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Compass and Square - why are these symbols secret?
Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2011 3:55 pm
by _Buffalo
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?
Re: Compass and Square - why are these symbols secret?
Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2011 4:15 pm
by _Some Schmo
I don't know the answer to your question, but it seems to me that if you're ripping off symbols, you might want to keep it on the down low.
Re: Compass and Square - why are these symbols secret?
Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2011 4:17 pm
by _just me
When they got put on underwear.
Re: Compass and Square - why are these symbols secret?
Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2011 5:03 pm
by _Tchild
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?
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.
Re: Compass and Square - why are these symbols secret?
Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2011 5:12 pm
by _Buffalo
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.
Re: Compass and Square - why are these symbols secret?
Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2011 5:16 pm
by _DarkHelmet
They aren't secret, they're sacred.
Re: Compass and Square - why are these symbols secret?
Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2011 5:28 pm
by _Buffalo
DarkHelmet wrote:They aren't secret, they're sacred.
What a crap response. I know you're being funny by repeating it. But seriously, zero logic is employed in that.
First of all, false dichotomy fallacy. Second of all, there is nothing about sacredness that implies the need for secrecy.
Re: Compass and Square - why are these symbols secret?
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 11:54 am
by _jon
Because it is embarrassing to Mormon's that people know they have underwear with Masonic symbols on them because Joseph Smith was a copy cat.
Re: Compass and Square - why are these symbols secret?
Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 4:00 am
by _Simon Belmont
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?
Re: Compass and Square - why are these symbols secret?
Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 12:40 pm
by _jon
Simon Belmont wrote: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'