A Comparison of Endowments from Joseph, Brigham, and the Nemenhah
Title: Restoring the Sacred: A Comparison of Endowments from Joseph, Brigham, and the Nemenhah
📜 Introduction
In every age, God invites His children to walk the sacred path, to come into His presence, and to receive power from on high. This invitation has been given through various means—prophets, ordinances, covenants, and the whisperings of the Holy Ghost.
The temple endowment, as originally taught by Joseph Smith, was one such invitation. But over time, it evolved. This post examines and compares three spiritual traditions:
The original endowment teachings of Joseph Smith
The expanded and institutionalized ceremonies under Brigham Young and the LDS Church today
The sacred path taught in the Nemenhah Records, a restorationist body of scripture echoing indigenous spiritual patterns
🏛️ Joseph Smith’s Vision: Endowment of Power and the Presence of God
Joseph introduced the endowment in stages:
In Kirtland (1836), the endowment was a spiritual outpouring—visions, tongues, angels, and visitations from Moses, Elias, and Elijah (see D&C 110).
In Nauvoo (1842–1844), he introduced a symbolic drama (washings, anointings, covenants, tokens) to help prepare disciples to receive the Second Comforter.
In September 1843, Joseph and Emma received the Second Anointing—the sealing of calling and election, and the promise of entering the presence of God (see Joseph Smith Journal, Sept. 28, 1843).
Joseph never fully completed the temple in Nauvoo. He said:
“If the temple and the Nauvoo House are not finished, you must run away.” (D&C 124:83)
His vision was not merely of ritual but of power, transformation, and divine encounter. The endowment was meant to bring us face to face with the Lord—not just after death, but in this life (Lectures on Faith 6:5–8).
🔒 Brigham Young’s Modifications: Institutional and Masonic Influence
After Joseph’s martyrdom in 1844, Brigham Young assumed leadership and began codifying and expanding the endowment in ways that diverged from Joseph’s intent:
The ceremony was institutionalized into a fixed, repeatable drama.
Masonic rituals were heavily incorporated: oaths of secrecy, penalties (throat-slitting, disembowelment), and symbolic gestures not found in Joseph’s teachings.
Women were placed in a submissive role, veiled at the veil, and covenanting to obey their husbands.
The Second Anointing became secretive, limited to high leadership, and temple access was tied to tithing, recommend interviews, and submission to authority.
What had once been a spiritual outpouring became a structured gatekeeping system. Divine presence was replaced with symbolism. Power was replaced with permission.
The Law of Chastity: A Clear Example
Brigham’s version of the law of chastity emphasized a strict moral code:
“Do not have sexual relations with anyone except your lawful spouse.”
While this principle is important, the tone became legalistic, fear-based, and centered on male authority and control. Women were taught to obey. Sexuality was taboo. The spirit of the law—love, mutual respect, and divine purpose—was lost in a checklist of prohibitions.
🌿 The Nemenhah Endowment: Walking the Sacred Way Now
The Nemenhah Records restore an older, earth-based, Spirit-filled sacred path. Their “endowment” is not a fixed ordinance, but a way of life:
Initiation occurs in nature, around the fire, in family lodges—not marble temples.
The Haymehnay (Holy Ghost) is the guide, not institutional keys.
Men and women are spiritual equals. Women hold offices, give blessings, and teach.
The Way is about walking with ancestors, the Peacemaker (Christ), and the Earth in real communion.
“Why do all this work for the dead, if we do not walk with the living?” – Nemenhah
The Law of Chastity: Love and Sacred Covenant
In contrast to Brigham’s rule-based version, the Nemenhah treat chastity as a living, holy covenant. It is not a list of forbidden acts—it is a path of love, consecration, and divine unity.
From The Book of Hayneht Paynieht Ahkehkt:
“Let there be but one spouse unto one, and let them walk together in the Way. Let them be holy unto one another, and their love shall be as a circle unbroken, from the beginning.”
Sexuality is not feared—it is honored as sacred, to be shared in love and covenant. This is chastity not as restriction, but as reverent devotion.
From The Book of the Tuhhuhl Nuhmehn:
“And the Aylohhihm took counsel... and the Beloved Son offered Himself... that all might come back into Their presence.”
Their view of temple work is internal: you are the temple, the body is sacred, the path is living.
📖 Lectures on Faith and Divine Encounter
Joseph taught in the Lectures on Faith that the purpose of all faith is to lead to the actual knowledge of God:
"Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation… it was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life.” (Lecture 6:7)
He wasn’t talking about temples made with hands—but about hearts sanctified by fire.
🧩 Concluding Thoughts
Joseph opened a door to heaven. He began a process.
Brigham built a system—well-organized, but patterned more after man than after God.
The Nemenhah restored the original invitation: Walk with God now.
Joseph said:
“I want you all to go to the temple and receive your endowment, so that you may be prepared and able to walk back into the presence of God.”
The Nemenhah say:
“Come, walk the Way. The veil is not closed. It is thin, and the Peacemaker waits.”
We were never meant to wait until death to meet the Lord.
We were meant to walk with Him.
Now.
📚 Scriptures and Sources for Further Study
Lectures on Faith, Lecture 6:5–8
Joseph Smith Journal, Sept. 28, 1843 (Emma and Joseph’s second anointing)
Doctrine & Covenants 124:28–48 (Commandment to build the temple)
The Book of the Tuhhuhl Nuhmehn, Chapter 1 (The sacred council of creation)
The Book of Hayneht Paynieht Ahkehkt, various chapters on women, sacred law, and spiritual equality
The Book of Mohrhohnahyah, Chapters 4, 8, and 17 (warnings against corrupted priesthood, invitation to walk with God)
The Book of Tsihohnayah Ahkehkthihm, Chapter 14 (apostasy and remnant prophecies)
Let us rise and walk.
Let us remember what was started—and where the Spirit leads now.
Let us restore the sacred.
Together.
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