[TFFKAMM]

No bashing intended here. I like and respect the LDSers, even though I'm not one of them. The article was posted mainly because of the interesting things brought up in the research (i.e., the Smith family's involvement in Freemasonry).

[wolfcreek]

My Grandfather and his father were both FM. My question is, why I was never introduced to this society as a youth? Yes, I was interested.

[maui_hawaii]

I don't know anything at all about Mason's but Joseph Smith was also involved with Methodists, Baptists, and Presbeterians as well. In fact, at one point Joseph wanted to join the Methodist church.

If Joseph was influence by Masons it would be equal to say that he was influenced by Methodists, Baptists, Presbeterians, etc as well.

That being said, it just goes to show the Mormon belief that many religions teach some correct doctrines and principles. If they are correct, they are correct, and no use arguing about them.

Likewise that fits right in with the Mormon view of the Apostasy, which says there was only one Jesus, he had 12 Apostles and one religion/faith.

After the Apostles died or otherwise were killed there came a massive splintering resulting in hundreds of churches that all proclaim the same Jesus but have different teachings.

Joseph was called as a prophet by the Lord to assist in restoring the original order of things.

With that being said, since almost all had some root in the original Christianity there is a lot that we Mormons agree with whole heartedly. So, to say Joseph was influenced by any or all of the groups isn't that far fetched.

[Delphinium]

The article was posted mainly because of the interesting things brought up in the research (i.e., the Smith family's involvement in Freemasonry).

Bringing up historical truths about the LDS church is often charged as "Mormon bashing".

This magic, and Freemason thing is often a topic most Mormons would rather not see be brought to the light.