Secrets of the Mormon Temple Revealed!

[prisonchaplain]

Okay...apologies for the tacky tabloid headline. Many here already know that I made a trip up to Vancouver BC, in part, to tour the new temple, while it's open for public tours. Since what I saw was meant for the general public, I doubt I will disclose anything that is either secret or sacred. :) I'll just put my thoughts in bullets below, so people can respond to any part they want.

1. As expected, arrival began with organized parking and "human guideposts" to direct us up to the welcome center, for the 12 minute video on LDS temples.

2. The wait in the chapel was interesting. It seemed most on the tour had friends who were LDS, and were mostly curious. Actual church members were easy to spot--the dressed a few steps up, out of reverence, I'm sure.

3. Prior to entry into the Temple volunteers put booties over our shoes. I had to respect this modern version of grabbing a towel and washing some feet!

4. As we entered the Temple I was struck by how much expectation there must be for members going in to an active one. The bold engraving that this is the house of the Lord. Then there's that desk at which one is told, yes, you are worthy, come into the house of the Lord! Knowing that for first timers, this likely involved a months-long process of spiritual preparation...yes, this would definitely be a powerful experience.

5. Somehow, in the Temple, the baptism for the dead didn't seem so controversial. The tank was quality, but symbol. The oxen were unusual, but the symbolism and origins are obvious. Even without knowing anything, I would have thought of the 12-tribes of Israel. The guide did mention Paul's writing to Corinth, but more as explanation than any attempt at persuasion.

6. The instructional rooms (2) led me to believe that it was here that the sacred events which cannot be disclosed take place. There was no evasiveness--it was just clear that the much more happened here than we could understand...perhaps more than any non-LDS could understand. The guide did tell us that often a couple would kneel and receive promises (covenants), and the rest of the group would concur with what happened, and the same covenant would be in effect for the whole group.

7. The Celestial Room was a place we were invited to sit or stand, look around, and be open to any feelings we might experience. It was beautiful, and yet simple and dignified. I'll talk more about what I sensed a little later.

8. I got to see the bride's waiting room! Now there's something so sacred, I doubt many LDS men even get the priviledge.

9. The guide took a fair amount of time to show us the changing rooms. He wanted us to grasp the changing and putting off of the outside world, to come in for this very special experience where laborer and CEO were the same, and all were blessed.

10. The guide's strongest testimony surrounded eternal marriage. For him a religion that promised eternity must also promise an eternal relationship with family. He quoted Elder Holland, I believe...but also shared his own heart on the matter.

11. Feelings. I believe I understand that both the Temple, and to some extent, the Moroni promise are similar. If one came expecting God to speak, and believing this was the right place, and the Restoration was the truth of God, then there would surely be strong spiritual communication. All that to say, whatever one thinks of Joseph Smith, the church he instituted has definitely tapped into some spiritual energy.

Open question...for some LDS the Temple is one of the most positive, encouraging, motivating aspects of the faith. Others apparently find it difficult, and feel little desire to go more than occasionally. Thoughts?

[LDSVALLEY]

Like all things the more you go the more you want to go and the stronger you feel the spirit. The less you go the more a pain it is to go and the less you feel the desire.

I'm 90 min. from the temple and have to get up at 630am on a Saturday when I work night shifts Sun to Thurs it can be rough to get motivated.

My oldest daughter (14) and I went to a baptism day today, alas only 5 youth showed which is the lowest I have ever seen for our Ward. As much as I didn't feel like going last night now I can't wait to make another trip!

the Children are soon getting old enough to allow my wife and I to make the trip, I never enjoy the full sessions without her with me, it seems like something is missing when I do. In a few months our second child will be 12 and able to go with myself and older daughter.

[LDSVALLEY]

We were new members and knew nothing about the temple when ours was constructed. We went to the open house during the last day and almost the last hour. Have kicked myself over the years since. When we walked out of the tour I wanted to grab every relative I had in the city and take them through.

Glad you got a chance to see one, it is a wonderful place to feel the spirit even before it is dedicated.

[WmLee]

PC ~ very good insight after your tour. The temple is considered a place of learning and a place to make covenants with our Father in Heaven. We learn about our relationship with our Father and with our Savior. We promise, or make covenants to live our life to be worthy to return to our Heavenly Father. And, authorized priesthood holders can seal us, as a family, for eternity.

For some, this is a lot. For some, being reminded of our obligation to live worthily is tough. Especially when we don’t. I think being reminded of our promises and our obligations make some feel so bad they don’t want to go back any more than they have to. I think some stay away because the idea of spending 90 minutes on your day off in the temple is too much.

I have a brother-in-law that went to the temple once, about 20 years ago. He said he’s been there and doesn’t see a reason to go back. He also likes his NASCAR and fishing on Sunday and reminds me he knows where the church is. If he wants to go or see someone he knows where to find ‘em.

I sometimes wish all LDS members were lining up to go back to the temple, the chapels were full and we all lived as if in Zion. Then again, I like my brother-in-law and enjoy challenging him to set better priorities!

[Hemidakota]

The temple is a conduit to the Celestial Kingdom.

[Dravin]

Open question...for some LDS the Temple is one of the most positive, encouraging, motivating aspects of the faith. Others apparently find it difficult, and feel little desire to go more than occasionally. Thoughts?

It is like praying, it should be a highly motivating and edifying experience, but how many of us put it off and find something else to do with our time then kneel down in prayer before the Lord? Like LDSValley explained, the less you do something (praying, reading scriptures, attending church or even going to the temple) the easier it is to forget exactly what you are letting pass you buy. A man who prays (or attends the temple) regularly feels keenly it's absence, the guy who goes/prays once a year less so and may even feel it a chore.

Edited April 17, 2010 by Dravin

[prisonchaplain]

Great and valid answers all! The comparison to the simple act of prayer is ironic and appropriate. Also, the sense of conviction that some may have, when in God's presence. I suppose it's useful to remember that in Moses' time, the people preferred that he represent him to the Father. They were more afraid and ashamed to be with God than they were excited.

[Moksha]

The oxen were unusual, but the symbolism and origins are obvious.

Thoughts?

I hear you about the oxen, I imagine most people would have been expecting giant sea turtles would be the symbolism of choice for those tribes.

My thought Padre, is one of happiness that you took the time to make this tour pilgrimage.

[beefche]

PC, you are awesome.

[prisonchaplain]

Moksha may be former military or corrections (the use of "padre" being a give away). Beefche needs to quite talking about my stomach. :-)

[candyprpl]

I'm one of those ones who loves it once I'm there but hates getting there. Right now, the nearest temple is 5 hours away but in just a few short weeks we'll have a new temple that is only 2 hours away. We are so excited!

I love being in the temple -- the peace and calm that comes over me is felt in no other place. I love the mountains and being in the woods because of the peace I feel but when I finally got to go in the temple and really feel the closeness to my Heavenly Father, the woods/mountains became second best.

Even when something is wonderful, we can be slow to partake.

I'm glad, PC, that you got to go to an open house!

[James_Fryman]

I love going to the temple, and I never miss when ever the youth have a trip planned. The one time I did miss an apostal was there, and I didnt get to go because my mom didnt want to put her brother through the "trouble" of taking me even though he offered without us even asking. needless to say my mom hasnt done that again

[applepansy]

I appreciate your prespective about the temple. It is a very sacred place to me and I've had amazing experiences there....even when working in the laundry folding clothing.'

As others have stated...the more you go the more you feel the Spirit and want to be there, the less you go the easier it is to put off going.

For me...I'd be happy if they would put a cot in a closet next to the vacuums for me and I'd live there. The temple is the only place on earth I find the peace that only the Spirit of God can bring to our hearts.

Edited April 18, 2010 by applepansy
typo

[miztrniceguy]

PC I have immense respect for your desire to learn more about us and our faith. Especially when added to your reading of the Book of Mormon.

Maybe some day.........:)

[Nomad]

I now regret not going to visit the temple in Adelaide when it was opened to the public. It's only a half hour stroll (twenty minutes at a good stride) from my place. I often go past it when my mother is driving between my place and my ex-girlfriend's to pick up my daughter. Always wanted to know what was inside.

[annamaureen]

I'm lucky enough to live ten minutes away from a temple, and I go often - usually twice a month. Nothing gives me quite the same sense of peace and fulfillment.

[Guest mormonmusic]

"Open question...for some LDS the Temple is one of the most positive, encouraging, motivating aspects of the faith. Others apparently find it difficult, and feel little desire to go more than occasionally. Thoughts? "

-- from PrisonChaplain

I'm in the camp that only goes occasionally. When I was High Priest Group Leader I went regularly, but frankly, I think I have such a high need for achievement, that I find the temple a real challenge to enjoy. Yes, I am going through for someone who will receive eternal ordinances, but the experience lacks any visible nowishness, and I find the four hours and the ceremony to be challenging to sit through when I've seen it before, and have mounting work at home or work.

And, the clothing doesn't ever fit me properly. I had an experience while in the Bishopric when I entered the Celestial room and some of my clothing (not my pants, by the way) fell off my waist and landed around me ankles. I felt humiliated. The shape of my body (flat buttocks) makes belts, and other clothing you wear around your waist fall off unless I hold it. It's maddening and been a problem all my life!

And in the temple, it's worse.

I also made a trip to the temple years ago when I had a big marriage decision, and was so worn out from school and everything I fell asleep in the celestial room and got booted out (nicely). Somehow the clothing-around-the ankles experience, and the being woken up in the celestial room experiences are partly responsible for making the temple a place I frequent only now and then.

Sadly, you can chastise me at will, but it's one aspect of our culture I find challenging to make a regular part of my life.

[MsQwerty]

All the general fluffiness that surrounds open houses is nice for the public, but in my opinion it does little to illuminate the reality of what happens during the ceremonies in the temple. It took me a very long time to find enjoyment in the temple (I took out my own endowments pre-1990). It was an experience I saved and struggled and spent two years preparing for, that left me feeling disturbed and nauseous to the point of vomiting for days after. It did get better for me post-1990 - marginally.

I like the atmosphere of the temple, the surroundings, the way people interact with each other, how everyone is dressed in white and all are equal in a spiritual sense - but the actual ceremonies/ordinances just don't do much for me, even when I'm doing work for direct ancestors I feel a real bond with.

Some of my feelings, I'm sure, are due to the fact I've known some pretty terrible human beings who are 'temple-worthy', even child molestors, who have attended the temple whilst committing the most unspeakable acts against their children and wives. I don't like being in the temple wondering 'who' might be one of those people. I have had a stake president who beat his wife (a friend of mine) and children and kept them living in poverty while he lavished expensive 'boy-toys' on himself - he attended the temple often and I simply could not attend when he was there.

Edited April 18, 2010 by MsQwerty
...

[Gwen]

All the general fluffiness that surrounds open houses is nice for the public, but in my opinion it does little to illuminate the reality of what happens during the ceremonies in the temple. It took me a very long time to find enjoyment in the temple (I took out my own endowments pre-1990). It was an experience I saved and struggled and spent two years preparing for, that left me feeling disturbed and nauseous to the point of vomiting for days after. It did get better for me post-1990 - marginally.

I like the atmosphere of the temple, the surroundings, the way people interact with each other, how everyone is dressed in white and all are equal in a spiritual sense - but the actual ceremonies/ordinances just don't do much for me, even when I'm doing work for direct ancestors I feel a real bond with.

Some of my feelings, I'm sure, are due to the fact I've known some pretty terrible human beings who are 'temple-worthy', even child molestors, who have attended the temple whilst committing the most unspeakable acts against their children and wives. I don't like being in the temple wondering 'who' might be one of those people. I have had a stake president who beat his wife (a friend of mine) and children and kept them living in poverty while he lavished expensive 'boy-toys' on himself - he attended the temple often and I simply could not attend when he was there.

you posted this in another thread.

all i can say is "wow!?! you are kidding right?" did i miss something? it seems one moment you are criticizing those that share to much of being human in concern that it will drive investigators from the church and then the next you make some very harsh statements about one of the most significant aspects of our doctrine.

this (bolded mine)

many of us behind the scenes are either doubting Thomases, adulterers, porn addicts, gossips and so on, then I just wonder what makes us a 'peculiar people' at all? We may as well be any group of people if the gospel isn't changing our lives and making us somehow 'different' to the world at large.

particularly jumps out at me. maybe you are more among these groups than you let on? one of the many disillusioned ones that struggle possibly because the ppl around you didn't show enough of their "humanity"?

i'm sorry you have had some bad experiences surrounding the temple. the reality is, and it's been discussed on this forum before, though we have a recommend interview process the main question in the interview is "do you feel worthy to enter the temple?". much of what takes place is up to us. because of this some ppl that do not belong there do get in. in the end they will answer to god for being there when they knew they should not. working on my worthiness and testimony is such a full time job i can't think about what others are doing. yes i would like things in the church to be "perfect" so that aspect didn't add to my struggles but that's just not going to happen. part of this life is opposition, sometimes that even means in the church.

as for the topic of this thread..... i think the varying levels of dedication you see toward the temple can also be seen in all religions and what they hold sacred. ppl are just at different levels. some are more dedicated than others. i don't think it makes us all that different than the rest of the world. due to the temples and recommend process maybe it's just more obvious to outsiders than among other groups?

[hordak]

Open question...for some LDS the Temple is one of the most positive, encouraging, motivating aspects of the faith. Others apparently find it difficult, and feel little desire to go more than occasionally. Thoughts?

Most people i have spoke with who do not like going to the temple cite the reason as the "formality" is you will.

The church is very relaxed in the way it is set up and the temple is very ceremonial.

I think Catholics might have an easier time then some LDS members. (Speaking of the ritualistic nature and not the teachings themselves)

[the Ogre]

Open question...for some LDS the Temple is one of the most positive, encouraging, motivating aspects of the faith. Others apparently find it difficult, and feel little desire to go more than occasionally. Thoughts?

PC:

First, I love your post. This is one of the best ones I have ever read on this forum. I might be biased though . . . I love the temple and all the symbols involved (re: the oxen, imagine the laver . . . erm, cough, cough, mikvah bath . . . in front of Solomon's Temple and the wandering tabernacle).

Second, I would think you would understand your own question. It is tied to the age old issue of clergy: why aren't more people coming out? There are a million answers. I have my own as per why I don't go as often as I should (time, time, time . . . you can't go on Sundays don'tcha 'no' -- I still make it in once a month, but I can go more often, I go to school ten minutes from one of my favorite temples and the absolute busiest; the Provo Temple).

Third, going to the temple not only requires a process (there are even classes), but if one is getting their recommend honestly and in faith, then it might take quite a bit o' time to repent for all that sinnin' we do as humans. It took me two years of hard work 'cause I was just a naughty, naughty, back-slidin' boy.

Forth, thanks again for your thorough post. I love it.

Aaron the Ogre

[Wingnut]

Some of my feelings, I'm sure, are due to the fact I've known some pretty terrible human beings who are 'temple-worthy', even child molestors, who have attended the temple whilst committing the most unspeakable acts against their children and wives. I don't like being in the temple wondering 'who' might be one of those people. I have had a stake president who beat his wife (a friend of mine) and children and kept them living in poverty while he lavished expensive 'boy-toys' on himself - he attended the temple often and I simply could not attend when he was there.

I guess it's a good thing that it's not up to you to decide anyone's worthiness but your own.

[LDSVALLEY]

To enter the temple requires (after a year of membership of course) a person answering a series of questions. There is no investigation into the honesty of the answers, therefore people who do not deserve to attend are able to do so. But that is between them and the Lord to account for. They are still doing work for people who are deserving of the blessings. Our local leaders are human and do things or make choices about others worthiness that are not always in line with Leadership Instruction just as each of us on occasion make choices not in harmony with the Gospel. Yet the Lords church is perfect, how can that be? Simple his plan allows for us to be human but still work out properly in the end.

I have attended when there have been people I felt should not be there for various reasons, so what. I attend 1 for my own benefit, 2 to draw closer to God, 3 to benefit those gone before us.

To think less of the temple or avoid attending because I felt someone was not worthy of being there for whatever reason is to allow their bad choices to harm me. That's giving someone else the power to decide my relationship to my Lord. Thanks but no thanks, I'd rather sit beside a potential child molester and ignore him then stay home and ignore the Lord because of him.

[MichaelPAGuy]

Although I cannot enter the temple yet...Hopefully a few more months, I live 10 minutes from the temple in Alaska and I love to just go and sit in my car outside the temple and just ponder. I can even feel the spirit that exists outside the temple on the grounds.

[MormonMama]

We live an hour away from the temple and do not go nearly as often as we should. I was quite nervous before my first visit because so many people told me about how frightening and unsettling the experience was for them because they didn't understand all the symbolism and thought they had to memorize everything. So maybe because I already knew beforehand that I didn't need to memorize everything and I didn't need to worry about understanding all the symbolism at first, my first experience in the temple was nothing but wonderful. It was such a spiritual event for me. When I made it to the Celestial Room I sobbed and sobbed because after 11 years as a member I had finally made it to the temple. Every time I have gone back I have felt the spirit so strongly and I know I'm in the right place.

I don't worry about whether those around me are worthy or not. I cannot see into their hearts and minds and have no right to judge them. And if they are in the temple unworthily, they will have to answer to God for that someday. That is on their head. It is not my concern or business. My business and concern is whether or not I am worthy when I am there.