Everyone's familiar with this symbol - the Masonic compass and square. These symbols are also used in the LDS temple and on LDS garments. But how did they become something that you're not supposed to show to outsiders? First of all, they're originally Masonic symbols, and you see this all the time on Masonic graves, bumper stickers and outside Masonic lodges. Early members recognized where they came from.
Second of all, I remember reading that early designs for the SLC Temple had the compass and square appearing on the outside of the temple. So it wasn't out of the question to display these symbols.
So when did these symbols become secret in Mormonism?
Parley P. Pratt wrote:We must lie to support brother Joseph, it is our duty to do so.
~Those who benefit from the status quo always attribute inequities to the choices of the underdog.~Ann Crittenden ~The Goddess is not separate from the world-She is the world and all things in it.~
Everyone's familiar with this symbol - the Masonic compass and square. These symbols are also used in the LDS temple and on LDS garments. But how did they become something that you're not supposed to show to outsiders? First of all, they're originally Masonic symbols, and you see this all the time on Masonic graves, bumper stickers and outside Masonic lodges. Early members recognized where they came from.
Second of all, I remember reading that early designs for the Salt Lake City Temple had the compass and square appearing on the outside of the temple. So it wasn't out of the question to display these symbols.
So when did these symbols become secret in Mormonism?
In the temple, the symbols are connected to the oaths one makes during the endowment process. Some of you young'ens may not remember the pre 1990 oaths, but they were violent and disturbing.
In addition, the Masonic oaths / rituals one made in Joseph Smith's day were also kept secret which was a carry over into the temple ceremony.
Tchild wrote:In the temple, the symbols are connected to the oaths one makes during the endowment process. Some of you young'ens may not remember the pre 1990 oaths, but they were violent and disturbing.
In addition, the Masonic oaths / rituals one made in Joseph Smith's day were also kept secret which was a carry over into the temple ceremony.
True, but in Nauvoo for instance most endowed members were Masons, and they would have used these symbols openly. Also, early designs for the SLC Temple included a compass and square on the OUTSIDE of the building, so at one point it seems like it wasn't so secret - the symbols, at least.
Parley P. Pratt wrote:We must lie to support brother Joseph, it is our duty to do so.
"We have taken up arms in defense of our liberty, our property, our wives, and our children; we are determined to preserve them, or die." - Captain Moroni - 'Address to the Inhabitants of Canada' 1775
Buffalo wrote: Everyone's familiar with this symbol - the Masonic compass and square. These symbols are also used in the LDS temple and on LDS garments. But how did they become something that you're not supposed to show to outsiders? First of all, they're originally Masonic symbols, and you see this all the time on Masonic graves, bumper stickers and outside Masonic lodges. Early members recognized where they came from.
Second of all, I remember reading that early designs for the Salt Lake City Temple had the compass and square appearing on the outside of the temple. So it wasn't out of the question to display these symbols.
So when did these symbols become secret in Mormonism?
The "G" and the All Seeing Eye are not present on my garments.
Buffalo wrote: Everyone's familiar with this symbol - the Masonic compass and square. These symbols are also used in the LDS temple and on LDS garments. But how did they become something that you're not supposed to show to outsiders? First of all, they're originally Masonic symbols, and you see this all the time on Masonic graves, bumper stickers and outside Masonic lodges. Early members recognized where they came from.
Second of all, I remember reading that early designs for the Salt Lake City Temple had the compass and square appearing on the outside of the temple. So it wasn't out of the question to display these symbols.
So when did these symbols become secret in Mormonism?
The "G" and the All Seeing Eye are not present on my garments.
Care to try again?
Simon, is comprehension not taught in your current school? From the title of this thread 'Compass and Square'
'Church pictures are not always accurate' (The Nehor May 4th 2011)
Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.
