[MeanWestTexan]

As a mason, I will say he boldly stole the fraternity initiation and turned it into a religion.

Pretty crappy thing to do to the fraternity for many reasons. Not only an oath-breaker, but continues to tar the fraternity with people who think it is a religion.

[DieHard the Hunter]

> As a mason, I will say he boldly stole the fraternity initiation and turned it into a religion.
>
> Pretty crappy thing to do to the fraternity for many reasons. Not only an oath-breaker, but continues to tar the fraternity with people who think it is a religion.

I guess I need to respond to this on two levels.

As a Mason I am bitterly disappointed that Brother Joseph Smith thought our Masonic birthright to be something that he could treat cheaply and shabbily.

You and I both swore the same Obligations that he did: in his case he probably took the Antient Obligation — something not to be taken lightly. And it would appear that he broke those Obligations, if I am to believe this material (I do).

Crikey! On a Masonic level Joseph Smith would be a wilfully perjured individual, void of all moral worth and totally unfit to be received into any warranted Lodge or society of men who prize honor and virtue above the external advantages of rank and fortune.

To say nothing of the Antient penalties.

I do not know of any Mormons who are active Freemasons: there are none in my Lodge. I do not doubt that there must be some in the wider Brotherhood. If so, it must be somewhat embarrassing for them!

There would be no barrier to them joining, naturally, because they believe in God.

My response to this as a Christian is that I need to leave the judging of Joseph Smith to God. Not for nothing does Jesus advise us not to take Oaths: I believe it is because doing so can make you obligated in ways that can make your Christian walk difficult.

I have no difficulty keeping my Masonic oaths, but obviously Joseph Smith did. And by promising to keep secrets that he did not keep, he bore false witness.

[DelphiUser]

As a mason, I will say he boldly stole the fraternity initiation and turned it into a religion.

Pretty crappy thing to do to the fraternity for many reasons. Not only an oath-breaker, but continues to tar the fraternity with people who think it is a religion.

As my father would tell you (He was a Mason before he Joined the LDS) there are some resemblances, but there are also many differences. BTW that is as much as he would say about the Masonic ceremony because he gave his word not to tell about it, which is more than I can say for those who post all they can remember about LDS temple ceremonies here.

As a mason, what is your opinion of the Masons in the Mob who killed Joseph Smith who ignored his plea "Is there no help for the Widow's Son?". what do you think of them?

I wold also point out that that is why Mormons do not join Masonic lodges. (My uncles are still asking me to.)