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In this video, Preston Purnell examines the common claim that Joseph Smith simply copied Freemasonry when creating the LDS Temple Endowment. Preston offers two compelling reasons why the temple ceremonies are more than just repackaged Masonic rituals.

The discussion covers:

• How the pattern of the endowment existed in scripture long before Joseph Smith encountered Freemasonry
• Biblical examples including the Brother of Jared's experience at the veil and Enoch's mountaintop encounter
• Joseph Smith's First Vision as a possible endowment experience itself
• Modern research discovering striking parallels between ancient Israelite temple ceremonies and LDS temple practices
• How symbols like the compass and square existed in ancient Christian, Egyptian, Sumerian, and Asian contexts
• Why the temple endowment, like the Book of Mormon, requires an explanation that accounts for all its elements

Preston concludes that while some mechanics from Masonic practices may have helped Joseph Smith ritualize concepts, the temple endowment stands as a pillar of testimony on par with the Book of Mormon—a beautiful blessing that helps us understand "what's truly at stake in the plan of salvation."

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