Author of Setting the Record Straight-Mormons & Masons
“Oh Lord my God,” cried Joseph Smith as he was assassinated at Liberty Jail in Carthage, Illinois on June 27, 1844. These words are the beginning of the Masonic Distress Call which continues, “Is there no help for the widow’s son?” The first prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke the first four words while shots were fired by a mob of about 125 men as he was climbing out of the second-story window of the jail.
The prophet was apparently trying to spare the lives of two apostles, John Taylor (severely wounded) and Willard Richards, who were with him in prison. His Brother Hyrum was killed moments before. Some feel Joseph Smith was appealing to Masons in the mob for help. More likely he was addressing God whom he would meet at any moment, since he had predicted his death several times in past days. He also certainly knew any friendly persons in the mob would not be helpful.
Inside the back cover of The Da Vinci Code, author Dan Brown hinted at the subject of his next book using bold face letters spread throughout his text which spell out the Distress Call. Many Mormons, assumed his forthcoming book would have negative elements about the Church, since Brown’s book had contradicted a basic belief of mainstream Christianity. The Da Vinci Code was centered around a group that claimed Jesus was married, had children and they were descendants today.
Also on a visit to Salt Lake City the idea that Mormonism might be criticized was underscored when KSL reporter, Carol Makita, stated that while on a tour of Temple Square, Brown commented on the symbols of the Salt Lake Temple being similar to those found in Masonry. He also said that he had been given access to all the references on Masonry in the LDS Archives.
When Brown’s new book came out, Latter-day Saints were surprised that The Lost Symbol was not negative. The Church is mentioned in connection with other religions. The main character, Robert Langdon, an agnostic Harvard professor, stated he doubted that Moses had parted the Red Sea and he did not believe the Book of Mormon was what it claimed to be. Also, speaking of religious rituals, he mentioned that Mormons “baptize the dead” instead of baptizing in behalf of the dead.
However, Brown’s main feminine character, Katherine Solomon, a highly intelligent noetic scientist, advocates important aspects of LDS doctrines. Mentioned by her and others: the importance of education; the value of group prayers and worship; traditional churches have lost their way; light needs to be restored; and the meaning of life. Brown states that the theme of his new book is, “To live in the world without becoming aware of the meaning of the world is like wandering about in a great library without touching the books.”
Perhaps the most important LDS beliefs are the existence of many gods and that humans have the potential to become as God. In The Lost Symbol such ideas are not identified as being LDS, but rely on logic, early Christian scholars and biblical scriptures.
The Lost Symbol quotes biblical passages more than once that Latter-day Saints also use: “God said, let us make man in our own image after our own likeness” (Gen.1:26; note the use of the plural “us” ). Christ said to his tormentors, “Is it not written in your law, I said ye are gods” (John 10:34-35)?” The psalmist had centuries earlier stated, “I have said, Ye are gods and all of you are children of the most high” (Ps.82:6). Paul also testified, “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords” (Deut.10:17). Jesus said “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21).
Quoting Katherine, Brown compares the level of mankind’s increasing scientific achievements over the years and argues that these accomplishments will continue until a level of godhood is achieved. She also said to Langdon, “If our ancestors could see us they would think we are gods.” It is understandable that some Christian reviewers have been very critical of The Lost Symbol as they were about The Da Vinci Code. Perhaps. when LDS missionaries teach the gospel, some of the ideas will not seem strange.
Brown’s book is hard to set down. It gives a much deeper understanding of what Masonry is all about, its connection to Washington D.C. and the beginnings of the United States. More than half of the authors of the United States Constitution were Masons. Much is learned about our founding fathers, especially George Washington who was a Mason and is depicted in a huge mural inside the nation’s capitol building dome; it is called the Apotheosis of Washington, showing him becoming a god. Brown treats Masonry fairly and insight is gained as to why Joseph Smith and other Church leaders found it appealing. Both Masons and Mormons should be pleased.
Dan Brown also states “Once we realize that we are truly created in the Creator’s image, we will start to understand that we, too, must be Creators. When we understand this fact the doors will burst open for human potential.” In other words, God, as a symbol for what mankind can become, is the Lost Symbol, which most of mankind has lost.
Dr. Scharffs’ Setting the Record Straight–Mormons and Masons was written dealing with the issues Latter-day Saints and non Mormons often ask. It addresses similarities and differences between the LDS Church and Masonry, a fraternal organization. It retails for $9.95 and is available wherever LDS books are sold.
Some of the issues discussed in Setting the Record Straight: Mormons and Masons
Is the claim by critics that Joseph Smith stole the LDS temple ceremony valid?
Why did Illinois Masons turn against Joseph Smith if he did not plagiarize their rituals?
Since Joseph Smith claimed to restore the Church that Christ established, why did he get involved with another group?
How did Masons in Nauvoo, who became Latter-day Saints, react to LDS temple rituals?
What is the relationship between Mormons and Masons in our day?
Since secrecy is contrary to Christianity, does that not invalidate the temple ceremony?
Aren’t symbols on early LDS temples copied from Masonry?
What have Masons who are also Latter-day Saints today said about the two rituals?
