Temples & Freemasonry in the CES Letter

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Articles about the CES Letter

Overview	Overview of the CES Letter Approaching history Responding to criticisms about Church history
Brief responses and additional resources, CES Letter sections	Introduction Book of Mormon Book of Mormon Translation First Vision Book of Abraham Polygamy and Polyandry Prophets Kinderhook Plates & Translator Claims Testimony and Spiritual Witness Priesthood Restoration Witnesses Temples & Freemasonry Science Other Conclusion
Detailed responses, CES Letter sections	Introduction Book of Mormon Book of Mormon Translation First Vision Book of Abraham Polygamy and Polyandry Prophets Kinderhook Plates & Translator Claims Testimony and Spiritual Witness Priesthood Restoration Witnesses Temples & Freemasonry Science Other Conclusion

Temples & Freemasonry in the CES Letter

The CES Letter raises questions about the temple endowment, including its relationship with freemasonry and the eternal efficacy of that ordinance.

Relationship to Masonry

Several subsections in this part of the letter challenge the divine origin of the temple endowment because of some similarities with freemasonry. The letter also questions if Joseph Smith "made up" the endowment based on masonic rituals he received. Below are relevant resources addressing these concerns:

• Source of the temple endowment
• Relationship between the temple endowment and Freemasonry
• Similarities between ancient and modern temple rituals
• Symbolism in Latter-day Saint Temples
• Changes to the temple endowment

Eternal Efficacy

The letter also challenges the eternal efficacy (or eternal impact) of the endowment. Below are relevant resources.

• Money spent on temples