By Anonymous
Necessity is the mother of invention as they say. In the early 17th Century, a movement called Rosicrucian came about by the introduction of several anonymous manifestos. So, in some sense, this is following that pattern, of putting forth a Manifesto to call for the establishment of something. But also, the author decided to introduce this manifesto anonymously to not bring attention to her/himself, but to only to promote and plant the seed of an idea in the minds of the readers, and make a call for a few good people to step forward and establish a new esoteric order. For convenience here, it shall be called the Latter-day Guild of Esotericism (LDGE), and its Grand Lodge shall be called the Latter-day Grand Lodge. If someone else can come up with a better name, then more power to you. One interesting quote from a Mormon observer in the 19th century named John W. Gunnison wrote:
Masonry was originally of the church, and one of its favored institutions, to advance the members in their spiritual functions. It had become perverted from its designs, and was restored to its true work by Joseph [Smith], who gave again, by angelic assistance, the keywords of the several degrees that had been lost.
The author isn’t going to get into a debate about the historical accuracy of this quote, only to highlight the idea in it. Whether it correctly or accurately represents the thoughts of Joseph Smith on the subject either isn’t the point. But this is a nice idea, whatever it came from. The author observes that it is sad that there is no fraternal order in Mormonism or in the culture of the west that helps advance members in this way, as suggested by the quote, an order that LDS people feel good about joining. Such an order, if it were to be established, should not to be limited to LDS people, but should be welcoming of all. As much as the Church may suggest that Priesthood quorums and activities adequately provide for the fraternal needs of its members, this doesn’t seem to be the case to this author, because this author observes that the fraternal needs of the author are not provided for, as Mormonism does not provide an estoteric order for its members. And the author doesn’t seek to be a Freemason or a Rosicrucian, because the author doesn't really feel right about joining those orders. The author yearns for an order to be a part of that is esoteric in nature, but that is not a society with ceremonies that mimic religious ones.
The author doesn’t seek to find fault with Freemasonry or Rosicrucianism, but the orders out there that already exist don’t seem to fit the needs of the LDS people in western America. Please hear the author out. Mormons and others around them don’t really agree that much with some of the doctrines or philosophies in these groups, and don’t really want to have to go through the “lessons” of these orders just to be a part of them, to be taught these philosophies they don’t necessarily agree with. Some Mormons don’t feel very good about performing ceremonies that come too close to things that they hold sacred in their own Temples that these fraternities perform for their initiations. It is the belief of some that these things exist because all initiatory ceremonies come from common roots.
Whatever the case, the author calls for the establishment of a non-initiatory order that accepts both men and women. This would not be a replacement for Freemasonry or Rosicrucianism to compete those orders. But LDS people sometimes feel out of place in these fraternities, and Mormons don’t necessarily want to re-establish the link that existed between Freemasonry and Mormonism in the 1840’s in Nauvoo. The bottom-line is, these are initiatory fraternities. The author feels that we don’t need another initiatory society, because Mormons already have their own intitation in the Temple.
The establishment of the Latter-day esoteric order would need to be done carefully, to not become the breeding ground for another self-proclaimed prophet or charismatic leader, when mainstream Mormons just want to follow the prophet. Not that we want to find fault with the beliefs of others that are no longer of our faith. Some Mormons just want a fraternity and lodge where they can talk esotericism and advanced philosophy and other advanced subjects with their fellows, things that aren’t really appropriate for Sunday School necessarily, but perhaps may be appropriate subjects for research, or for banter among friends in private settings. Speculative doctrine is even fun sometimes, but needs to be kept within proper bounds. Joining other non-Masonic, already-existent service oriented societies like the Lion’s club or whatever really won’t do, because this ought to be a new invention that focuses on esotericism within an LDS cultural framework, and without the baggage of Rosicrucianism or Freemasonry, such as long periods of catechistic lessons that teach doctrines or philosophies that certain Mormons won't agree with, or having strict protocols or strict "landmarks."
The author sees this as something that lacking in the lives and hearts of latter-day LDS and American culture, and something that perhaps ought to be restored to it. The author starves for the re-establishment of the lodge in the culture of Latter-day Western America, but not the same as a Masonic lodge. Rather, it would be a Latter-day esoteric lodge. The author is careful here not to make this call for a new religious society, but rather, a somewhat secular one that studies esotericism, and how esotericism can benefit the Latter-day culture.
This is a call for someone to write a constitution and step forward and establish such an order, but for careful consideration for how to create it without it becoming a tool for egoists to take over and make it after their own image for self-promotion. The author is not the person to do this, but hopes that this will plant the seed for the effort.
