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THIS . . . is Heart of the MatterTGNN’s original show where Shawn McCraney deconstructed religion and developed fulfilled theology. . . .

“Where Mormonism Meets Biblical Christianity Face to Face.”

Show 18 Familiar Spirits May 11th 2010

And I’m your host, Shawn McCraneyFounder of TGNN and developer of the fulfilled perspective—calling people to faith outside of religion.. If you have family or friends who cannot get Heart through television give them a call and tell them to go to WWW.HOTM.TV and they can watch through streaming video from anywhere in the world!

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And with that, let’s have a prayer.

Prayer and Reflections

PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER

PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER

Last week we ended the show with an LDS caller from Provo named Debbie. In essence she was perplexed on how believing in something like Mormonism could produce feelings of love and peace if it is so wrong.

She then went on to relate a personal story of a trial she faced 20 plus years ago and how God told her that she needed to read His word. She said she then picked up a Book of Mormon and this resulted in a great spiritual confirmation which changed her and blessed her life with feelings of love and peace.

“Again,” she wanted to know, “how is this possible if Mormonism is so wrong?” We ran out of time at this point in the show and I promised that I would provide my response tonight.

Considering Familiar Spirits

Now answering this question is not as easy as it might seem. To me the question is like meeting a homeless man who is dressed in rags, has no job, is missing most of his teeth, has a broken foot, and is covered in lice and thinking that handing him a new pair of Kenneth Cole shoes is going to somehow solve his problems. There is a lot of clean-up work that needs to be done first before the shoes – or an answer to Debbie’s question – are going to be of any benefit.

What is wonderful about the question, however, is it perfectly dovetails in with our alphabetically chosen subject for tonight – “Familiar Spirits.” To restate, what Debbie wanted to know is how Mormonism could be wrong if she, being a believing Mormon, has experienced healing, love, and goodness by and through embracing it. Especially after reading the Book of Mormon. So let’s examine her question and claim.

The first thing to consider is God loves and blesses all of His human creations. He “sends the rain to fall on the just and the unjust.” Atheists enjoy good health as much as Christians. Sometimes more.

Since the coming and deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God. of Christ -who paid for all sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace. past, present, and future – all of us find ourselves living today in a dispensation of God’s grace. And every second we spend living on this spinning globe, He is calling to each of us, all of us, always.

Some choose paths of rebellion against Him – and are blessed with the peace the world gives. Some choose paths of mediocrity relative to Him – and are blessed with material abundance. Behind every blossoming flower He is saying, “See me.”

Exploring the Boundaries of God's Will

With every murder, every death, every but of suffering, He is reaching out and crying, “hear me.” No matter what the course a person takes, I believe God desires all to come to Him and will use the pleasures, the pain, the lies, and truth to lead all willing people to see and hear to Him while somehow remaining true to the unseen principles of freewill and choice.

Understanding the Two Sides

This is the first principle to understand. God blesses the just and the unjust. Keeping this in mind, we might also add that the world is divided into two and ONLY two sides. One is of God, and the other is of “everything else.” And the “everything else” encompasses a broad, broad spectrum. This realm existing outside of God’s will can include what human beings might label as good, it includes what we call bad. In other words, people and groups can represent, feel and do a lot of good stuff and it may in the end prove to be outside of God’s will.

So we have discussed two facts: God loves, blesses, and calls to all of us constantly no matter where we are or where we have been, and we are either operating and responding according to His will or we are operating outside of it and are therefore in the will of something else.

The Illusion of Universal Acceptance

Now some people – especially in this day and age – have concluded that “everything is good,” meaning, “everything is God.” But from a biblical perspective this is just not so. Bible believing people could not possibly accept the notion that EVERYTHING is acceptable to God because if this were so, then the words and the life of Jesus were wholly inauthentic. If everything is good to God, then Jesus lied. So I am going to leave this popular ecumenical view right where it belongs – in the trash.

Debbie asked: “How could something be so wrong that filled her with love and promise and hope? Something that changed her life, even?” I would turn the question back on her and ask: “How does every ardent faithful Muslim make the same claim, Debbie? And how do you respond when they say that the Quoran changed their lives?”

Debbie, what do we do with the Dahli Lama and his followers who are so full of love and peace? Is he and His ways just as viable to God as Jesus was – because, rest assured, Debbie, the Dali Lama does not receive Jesus at His Word. What would you say, Debbie, to a stalwart member of the Third Reich, who with renewed hope, and vigor for new life, and love for the Motherland, says – with tears – that the Furor has given him or her new life? What do we say to someone who says that when they read, “Mein Kamf,” “the True Believer,” or “the Satanic Bible” that they were filled with new life, love and peace?

There are people who walk about apparently teaming with love, Debbie – the hippies of the sixties, the followers of Jim Jones, the Hare Krishna’s – whose beliefs and professions are COUNTER to the teachings of Jesus and the good news He proclaimed? Either we say “all roads lead to heaven” or we say no roads matter, or we claim that there is really only one way and we must determine its value and truth OUTSIDE of our personal and subjective experiences.

Insights from Matthew

Jesus Himself said something really insightful regarding people of light who are of the dark. In Matthew 6:22-23 He said: “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” What did He mean when He said, “therefore, if thine eye be single?” He meant fully sold out and committed to Him, that is what He meant. Then He continued:

23 But, (He said) if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!”

What does Jesus mean, “If therefore, the light that is in thee be darkness?” How can a person have “light that is in them” that is actually called darkness?

In Matthew 7:21 Jesus replies: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast…

The Reality of Spiritual Counterfeits

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Could it be, Debbie, that there are spiritual and religious counterfeits out there that actually give the appearance of being true and full of light but are in reality false and dark? Since the beginning, there have existed alternatives – counterfeits, if you will – to God and His will and ways. When Aaron the brother of Moses took his rod or staff and threw it down on the ground and it became a serpent, what happened next? Exodus 7:11-12 tells us, saying:

“Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.”

Deceptive Appearances in Religious Claims

In 2nd Corinthians, Paul warns believers in Corinth about deceivers. And just listen to what He says! It has amazing applications to the religion called Mormonism.

2nd Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

The context of this passage is made even more complete when we consider what Paul wrote just a few verses before in verse three, saying:

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”

Do the Hare Krishna, Islam, Dowists, or the followers of the Dali Lama retain “the simplicity that is in Christ?” No. Because they do NOT receive Him at His Word. They add to it, they take from it, or they discount it altogether. So even though many followers of these faiths claim, yes, even appear to possess personal peace and love for man and beast, could we say that their minds have been corrupted from the biblical “simplicity found in Christ?” Yes. And can we say the same for Mormonism and its doctrines? Abso-freaking-lutely.

Evaluating Truth in Faith

So the question remains, how was Debbie able to have changed for the better (which I could debate . . . but don’t have the time) by reading the Book of Mormon? Could it be that her getting better is a case of “light actually being darkness,” or of a sorcerer's snake, or of another beguiling angel of light doing his work, and if it is, how can we prove it?

First, let me make it clear that God is constantly working on Debbie just like He is constantly working on you and me. He loves her as much as anyone else. And He is still calling to her even though she believes she has found the end-all solution to her spiritual life in Mormonism and its fictional writings. In the meantime, God heals Mormons like He heals Jehovah’s Witnesses, like He heals Muslims, and like He heals Buddhists.

But because He makes the rain fall on the just and the unjust, we cannot make the mistake of saying God is in favor of Mormonism because a Mormon has been blessed any more than we can say God approved of Jim Jones because Jim Jones was blessed with a lot of money and land. Remember, God loves and blesses all.

Identifying True Faith

So how can we tell if Islam, Buddhism, Baptists, Methodists, Mormons, and/or any other faith is on God’s side or if it sides with the rest of the fallen world? There are a number of qualifiers.

First, we need to take a look at a group’s “simplicity in Christ.” Has a respective faith added to the simplicity of Christ, taken from it, or ignored it altogether? Do they alter it to fit their desired needs and wants?

Secondly, we ought to look at the fruits they produce, and what the genesis and purpose of that fruit is. Does the fruit such a faith or people produce glorify God and Christ, or does it glorify Man, a church, or a religious movement? This is another indicator.

Third, how do the beliefs and doctrines of the faith in question measure up to the Word of God? Are they consistent or far afield?

It is interesting, but the Bible NEVER tells anyone to pray about whether a doctrinal claim is true. What does it tell us to do? It tells us to take the claim and test

Evaluating Claims Against the Word of God

1st John 4:1 says:

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Back-up verses Jer 29:8; Mt 24:4-5,24; Ac 20:30; 1Co 14:29; 1Th 5:21; 1Ti 4:1; 2Pe 2:1; 1Jo 2:18; 2Jo 1:7; Re 2:2

If someone comes and makes a claim and the Word stands against the claim, you know it is a dark spirit and to run. It doesn’t matter if the claim makes you happier, wealthier, heals you, or makes the thinning hair on your head sprout, it is a dark principality.

Finally, I believe it is important to examine the original seeds of the faith and see from what soil it sprouted.

Origins of Different Faiths

Islam originated with Mohammed and a book He received by revelation. Islam claims this book is the most correct book on the face of the earth. Buddhism originated with the Buddha sitting under the Bow tree and contemplating suffering and life. Do his teaching stand up against the Word? And Mormonism?

When it is really, truly, all said and done, Mormonism originated, prospered, and flourished in a strong environment of occultic influence.

Occultic Roots in Early Mormonism

Sitting in front of me I have a voluminous book. It was written by D. Michael Quinn, a PH.d from Yale who was LDS at the time of its publication. It’s titled: Early Mormonism and the Magic World View. It explains, in great detail, the early roots of Joseph Smith’s family and their involvement in the occult, magic, and the numerous visitations with spirits. By the time you're done reading it you will know the origins of their doctrine and practice.

Before a Mormon tells you that they “know the LDS Church is true,” or that they know Thomas Monson is a living prophet, see if they also know that Joseph Smith’s parents and siblings – especially his father – were heavily involved in seeking for buried treasures and for spirits by looking through magical peep-stone. Ask them if they know that Joseph Smith Jr. himself translated their sacred Book of Mormon by putting his favorite stone into a hat – literally – and receiving revelation! See if they know that the second president of the LDS church, Brigham Young said: “Every man who lived on earth is entitled to a seer stone, and should have one.” Ask them if they know that Joseph Smith’s sacred seer-stone is still held in the office of the LDS prophet to this day?

Are they aware that divining rods were also used by the founders of Mormonism, that Joseph has God even talk about Oliver Cowery’s “gift” in using his in the Doctrine and Covenants, and that Brigham Young employed the magic of a divining rod to actually locate where the Salt Lake temple should be built?

Did you know that Joseph Smith carried a Jupiter talisman around with him, which is directly tied to the occult and its powers, and it is believed it was on his person at the time of his death. Do they know that their founding prophet also carried around two separate magic parchments – as did his brother Hyrum. Do they know Brigham Young carried two seer stones and a bloodstone amulet on a chain? Do they know that the LDS church was founded on a day entrenched in Joseph Smith’s personal astrology which includes important ties to Jupiter and the Sun?

Did you know that the supposed visit of the angel Moroni was on the night of the Autumnal Equinox, and it was on this very important occultic night that Joseph says he met and re-met with the same angel of light for years and years to come until the Book of Mormon was completed? Did you know Joseph Smith actually taught Mormons how to tell the difference between a good angel and a bad one; and that it is done through a ritual of hand-shaking?! And did you know that this very method is still taught in the LDS Doctrine and Covenants today!

Speaking of today, did you know the LDS relish in telling stories of the dead and departed spirits coming to visit them in their temples, but that the Bible says such spirits are not from God? Did you know that LDS leaders have actually said that the Book of Mormon possesses a “familiar spirit” with that of the Bible? But the Bible itself is emphatic on avoiding any and all contact with any familiar spirits.

Listen:

My friends, do not be misled for misleaders are everywhere. The Word of God is…

Trustworthiness in Spiritual Guidance

Trustworthy. The words of man not. Try and test all spirits. And let the bad ones—even if they do good things—flee.

It is not by mistake that throughout God warns both His people of the Old Covenant and His people of the New to be very, very careful of beguiling and deceptive spirits. Where people on God’s side are led by Him and His Word, people who fall to the other realm of influence are under strange and powerful forces seen and unseen. Paul warns in Galatians that there would come "some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." And he adds, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." Then he repeats the warning for a second time.

Earlier in Corinthians, Paul warns believers of those who would come and "preach another Jesus, whom we have not preached," or try to get them to "receive another spirit, which they had not received, or another gospel, which they had not accepted…"

Warnings Against Deceptive Spirits

These gospels that preach another Jesus, and seek to get people to receive "another spirit" which comes through "another gospel," all operate, in one way or another, under the direction of spiritual darkness in high places.

Leviticus 19:31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.

Leviticus 20:6 And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

Deuteronomy 18:11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.

2nd Kings 23:24 Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.

Isa 8:19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

The Influence of Magical Practices

Acts 19:19

Verse 19. Which used curious arts] ta perierga. From the use of this word in the Greek writers, we know that it signified magical arts, sorceries, incantations, &c. Ephesus abounded with these. Dio Cassius, speaking of the Emperor Adrian, says, 'o adrianov periergotatov hn kai manteiaiv kai magganeiaiv pantodapaiv ecrhto. "Adrian was exceedingly addicted to curious arts, and practised divination and magic." These practices prevailed in all nations of the earth.

Brought their books together] The efesia grammata, or Ephesian characters, are celebrated in antiquity; they appear to have been amulets, inscribed with strange characters, which were carried about the body for the purpose of curing diseases, expelling demons, and preserving from evils of different kinds. The books brought together on this occasion were such as taught the science, manner of formation, use, &c., of these charms.

Suidas, under efesia grammata, Ephesian letters, gives us the following account. "Certain obscure incantations.-When Milesius and Ephesius wrestled at the Olympic games, Milesius could not prevail, because his antagonist had the Ephesian letters bound to his heels; when this was discovered, and the letters taken away, it is reported that Milesius threw him thirty times."

The information given by Hesychius is still more curious: efesia grammata. hn men palai st'. usteron de proseyesan tines apatewnev kai alla. fasi de twn prwtwn ta onomata, tade askion, kataskion, lix, tetrax, damnameneuv, aision. dhloi de, to men askion, skotov. to de kata skion, fwv. to de lix, gh. tetrax de, eniautov. damnameneuv de, hliov. aision de, alhyev. tauta oun iera esti kai agia. "The Ephesian letters or characters were formerly six, but certain deceivers added others afterwards; and their names, according to report, were these: ASKION, KATASKION, LIX, TETRAX, DAMNAMENEUS, and AISlON. It is evident that Askion signifies DARKNESS; Kataskion, LIGHT; Lix, the EARTH; Tetrax, the YEAR; Damnameneus, the SUN; and Aision, TRUTH. These are holy and sacred things." The same account may be seen in Clemens Alexandrinus; Strom. lib. v. cap. 8, where he attempts to give the etymology of these different terms. These words

Ephesian Letters and the Practice of Curious Arts

The Ephesian letters, served, no doubt, as the keys to different spells and incantations, and were used to attain a great variety of ends. The Abraxas of the Basilidians, in the second century, were formed on the basis of the Ephesian letters; for those instruments of incantation, several of which are now before me, are inscribed with a number of words and characters equally as unintelligible as the above, and in many cases more so. Then it is said they brought their books together, we are to understand the books which treated of these curious arts; such as the efesia grammata, or Ephesian characters. And burned them before all. These must have been thoroughly convinced of the truth of Christianity, and of the unlawfulness of their own arts.

Arts and Incantations

Verse 19. Curious arts. Arts or practices requiring skill, address, cunning. The word used here—perierga—denotes, properly, those things that require care or skill; and was thus applied to the arts of magic and jugglery, and sleight of hand, that were practised so extensively in eastern countries. That such arts were practised at Ephesus is well known. The Ephesian letters, by which incantations and charms were supposed to be produced, were much celebrated. They seem to have consisted of certain combinations of letters or words, which, by being pronounced with certain intonations of voice, were believed to be effectual in expelling diseases or evil spirits; or which, by being written on parchment and worn, were supposed to operate as amulets, or charms, to guard from evil spirits or from danger. Thus Plutarch (Sympos 7) says, "The magicians compel those who are possessed with a demon to recite and pronounce the Ephesian letters, in a certain order, by themselves." Thus Clemens Alex. (Strom. ii.) says, "Androcydes, a Pythagorean, says that the letters which are called Ephesian, and which are so celebrated, are symbols," etc. Erasmus says, (Adagg. Cent. 2,) that there were certain marks and magical words among the Ephesians, by using which they succeeded in every undertaking. Eustha. ad Homer. Odys. t, says, "that those letters were incantations which Croesus used when on the funeral pile, and which greatly befriended him." He adds, that in the war between the Milesians and Ephesians, the latter were thirteen times saved from ruin by the use of these letters. See Grotius and Kuin’el in loco.

Brought their books. Books which explained the arts; or which contained the magical forms and incantations—perhaps pieces of parchment, on which were written the letters which were to be used in the incantations and charms. And burned them before all men. Publicly. Their arts and offences had been public, and they sought now to undo the evil, as much as lay in their power, as extensively as they had done it.

Repentance and the Burning of Magical Books

Brought their books together, and burned them. There was real repentance, and they brought forth its fruits. These books, alluded to by ancient writers, were manuscript volumes of charms, incantations, recipes for love philtres, and other things of similar character. They counted the price of them. If the "piece of silver" is the Attic drachma or Roman denarius, as is probable (about sixteen cents), the whole value would be about $8,000. These "books" had considerable money value on account of their rarity.

Not a few of them that practised curious arts (hikanoi tôn ta perierga praxantôn). A considerable number of the performers or exorcists themselves, who knew that they were humbugs, were led to renounce their evil practices. The word perierga (curious) is an old word (peri, erga) originally a piddler about trifles, a busybody (1Ti 5:13), then impertinent and magical things as here. Only two examples in the N.T. It is a technical term for magic as the papyri and inscriptions show. Deissmann (Bible Studies, p. 323) thinks that these books here burned were just like the Magic Papyri now recovered from Egypt. Burned them in the sight of all (katekaion enôpion pantôn). Imperfect active of katakaiô. It probably took a good while to do it, burned them completely (up, we say; down, the Greeks say, perfective use of kata). These Magical Papyri or slips of parchment with symbols or magical sentences written on them called Ephesia Grammata (Ephesian Letters). These Ephesian Letters were worn as amulets or charms. They brought them together (sunenegkantes). Second aorist active participle of sunpherô.

Familiar Spirits and Divination

Books, pamphlets, magazines, and papers could be piled together and burned.

Familiar spirit

Sorcerers or necromancers, who professed to call up the dead to answer questions, were said to have a "familiar spirit" (De 18:11; 2Ki 21:6; 2Ch 33:6; Le 19:31; 20:6; Isa 8:19; 29:4). Such a person was called by the Hebrews an 'ob, which properly means a leathern bottle; for sorcerers were regarded as vessels containing the inspiring demon. This Hebrew word was equivalent to the pytho of the Greeks, and was used to denote both the person and the spirit which possessed him (Le 20:27; 1Sa 28:8; comp. Ac 16:16). The word "familiar" is from the Latin familiaris, meaning a "household servant," and was intended to express the idea that sorcerers had spirits as their servants ready to obey their commands.

Divination Practices

The Eastern people were fond of divination, magic, and the pretended art of interpreting dreams and acquiring a knowledge of futurity. When Moses published the law, this disposition had long been common in Egypt and the neighboring countries; and to correct the Israelites' inclination to consult diviners, wizards, fortune-tellers, and interpreters of dreams, it was forbidden them under very severe penalties, and the true spirit of prophecy was promised to them as infinitely superior, Ex 22:18; Le 19:26,31; 20:27. Those were to be stoned who pretended to have a familiar spirit, or the spirit of divination, De 18:9-12; and the prophecies are full of invectives against the Israelite who consulted such, as well as against false prophets, who seduced the people, Isa 8:19; 47:11-14; Eze 13:6-9. A fresh impulse to these superstitions was gained from intercourse with the Chaldeans, during the reign of the later kings of Judah and the captivities in Babylon, 2Ki 21:6; 2Ch 33:6. See MAGIC, SORCERERS.

Divination was of several kinds: by water, fire, earth, air; by the flight of birds, and their singing; by lots, dreams, arrows, clouds, entrails of sacrifices, pretended communication with spirits, etc., Eze 21:21.

Magic and Enchantments

In the Bible, all the superstitious ceremonies of magicians, sorcerers, enchanters, necromancers, spiritualists, exorcists, astrologers, soothsayers, interpreters of dreams, fortune-tellers, casters of nativities, etc., which are all forbidden by the law of God, whether practiced to hurt or to benefit mankind. It was also forbidden to consult magicians on pain of death, Le 19:31; 20:6. See ENCHANTMENTS and SORCERERS.

Enchantments

Deceptive arts and charms practiced by designing men, and classed in the Bible with sorcery, magic, divination, witchcraft, and necromancy, or professed communication with departed spirits. All these are expressly forbidden and denounced in Scripture, Ex 22:18; Le 19:26; 20:27; De 18:10,11. The pretended power and skill of enchanters was ascribed to infernal agency, and the art was essentially hostile to true religion. Their seeming wonders were usually wrought by juggling tricks or sleight of hand, or by mysteries of science, known to but few. The magicians of Egypt are said to have done several things "with their enchantments," Ex 7:1-9:29; Ac 19:19.

Occultic and Masonic Influence in Early Mormonism

By Joel B. Groat Copyright © 1996 Institute For Religious Research. All rights reserved. The evidence of Joseph Smith's close connection to occultism and Freemasonry, and how this influenced the origin and development of the LDS Church is not well known outside of scholarly circles. This article summarizes the evidence for Joseph's personal involvement in both Freemasonry and occultism, and their influence on the Mormon religion.

"There is absolutely no question in my mind that the Mormon ceremony which came to be known as the Endowment, introduced by Joseph Smith to Mormon Masons, had an immediate inspiration from Masonry." — Dr. Reed Durham, LDS Historian

Mormonism's Link to Occultism

Both Joseph Smith and his father were involved in the occult practice known as "money digging." This involved special rituals and ceremonies which were performed for the purpose of obtaining buried treasure thought to be guarded by evil spirits. Accounts of money digging during the late 1700s and early 1800s are documented in Alan Taylor's article "Treasure Seeking in the American Northeast, 1780-1830", published in American Quarterly, 38 [Spring 1986], pp. 6-34. This article specifically mentions Joseph Smith, Sr., and Jr., on pages 10-12, giving examples of their money digging activities. LDS seminary teacher Grant Palmer also documents the Smith family's occult beliefs and practices, as well as those of their close associates, in his book An Insider's View of Mormon Origins, (SLC, Signature Books, 2002, pp. 175-195). Joseph's Involvement in Occultism. Joseph Smith, Jr.'s role in the quest for

Joseph Smith's Early Practices and Mormon Origins

Treasure was especially important since he had a seer stone. Joseph would place this small, special rock in his hat then pull the hat up to his face to block out all light. By doing this he claimed he could see supernaturally, and would help those who were digging by locating the place where the treasure was buried and observing the spirits that were guarding it. Joseph Jr., himself admitted to being a money digger, though he said it was never very profitable for him (History of the Church, V. 3, p. 29). He and his father's money digging continued until at least 1826. On March 20th of that year Joseph was arrested, brought before a judge, and charged with being a "glass-looker" and a disorderly person. The laws at that time had what was known as the "Vagrant Act." It defined a disorderly person as one who pretended to have skill in the areas of palmistry, telling fortunes or discovering where lost goods might be found. Court records, determined that Joseph was guilty, though no penalty was administered, quite possibly because this was a first offense (Inventing Mormonism, Marquardt and Walters, SLC: Signature Books, 1994, pp. 74-75).

Occultism's Role in Early Mormonism

Shortly after this Joseph discontinued money digging but kept his seer stone. It was with the seer stone that he claimed to both find the plates and later produce the Book of Mormon. This was known by early converts but has since been replaced with later accounts of an angelic visitor. This transition was aided by downplaying the fact that Moroni was a dead Indian warrior, and by referring to him as an angel. Former BYU professor and historian D. Michael Quinn writes: During this period from 1827 to 1830, Joseph Smith abandoned the company of his former money-digging associates, but continued to use for religious purposes the brown seer stone he had previously employed in the treasure quest. His most intensive and productive use of the seer stone was in the translation of the Book of Mormon. But he also dictated several revelations to his associates through the stone (Early Mormonism and the Magic World View, D. Michael Quinn, Signature Books, SLC, 1987, p. 143).

This fact is supported by LDS author Richard S. Van Wagoner who found, This stone, still retained by the First Presidency of the LDS Church, was the vehicle through which the golden plates were discovered and the medium through which their interpretation came (Sidney Rigdon: A Portrait of Religious Excess, Signature Books, SLC, 1994, p. 57). Thus, we see that historians have documented a continuity between Joseph's early occultic practices and the origins of Mormonism. This link extends to the development of the LDS Temple ceremony.

Occultic Parallels in the LDS Temple Ceremony

Historian D. Michael Quinn has done extensive research on rites and ancient mysteries related to occultism. He states, By drawing only on authorized descriptions of the endowment by LDS leaders, I believe it is possible to see within historical context how the Mormon endowment reflected the ancient and occult mysteries far closer than Freemasonry (Early Mormonism and the Magic World View, p. 186).

Quinn then outlines the following ten essential characteristics common to both occult rituals and the Mormon Temple ceremonies:

1. They are revealed by God from the beginning, but distorted through apostasy.
2. They place an emphasis on the worthiness of initiates.
3. They include washings and anointings, a new name and garments
4. They emphasize vows of non-disclosure.
5. There are both "lesser" and "greater" rituals.
6. They feature presentation of the ritual through drama.
7. They contain an oath of chastity requiring strict purity and virtue of the participants.
8. They feature prominent use of the sun, moon and stars as key symbols.
9. The purpose of the ritual is to assist mortals to attain to godhood.
10. They employ titles and offices of prophets, priests and kings to those in leadership.

After presenting this material Quinn comments, To be sure Masonic rituals also shared some similarities with the ancient mysteries, but these were not linked to any concept of heavenly ascent, which was fundamental to both the occult mysteries and to the Mormon endowment. Therefore, what similarities may exist between Freemasonry and Mormonism seem more appropriately to be regarded as superficial, whereas the ancient occult mysteries and the Mormon endowment manifest both philosophical and structural kinship. (Ibid., p. 190).

Masonry's Influence on Mormonism

Masonry's influence on Mormonism and Joseph Smith has been noted by a number of historians.

Masonic Influence on Mormon Foundations

Some of the areas impacted by Masonic lore and ritual include the Book of Mormon, Joseph's personal life, and the LDS temple ceremony.

Masonic Themes Related to the Book of Mormon

John L. Brooke in his book "The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844," noted the following in reference to the story of the discovery of the gold plates and the narrative structure of the Book of Mormon: Freemasonry provides a point of entry into this very complex story. As it had been in Vermont, Masonic fraternity was a dominant feature of the cultural landscape in Joseph Smith's Ontario County …. The dense network of lodges and chapters helps explain the Masonic symbolism that runs through the story of the discovery of the Golden Plates. Most obviously, the story of their discovery in a stone vault on a hilltop echoed the Enoch myth of Royal Arch Freemasonry, in which the prophet Enoch, instructed by a vision, preserved the Masonic mysteries by carving them on a golden plate that he placed in an arched stone vault marked with pillars, to be rediscovered by Solomon. In the years to come the prophet Enoch would play a central role in Smith's emerging cosmology. Smith's stories of his discoveries got more elaborate with time, and in June 1829 he promised Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris that they would see not only the plates but other marvelous artifacts: the Urim and Thummim attached to a priestly breastplate, the 'sword of Laban,' and 'miraculous directors.' Oliver Cowdery and Lucy Mack Smith later described three or four small pillars holding up the plates. All of these artifacts had Masonic analogues.

… Smith's sources for these Masonic symbols were close at hand. Most obviously, Oliver Cowdery would have been a source, given that his father and brother were Royal Arch initiates; one Palmyra resident remembered Oliver Cowdery as 'no church member and a Mason.' … A comment by Lucy Mack Smith in her manuscript written in the 1840s, protesting that the family did not abandon all household labor to try 'to win the faculty of Abrac, drawing magic circles, or sooth-saying,' suggests a familiarity with Masonic manuals: the 'faculty of Abrac' was among the supposed Masonic mysteries (Refiner's Fire, Cambridge University Press, 1994, pp. 157-158). However, it wasn't until later in life that Joseph's involvement became more personal.

Joseph's Personal Involvement in Freemasonry

Mormon Apostle John A. Widtsoe stated: Many of the Saints were Masons, such as Joseph's brother Hyrum, Heber C. Kimball, Elijah Fordham, Newel K. Whitney, James Adams, and John C. Bennett …. With the acquiescence of the Prophet, members of the Church already Masons petitioned the Grand Master of Illinois for permission to set up a lodge in Nauvoo …. it was March 15, 1842, before authority was given to set up a lodge in Nauvoo and to induct new members. Joseph Smith became a member (Evidences and Reconciliations, 1 volume, pp. 357-358).

Joseph Smith admitted to being a Mason in his History of the Church, volume 4, page 551. Under the date of March 15, 1842 it reads: "In the evening I received the first degree in Free Masonry in the Nauvoo Lodge, assembled in my general business office." The record for the next day reads, "I was with the Masonic Lodge and rose to the sublime degree" (page 552).

How did Joseph's Masonic membership affect the development of the Mormon Church? The most significant area appears to be in the development of the Mormon temple ceremonies. As noted above, Joseph became a Mason on March 15, 1842 and "rose to the sublime degree" the following day. Less than two months later, on May 4, 1842, Joseph introduced the temple endowment ceremony (History of the Church, Vol. 5, pp. 1-2).

Masonry and Mormon Temple Ceremonies

The pervasive influence of Freemasonry in Mormon Temples is expressed well by LDS historian Dr. Reed Durham. Dr. Durham, who has served as president of the Mormon History Association, provides a number of interesting parallels between the two. He gives these as evidence for Masonry's clear influence on Mormonism. I am convinced that in the study of Masonry lies a pivotal key to further understanding Joseph Smith and the Church. . . . Masonry in the Church had its origin prior to the time Joseph Smith became a Mason …. It commenced in Joseph's home when his older brother became a Mason. Hyrum received the first three degrees of Masonry in Mount Moriah Lodge No. 112 of Palmyra, New York.

Masonic Influences on Early Mormonism

York, at about the same time that Joseph was being initiated into the presence of God . . The many parallels found between early Mormonism and the Masonry of that day are substantial… I have attempted thus far to demonstrate that Masonic influences upon Joseph in the early Church history, preceding his formal membership in Masonry, were significant. However, these same Masonic influences exerted a more dominant character as reflected in the further expansion of the Church subsequent to the Prophet's Masonic membership. In fact, I believe that there are few significant developments in the Church, that occurred after March 15, 1842, which did not have some Masonic interdependence. Let me comment on a few of these developments.

There is absolutely no question in my mind that the Mormon ceremony which came to be known as the Endowment, introduced by Joseph Smith to Mormon Masons, had an immediate inspiration from Masonry. This is not to suggest that no other source of inspiration could have been involved, but the similarities between the two ceremonies are so apparent and overwhelming that some dependent relationship cannot be denied. They are so similar, in fact, that one writer was led to refer to the Endowment as Celestial Masonry. It is also obvious that the Nauvoo Temple architecture was in part, at least, Masonically influenced. Indeed, it appears that there was an intentional attempt to utilize Masonic symbols and motifs.

Masonic Influence on Church Organizations

Another development in the Nauvoo Church, which has not been so obviously considered as Masonically inspired, was the establishment of the Female Relief Society. This organization was the Prophet's intentional attempt to expand Masonry to include the women of the Church. That the Relief Society was organized in the Masonic Lodge room, and only one day after Masonry was given to the men, was not happenstance…. included in the actual vocabulary of Joseph Smith's counsel and instructions to the sisters were such words as: ancient orders, examinations, degrees, candidates, secrets, lodges, rules, signs, tokens, order of the priesthood, and keys; all indicating that the Society's orientation possessed Masonic overtones.

I suggest that enough evidence presently exists to declare that the entire institution of the political kingdom of GodGod’s spiritual reign—fulfilled and present, not political or future., including the Council of Fifty, the living constitution, the proposed flag of the kingdom, and the anointing and coronation of the king, had its genesis in connection with Masonic thoughts and ceremonies…. it appears that the Prophet first embraced Masonry, and, then in the process, he modified, expanded, amplified, or glorified it…. The Prophet believed that his mission was to restore all truth, and then to unify and weld it all together into one. This truth was referred to as 'the Mysteries,' and these Mysteries were inseparably connected with the Priesthood…. Can anyone deny that Masonic influence on Joseph Smith and the Church, either before or after his personal Masonic membership? The evidence demands comments.

There are many questions which still demand the answers…. if we, as Mormon historians, respond to these questions and myriads like them relative to Masonry in an ostrich-like fashion, with our heads buried in the traditional sand, then I submit: there never will be 'any help for the widow's son' (Mormon Miscellaneous, October 1975, pp. 11-16, as cited in Changing World of Mormonism, Jerald and Sandra Tanner, 1981, pp. 546-547).

The Intersection of Occultism and Freemasonry with Mormonism

These statements demonstrate that much of the religious ritual within Mormonism finds its origin in both occultism and Freemasonry. It is not surprising that there is an overlap between occultism and Freemasonry within Mormonism since Masonry itself draws from occult lore and ritual. What becomes obvious is that Joseph neglected the Bible's clear prohibition regarding occult involvement. This is found in Deuteronomy 18:9-12 which states in part,

9 … thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
10 There shalt not be found among you any one that … useth divination, or is an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
11 or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits [demons], or a wizard, or a necromancer [one who communicates with the dead].
12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD.

Resources

The following resources contain a more extensive treatment of Joseph Smith's magical and occultic practices and worldview:

John L. Brooke, The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844, Cambridge University Press, NY, 1994, 421 pages. This non-Mormon author is an associate professor in the Department of History at Tufts University.

Grant H. Palmer, An Insider's View of Mormon Origins, (Signature Books, SLC, 2002).

Key Figures in Mormon Historiography

281 pages). Palmer is an LDS seminary teacher and three-time director of LDS Institutes of Religion in California and Utah.

Comprehensive Works on Mormonism

D. Michael Quinn, Early Mormonism and the Magic World View, Signature Books, SLC, revised and enlarged edition 1998, 646 pages. This work is comprehensive and thoroughly documented. The author is a former BYU professor and one of the most respected historians of Mormonism.

Critiques and Analysis

Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Mormonism, Magic and Masonry, Utah Lighthouse Ministry, SLC, 1983, 97 pages. This former Mormon husband and wife research/publishing team are well-known for their carefully documented critiques of Mormonism.