Exploring the Connection Between Mormons and Masons

For years, critics have argued a connection between masonic rituals, and the LDS endowment. However, Matthew Brown provides ample evidence that the endowment did *not* come from masonry. He goes into detail on the origins of masonry, which came much later than most suppose, and practices and rituals of early Christians and Jews. It is interesting that the endowment can be found in Christianity/Judaism, prior to the organization of masonry. So, logic would ask, what would make more sense, Joseph Smith "borrowing" from masonry, or taking Joseph Smith at his word (i.e. masonry is the apostate endowment) and the endowment being a restoration of rituals which have been known to be around for thousands of years? For faithful Latter-day Saints, the answer is obvious. Both evidence and a Prophet point to the latter. Although this book is an excellent book on the subject, it is only a portion of what Matthew Brown has done on Masonry and Mormonism. He has presented several times at conferences on the ancient rituals performed by Gods people, and am sure he will present/publish much more. The evidence is overwhelming in favor of the authenticity of sacred rituals we perform in Temples. I would HIGHLY recommend this book, as well as other works by Matthew Brown. As for the nay-sayers, dig into the subject a bit deeper, and you'll find that what LDS do has an ancient origin.