Book of Mormon/Anachronisms/Gadianton masons

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Contents

Criticism

Critics claim that the Gadianton robbers are thinly disguised references to the anti-Masonic panic of Joseph Smith's era.

Source(s) of the Criticism

  • Richard Abanes, One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church (New York: Four Walls Eight Windows, 2003), 40 (HB) ( Index of claims )
  • Fawn M. Brodie, No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1945), 63–66. ( Index of claims )
  • John L. Brooke, The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644–1844 (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1994), 168–171, 174–177, 226, 230, 233.
  • Ed Decker, Decker's Complete Handbook on Mormonism (Eugene: Harvest House, 1995), 210–211, 280.
  • Robert N. Hullinger, Mormon Answer to Skepticism: Why Joseph Smith Wrote the Book of Mormon (St. Louis, Mo.: Clayton, 1980), 100–119; republished as Joseph Smith's Response to Skepticism (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1992), 99–120.
  • Thomas F. O'Dea, The Mormons (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1957), 23, 35, 57.
  • David Persuitte, Joseph Smith and the Origins of The Book of Mormon (2nd edition), (McFarland & Company, October 2000), 173–180 ( Index of claims )
  • Walter F. Prince, "Psychological Tests for the Authorship of the Book of Mormon," American Journal of Psychology 28 (July 1917): 373–389.
  • Latayne Colvett Scott, The Mormon Mirage : a former Mormon tells why she left the church (Grand Rapids : Zondervan Pub. House, 1979), 75
  • Dan Vogel, "Mormonism's 'Anti-Masonick Bible,'" John Whitmer Historical Association Journal 9 (1989): 17–30.
  • Dan Vogel, "Echoes of Anti-Masonry: A Rejoinder to the Critics of the Anti-Masonic Thesis," in American Apocrypha, ed. Dan Vogel and Brent Lee Metcalfe (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 2002), 275–320.

Response

Many have speculated that the use of anti-Masonic language in the Book of Mormon is 'proof' of 19th century authorship. The authors of these speculations fail to take into account four critical issues which discredit the association between the Gadianton robbers of the Book of Mormon and the anti-Masonry of the opening decades of the 19th century [1826 through 1845].

1. Joseph Smith grew up with and was surrounded by Freemasons in his home. Both his father, Joseph Smith, Sr., and his elder brother Hyrum Smith were Masons in New York. It would seem unlikely that Joseph would be using anti-Masonic language and terms, given his family's close connection and association with the institution of Freemasonry.

2. In 1842, Joseph Smith, Jr., became a Mason. Had Joseph intended to tie the Gadianton robbers to the Freemasons, it seems most unlikely that only 12 years later he would then join the very group which the critics' theories require that he oppose so vehemently in the Book of Mormon.

To credit the critics' theories, wrote anti-Mormon Theodore Schroeder, we must accept that

when the Book of Mormon was finished, Smith's 'obsession' [with anti-Masonry] suddenly and permanently disappears without any other explanation, and Joseph Smith himself became a Mason, in spite of this anti-Masonic obsession.[1]

3. The Book of Mormon is a translation. As such its phrasing may sometimes reflect the time and place in which it was translated. Any similarity between the language of the anti-Masonic movement and Joseph's translation can better be explained by Joseph using the language of his time and place rather than by a deliberate connection to anti-Masonry.[2]

Some have claimed that the phrase "secret combination" was used exclusively in a Masonic context in Joseph Smith's day. This is simply not the case, however. In 1788, during the debates at New York's state convention to ratify the federal constitution, Alexander Hamilton stated:

In this, the few must yield to the many; or, in other words, the particular must be sacrificed to the general interest. If the members of Congress are too dependent on the state legislatures, they will be eternally forming secret combinations from local views.[3]

And, in 1826, Andrew Jackson complained about Henry Clay's "secrete [sic] combinations of base slander."[4] Jackson was a prominent and well-known Mason, and his presidency was rich fodder for those who feared a Masonic conspiracy. Yet, despite the critics' claims that "secret combination" must refer only to Masons, a prominent Mason here complains about an attack on him in exactly those terms.

4. Furthermore, the Saints of the 19th century saw the Book of Mormon's prophecies of latter-day "secret combinations" fulfilled by the persecution which they received at the hands of American citizens and the U.S. government. They did not invoke the Masons, which suggests that those who knew Joseph Smith did not recognize anti-Masonic themes in the Book of Mormon.[5]

Conclusion

Given Joseph Smith's long family involvement with the institution of Freemasonry and the fact that he would, in 1842, become a Mason himself, it seems unlikely that anti-Masonry was the "environmental source" of the Gadianton robbers found in the Book of Mormon. The members of his day likewise had little enthusiasm for anti-Masonic sentiments.

Any similarities in language between some anti-Masonic agitators and the Book of Mormon are more plausibly explained by the fact that similar words can be—and were—used to describe a variety of different tactics and organizations.

The claim that "secret combinations" was always used to refer to Masons is clearly false.

Endnotes

  1. [back]  Theodore Schroeder, "Authorship of the Book of Mormon: Psychologic Tests of W. F. Prince Critically Reviewed," American Journal of Psychology 30 (January 1919): 70.
  2. [back] Paul Mouritsen, "Secret Combinations and Flaxen Cords: Anti-Masonic Rhetoric and the Book of Mormon," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 12/1 (2003): 64–77. off-site PDF link
  3. [back]  Jonathan Elliot, ed., The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution, as Recommended by the General Convention at Philadelphia in 1787, Together with the Journal of the Federal Convention, Luther Martin's Letter, Yates's Minutes, Congressional Opinions, Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions of '98-99 and other Illustrations of the Constitution, 2nd ed., vol. 2 (Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott, 1861), 318, emphasis added.
  4. [back]  Robert V. Remini, Henry Clay: Statesman for the Union (New York and London: Norton, 1991), 340; cited in Daniel C. Peterson, "Secret Combinations" Revisited," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 1/1 (1992): 184–188. off-site PDF link
  5. [back] , " Notes on 'Gadianton Masonry'" in Daniel C. Peterson, "Notes on 'Gadianton Masonry'" in Ricks and Hamblin, eds., Warfare in the Book of Mormon (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book and FARMS, 1990), 174–224.


Further Reading

FAIR wiki articles

Freemasonry wiki articles

FAIR web site

Freemasonry on FAIR pages
  • FAIR 'Topical Guide' resource page FAIR link
  • Richard L. Anderson [on the reason for Joseph Smith becoming a Mason] PDF document, page 1, column 1, block quote FAIR link
  • Barry R. Bickmore, "Masonry and Mormonism," in Restoring the Ancient Church: Joseph Smith and Early Christianity (Redding, CA: FAIR, 1999), chapter 6, note #4. FAIR link
  • Greg Kearney, “The Message and the Messenger: Latter-day Saints and Freemasonry," (FAIR conference address, 2005) FAIR link
  • Greg Kearney, “The Temple and Masonry," (website evaluation, 2006) FAIR link
  • Benjamin McGuire, “The Masonic . . . Background of the Ceremony” (section of book review, 2007) FAIR link
  • Ben Spackman, “The Temple Ordinances and Freemasonry” (section of book review, 2006) FAIR link
  • Gilbert W. Scharffs, The Truth about "The God Makers" (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994), chapter 9 FAIR link

DVD/MP3

DVD/MP3
  • Exploring the Connection Between Mormons and Masons (2009 DVD - interviews with Richard E. Bennett, Matthew B. Brown, Glen A. Cook [Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Utah], Steven C. Harper, and Daniel C. Peterson) off-site
  • Matthew B. Brown - KSL newsradio MP3 interview on Mormonism and Freemasonry (25 October 2009) off-site

External links

Freemasonry on-line articles
  • Matthew B. Brown - Provo Daily Herald newspaper interview on Mormonism and Freemasonry (31 October 2009) off-site
  • Matthew B. Brown, "Girded about with a Lambskin," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 6/2 (1997): 124–51. off-site PDF link
  • Matthew B. Brown, "Of Your Own Selves Shall Men Arise, Review of The Mysteries of Godliness: A History of Mormon Temple Worship by David John Buerger," FARMS Review of Books 10/1 (1998): 97–131. off-site PDF link
  • Kenneth W. Godfrey, "Freemasonry and the Temple," Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 4 vols., edited by Daniel H. Ludlow, (New York, Macmillan Publishing, 1992), 2:528–529. off-site direct off-site
  • Kenneth W. Godfrey, "Freemasonry in Nauvoo," Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 4 vols., edited by Daniel H. Ludlow, (New York, Macmillan Publishing, 1992), 2:527–528. off-site direct off-site
  • William J. Hamblin, "An Apologist for the Critics: Brent Lee Metcalfe's Assumptions and Methodologies (Review of Apologetic and Critical Assumptions about Book of Mormon Historicity by Brent Lee Metcalfe)," FARMS Review of Books 6/1 (1994): 434–523. off-site PDF link
  • William J. Hamblin, Daniel C. Peterson, and George L. Mitton, "Mormon in the Fiery Furnace Or, Loftes Tryk Goes to Cambridge (Review of The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844 by John L. Brooke)," FARMS Review of Books 6/2 (1994): 3–58. off-site PDF link
  • Bryce Haymond, “Did the Temple Ordinances Come from the Masons?” – discussion of a quote by Hugh W. Nibley. off-site
  • Jeff Lindsay, “Questions about the LDS Temple Ceremony and Masonry,” LDS FAQ: Mormon Answers off-site
  • Paul Mouritsen, "Secret Combinations and Flaxen Cords: Anti-Masonic Rhetoric and the Book of Mormon," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 12/1 (2003): 64–77. off-site PDF link
  • Nathan Oman, "Secret Combinations: A Legal Analysis," FARMS Review 16/1 (2004): 49–73. off-site PDF link
  • Daniel C. Peterson, "Notes on ‘Gadianton Masonry’" in Warfare in the Book of Mormon, edited by Stephen D. Ricks and William J. Hamblin (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book and FARMS, 1990), 174–224. direct off-site
  • Daniel C. Peterson, "Secret Combinations" Revisited," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 1/1 (1992): 184–188. off-site PDF link
  • Matthew P. Roper, "Review of Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner," FARMS Review of Books 4/1 (1992): 169–215. off-site PDF link (see pages 184–185).
  • Eugene Seaich, “Was Freemasonry Derived from Mormonism?” – article hosted on the SHIELDS website. off-site

Printed material

Freemasonry printed materials
  • Michael R. Ash, Shaken Faith Syndrome: Strengthening One’s Testimony in the Face of Criticism and Doubt (Redding, CA: FAIR, 2008), 27, 118, 129, 229–31, 233. off-site
  • Lisle G. Brown, "Temple Pro Tempore," Journal of Mormon History, vol. 34, no. 4, Fall 2008, 40.
  • Matthew B. Brown, "The LDS Temple and Freemasonry," in The Gate of Heaven: Insight on the Doctrines and Symbols of the Temple (American Fork, UT: Covenant, 1999), 299–318. off-site
  • Matthew B. Brown, Exploring the Connection Between Mormons and Masons (American Fork, UT: Covenant, 2009), 1–211. off-site
  • Richard L. Bushman, Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling (New York: Knopf, 2005), 449–51.
  • Kenneth W. Godfrey, "Freemasonry in Nauvoo," Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 4 vols., edited by Daniel H. Ludlow, (New York, Macmillan Publishing, 1992), 2:527–528. off-site off-site
  • Kenneth W. Godfrey, "Freemasonry and the Temple," Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 4 vols., edited by Daniel H. Ludlow, (New York, Macmillan Publishing, 1992), 2:528–529. off-site off-site
  • Michael T. Griffith, "Masonry and the Mormon Temple," in A Ready Reply: Answering Challenging Questions about the Gospel, (Bountiful, UT: Horizon Books, 1994), 13–21. off-site
  • William J. Hamblin and David Seely, "The Freemasons and Solomon's Temple," in Hamblin and Seely, Solomon's Temple: Myth and History (London: Thames and Hudson, 2007), 182–186. off-site
  • Daniel C. Peterson, "Notes on 'Gadianton Masonry'" in Ricks and Hamblin, eds., Warfare in the Book of Mormon (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book and FARMS, 1990), 174–224.
  • Gilbert W. Scharffs, Mormons and Masons: Setting the Record Straight (Orem, UT: Millennial Press, 2006), 1-91. off-site

Related papers

Related papers
  • Jeffrey M. Bradshaw, "The Message of the Joseph Smith Translation: A Walk in the Garden" PDF format (2008 - FAIR conference address) PDF link
  • Matthew B. Brown, "The Lord Speaks Again: Ancient Temple Patterns in D&C 124" (2009 - research paper) off-site
  • Matthew B. Brown, "The Israelite Temple and the Early Christians" (2008 - FAIR conference address) FAIR link
  • Matthew B. Brown, "Early Christian Rituals Came From Temple" - Mormon Times article (9 August 2008) [6]
  • Brant A. Gardner, "The Gadianton Robbers in Mormon's Theological History: Their Structural Role and Plausible Identification,” (2002 - FAIR conference address) FAIR link
  • Daniel C. Peterson, "The Temple as a Place of Ascent to God" (2009 - FAIR conference address) FAIR link
  • Matthew P. Roper, "Adam in Ancient Texts and the Restoration" (2006 - FAIR conference address) FAIR link
  • John A. Tvedtnes, "Early Christian and Jewish Rituals Related to Temple Practices" (1999 - FAIR conference address) FAIR link
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