Bruno, Swick, and Literski argue that Joseph Smith’s engagement with Masonry began before Nauvoo and shaped more than the endowment alone. Their account interprets temple ritual as part of Smith’s effort to restore “true Masonry,” using Masonic legends and an esoteric framework to bring people into God’s presence.
- Cheryl L. Bruno, Joe Steve Swick III and Nicholas S. Literski, Method Infinite: Freemasonry and the Mormon Restoration (Greg Kofford Books, 2022).
Believing himself to be a Masonic restorer, Smith called upon God to inspire him to create ritual in the Masonic mold.