certain aspects.
• It is acknowledged that much information is available online, but the principle of sacred reticence remains important.
• The culture of sacred reticence has evolved, and it is now possible to share more than was previously thought.

6. Freemasonry for Dummies and the Elements of Masonry

• The book "Freemasonry for Dummies" is mentioned as a resource for understanding Freemasonry.
• The elements of masonry are divided into Operative and Speculative aspects.
• Operative masonry includes the nuts and bolts of the organization, such as degree work and lodge officers.
• The elements that Masons cannot discuss are similar to those that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cannot discuss about the temple, such as signs, tokens, penalties, and obligations.
• The legend, lore, and symbolism of Freemasonry are considered a "free-for-all" and can be openly discussed.

7. The Connection Between Freemasonry and the Knights Templar

• The connection between Freemasonry and the Knights Templar is considered dubious by most Masonic historians.
• However, the lore of the Knights Templar is still embraced within Freemasonry.
• The framework for making promises and signing contracts was likely similar across different cultures and brotherhoods.

8. Cultural Influences and the Hero's Journey

• The speakers discuss how cultural elements and symbols are widespread and can be found in various stories and traditions.
• The hero's journey is presented as a common narrative structure found in myths, the Bible, and the temple.
• The hero's journey involves leaving home, battling obstacles, receiving help from heaven, and ascending to a higher state.
• The temple is described as a "liturgical reminder" of where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going.

9. Joseph Smith's Mindset and the Restoration

• One of the reasons the speakers joined Freemasonry was to understand Joseph Smith's mindset and why he was involved in it.
• The history of America is described as a Masonic history, with Masonic principles influencing the layout of Washington D.C.
• Joseph Smith likely saw an "order of priesthood" in Freemasonry, as evidenced by a quote from Heber C. Kimball stating that "Masonry was taken from priesthood but has become degenerated."
• The restoration is not a new build but a process of asking questions and being exposed to various elements.
• Joseph Smith was likely exposed to elements of Freemasonry and asked questions, leading to the restoration of ancient principles.

10. Freemasonry as a School for the Endowment

• The speakers emphasize that the degrees of Freemasonry and the temple endowment were given concurrently in Nauvoo.
• Freemasonry is seen as a "school" to prepare people for the endowment, providing them with the necessary symbolism and education.
• A major common theme of masonry and Mormonism is the path of the initiate.
• Freemasonry prepared the church to understand the endowment, as there was no other source for this preparatory education at the time.

11. Sealed Records and Hidden Meanings

• The Sephra and the Sephra Bah are mentioned as examples of sealed Jewish mystical texts.
• The concept of "sealed records" is discussed in relation to the Book of Mormon.
• Sealed does not necessarily mean physically inaccessible but rather concealed in plain sight, requiring specific knowledge to understand.
• The Book of Mormon contains phrases and indications that suggest hidden meanings and encoded information.

12. The Mythology of the Temple and Freemasonry

• The mythology of the temple, as understood in the Book of Mormon, is the expulsion from and return to Eden.
• The speakers express interest in understanding the mythology of the Masonic rite.

13. The Age of Freemasonry and its Roots

• The speakers discuss the age of Freemasonry and its potential roots in ancient traditions.
• While Freemasonry as an organization is relatively new, its symbols and principles may have been preserved for a long time under different names and organizations.
• It is suggested that the roots of masonry may go back to the priesthood holders after the order of the Son of God.
• The symbols found in Egyptian temples and other ancient traditions may be related to the same underlying principles.

14. The Square and Compass

• The square and compass are discussed as important symbols in Freemasonry.
• The square and compass have multiple meanings and can be interpreted in different ways.
• The speakers use the example of the Saints John (John the Beloved and John the Baptist) to illustrate the symbolism of the square and compass.
• The Saints John represent two lines, and the circle in the middle represents the scriptures.
• By following the examples of the Saints John and listening to the scriptures, individuals can subdue their passions and live morally.

15. Conclusion

• The video explores the connections between Freemasonry, the temple, and Joseph Smith's mindset.
• Freemasonry is presented as a preserver of ancient knowledge and a preparatory school for the temple endowment.
• The speakers emphasize the importance of understanding the symbolism and mythology of both Freemasonry and the temple.
• The discussion highlights the multivalent nature of these traditions and the need for careful study and interpretation.