Can I go visit everything at my local Mormon Temple?

[Jean_Marie_1]

The only other option, should there be one, IMO is a restoration, directly from God Himself!

Here’s the problem:

The Catholic Church’s history is, well, “shrouded” in 2,000 years of time. The foundation of the Catholic Church was SO long ago, you must accept it as it is - there’s no “paper trail”, that is, there’s no local Jerusalem newspaper discussing the Resurrection, all we have are Paul’s Letters at the earliest.

The Mormonism, however, was formed in the American Midwest 180 years ago, and it has a knowable, traceable history. There’s no real “shroud” of mystery regarding the Mormons. The only real secret is ones kept by the first Mormons themselves, nothing has been “lost to time”.

It just seems more appropriate for our Mysteries in the Catholic Church to be 2,000 years old, compared to the mystery of the foundation of Mormonism a mere 180 years old. It is oh-so-typically American, where if a building is 70 years old it is “historic”. I believe it is THAT mentality that keeps Americans from embracing the Old Faith in greater numbers, they just don’t understand the difference and the history of 2,000 years versus 100 years.

 

[colliric]

I beg to differ. The Mormon church also encourages its members to read the scriptures (yes, the Bible too), every day of the year, even twice a day, and also as a family, every day of the year. Personal prayer morning, night, before meals, as a family morning and night, and any other time deemed necessary is also encouraged.
!

The difference is The Catholic Church does this by holding holy Mass every single day of the year, and not through private reflections. The support from the preisthood is second to none. That is the point here, the Church of Christ does not “only worship on sunday” but allows everyone to come for support through holy Communion every day of the year. Sunday is the day we must attend, but if we need to attend any other day of the week at anytime during daylight hours, we can.

One of the main reasons for this tradition is the Scripture. Before the printed word the bible was delivered to congregations verbally and also through a public locked down bible which they could read in church anytime. It was necessary for Christ’s church to hold mass everyday simply so that people who wanted to know the gospels and the bible inside and out could do so.

I am so comforted by that very Jesus teaching of “come to mass anytime you want during the week, but you must attend on Sunday.”.

 

[Kitty_Chan]

Bear in mind, though, that in terms of doctrine, Protestants and Catholics are virtually identical. Protestants and Catholics are Christians, because they don’t disagree about the Trinity, or any other issue about the nature of God, or Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. Mormons, though, have very different notions of these things, and others, and so cannot be considered Christian except by very generous definition of that word.

What exactly is the Mormon idea of Trinity? not Father Son Holy Ghost I assume…??

 

[jack_hawkins]

any definition of cult based on theology is hopelessly subjective
my understanding is that there is “sect”, “cult” and also “new religious movement”
some people reserve cult for those who use mind control techniques and revolve around a charismatic founder eg the Moonies, Scientology etc
I think Islam conforms to the definition of a cult, since the faith revolves heavily around the founder, Mohammed:thumbsup: - they still say his name 5 times a day, 1400 years later

 

[kellie]

“Worthy Members” are those that truly follow the teachings of Christ, and the commandments. Mormons don’t drink or smoke, take drugs, remain chaste until marriage, don’t murder, steal, lie, and do their best to live the 10 commandments. Those that remain true to their beliefs are issued “recommends” by their church leaders that allow them in. Call it incentive to live a righteous life.

You can learn a lot about what goes on inside the temples though by visiting the local visitors center near the Mormon temple near you, or inviting the Mormon missionaries over.

The word “don’t” is a very powerful word in this post.

How can you say “Mormons don’t drink or smoke, take drugs, remain chaste until marriage, don’t murder, steal, lie, and do their best to live the 10 commandments.”?

You are trying to tell me that Mormons don’t sin at all?

They may not steal from a store or a neighbour’s home, but do any of them download music from the net?
They may not lie when asked most things, but do they tell their spouse or host the meal they just ate was delicious, when in fact it was very bland and tasteless?

There are very fine lines between what constitutes lying and stealing. You cannot say Mormons don’t do it.

Therefore I find this “recommend” system of being allowed to enter the temples totally illogical.

We are all sinners.

World peace will only happen when we can all live and pray in unity, not be excluded from worship because we sin.

 

[kellie]

Maybe they were embarrassed, or worried someone might think they were weird (well, maybe we are) for wearing them. Underwear is a sensitive issue after all. The ordinances within the temple are sacred, and perhaps they interpreted that as they couldn’t admit they wore garments. I think that’s silly though - the rest of the world knows temple-going Mormons wear them. I don’t see why one can’t admit it, especially in preparation for the temple, or to become a member of the Mormon faith. I know as a former missionary we certainly weren’t taught to hide anything when teaching others about the church. There are evidently several bad apples out there. They shouldn’t be lying about stuff like that.

So they lied, and were still allowed in to the temple?

Just emphasises my previous post exactly.

 

[jstayii]

The difference is The Catholic Church does this by holding holy Mass every single day of the year, and not through private reflections. The support from the preisthood is second to none. That is the point here, the Church of Christ does not “only worship on sunday” but allows everyone to come for support through holy Communion every day of the year. Sunday is the day we must attend, but if we need to attend any other day of the week at anytime during daylight hours, we can.

Mormons can do almost the same in the temple (back to the topic). Temples are open every day but Sunday, which is reserved for congregational worship. Personal worship can occur in the Mormon temple, very similar to the way it can be done at daily Mass in the Catholic church. This principle is not lost in the Mormon church - this too, is something unique to both the Mormon and Catholic churches.

 

[jstayii]

What exactly is the Mormon idea of Trinity? not Father Son Holy Ghost I assume…??

No, we believe in Father, Son, and Holy Ghost - we believe in them as separate glorified beings though, one in purpose.

 

[jstayii]

The word “don’t” is a very powerful word in this post.

How can you say “Mormons don’t drink or smoke, take drugs, remain chaste until marriage, don’t murder, steal, lie, and do their best to live the 10 commandments.”?

Okay, I assumed you wouldn’t take this literally. Mormons believe in the atonement and repentance too. I should have quoted that as “Faithful Mormons don’t drink or smoke, take drugs, remain chaste, etc.” Those that repent are allowed back into the fold, just as most Christian religions out there. I think you will find that comparatively speaking to the rest of the world however (I realize there are many other righteous Christians out there as well), Mormons are pretty good at it.

 

[jstayii]

So they lied, and were still allowed in to the temple?

Just emphasises my previous post exactly.

His friends may have lied (I’ve never heard such a story before - I’d like to know more of the details and context before making such an accusation), yes. Emphasis on my previous post - we’re all humans, and yes, all sinners (except the Savior) - Mormons believe this as much as anyone else, and we believe in repentance. This means constantly trying to become better and rid ourselves of sin. Only the repentant members in good standing with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are allowed in the temple. It is a clean place - just as in the days of the temple at Jerusalem it is the “House of the Lord”. Anyone (as we are all sinners) is welcome who is willing to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and keep a repentant heart.

 

[kell0618]

Read Inside a Mormon Temple from This Rock.

 

[Jaypeeto3]

When I was really young - I think around 1973 -
the LDS church had just finished building it’s enormous Washington (DC) Temple. The LDS invited the public schools to bring the kids there on field trips, and our school went.
I was awestruck by that gorgeous building with it’s gold spires and trumpet-blowing angel Moroni on top of the highest spire.
The inisde was very beautiful too, and quite serene. We visited the entire interior, including the huge font where baptisms for the dead are performed.

Then, a few weeks later, the Washington Temple was dedicated and since then it is closed to the general public.
But man is it a beautiful building. If you’re on the highway in Kensington Maryland and all of the sudden you see this enormous golden spired white building rising up out of the forest, that’s the Temple. The first time we saw it from the highway, we all gasped. That was before I got to go inside it, too.

Jaypeeto3 (aka Jaypeeto4)

 

[jstayii]

When I was really young - I think around 1973 -
the LDS church had just finished building it’s enormous Washington (DC) Temple. The LDS invited the public schools to bring the kids there on field trips, and our school went.
I was awestruck by that gorgeous building with it’s gold spires and trumpet-blowing angel Moroni on top of the highest spire.
The inisde was very beautiful too, and quite serene. We visited the entire interior, including the huge font where baptisms for the dead are performed.

Then, a few weeks later, the Washington Temple was dedicated and since then it is closed to the general public.
But man is it a beautiful building. If you’re on the highway in Kensington Maryland and all of the sudden you see this enormous golden spired white building rising up out of the forest, that’s the Temple. The first time we saw it from the highway, we all gasped. That was before I got to go inside it, too.

Jaypeeto3 (aka Jaypeeto4)

I agree - I’ve been to that temple, and inside that temple. It is quite a refuge from the world, an oasis in a world of such business, corruption, and sin. It is such a peaceful thing to be able to enter into a the temple and worship the Lord. I feel a peace when I enter inside, and you can pretty much feel a sense of it on the grounds of any Mormon temple.

FYI, that temple also has a visitors center - I believe it’s the second largest visitors center in the world. Feel free to stop by any time if you want to learn more.

 

[jack_hawkins]

I have seen the Temple in Johannesburg from the outside - that is certainly very splendid.

 

[thomasf]

So they lied, and were still allowed in to the temple?

Just emphasises my previous post exactly.

Not just lied, but lied about their religion when he was converting. I’m not sure why someone would be ‘ashamed’ of that particular aspect of the religion. There’s nothing I’m ashamed of about catholicism, and certainly nothing I’d lie about to a convert. And to be clear, it wasn’t the first time I’ve experienced that tactic of not explaining things or hearing denials about that religion. Not just locally either.

 

[jstayii]

Not just lied, but lied about their religion when he was converting. I’m not sure why someone would be ‘ashamed’ of that particular aspect of the religion. There’s nothing I’m ashamed of about catholicism, and certainly nothing I’d lie about to a convert. And to be clear, it wasn’t the first time I’ve experienced that tactic of not explaining things or hearing denials about that religion. Not just locally either.

I have never been ashamed of mine either, and I have nothing to hide. There is nothing wrong with wearing the Mormon garment, and my religion teaches me to not be ashamed of it. Just because a select few members did something wrong (again, we haven’t heard the entire story or context, I imagine) does not mean the entire church isn’t true. I’m sure you can find similar examples within your own religion. Again, this is silly to be attacking other religions due to the imperfections of few - what happened to allowing both the sinners and non-sinners into our faith?

 

[Jean_Marie_1]

No, we believe in Father, Son, and Holy Ghost - we believe in them as separate glorified beings though, one in purpose.

Which makes you non-Christian, as the word has been defined for almost 2,000 years…

 

[thomasf]

I have never been ashamed of mine either, and I have nothing to hide. There is nothing wrong with wearing the Mormon garment, and my religion teaches me to not be ashamed of it. Just because a select few members did something wrong (again, we haven’t heard the entire story or context, I imagine) does not mean the entire church isn’t true. I’m sure you can find similar examples within your own religion. Again, this is silly to be attacking other religions due to the imperfections of few - what happened to allowing both the sinners and non-sinners into our faith?

I’m not attacking anything, I’m relating my experiences. He was converting to the mormon church. I asked him if he learned about the temple garments or underwear. He said no. I told him what I knew of it. He asked his wife to be, her parents, the advisor from the church about it. He came back to me and said they don’t know what that is, they never heard of that. Meanwhile, these people were wearing the very garments they denied. He converted anyway. One year later he’s getting ready to be accepted into the temple, and suddenly he learns about the very things I told him about a year earlier. I knew more about it then he did as a converted mormon, and I was more willing to explain this to him while his own people were not. Now you’ve heard the entire story and context.

And as I said, it’s not the only such experience I’ve had. I’ve had other people deny the garments, and only when I related that story did I get people to acknowledge it. Not just locally, but people online as well. Maybe it’s something people feel funny about discussing, I’m not sure. But when it comes down to someone converting to a faith, I would think the very people converting you would tell the truth and be transparent about the faith.

As far as my religion goes, it’s crystal clear and transparent to everyone and anyone that is interested in knowing it. There’s nothing that will be denied and then brought up a year later once someone already converts. If anything, we have a stringent process for educating new converts that requires a serious committment on the part of the convert, a process that makes sure everything is known before converting. There’s nothing that we hide away and deny or ignore or try to forget ever happened. From my experience, that is not so about the mormon church.

 

[jstayii]

I’m not attacking anything, I’m relating my experiences. He was converting to the mormon church. I asked him if he learned about the temple garments or underwear. He said no. I told him what I knew of it. He asked his wife to be, her parents, the advisor from the church about it. He came back to me and said they don’t know what that is, they never heard of that. Meanwhile, these people were wearing the very garments they denied. He converted anyway. One year later he’s getting ready to be accepted into the temple, and suddenly he learns about the very things I told him about a year earlier. I knew more about it then he did as a converted mormon, and I was more willing to explain this to him while his own people were not. Now you’ve heard the entire story and context.

I’m wondering where the missionaries were in this process? Where was his Bishop? Where was his Stake President? All three should have been involved in his conversion, and process to go to the temple. I can’t believe none of them would have told him about the garment. I’ve never known anyone in my church to hide that fact, and I apologize if your experience is different - it is a sacred part of the temple that people hold in high regard. Perhaps they were trying to protect that, but that doesn’t give them an excuse to lie - my church does not teach that, and my church does not give a means for that to happen easily. For a person to enter the temple, the following have to happen:

1. You have to get baptized. This involves receiving lessons from the Missionaries (who follow very strict rules, and definitely should not lie about things they are teaching - usually if this is the case, they are sent home, and even some times excommunicated). It also involves an interview from either the leader of those missionaries, or a local Bishop. I can count at least 3 people there that would have had to lie for him to not know about the garment. Again, maybe that is the case - I’ve never known that to happen, but usually if something that blatent is lied about, there is some sort of disfellowship or excommunication involved if it is made known.
2. You usually go through temple preparation classes of sorts which tell you things about the garments, temple rituals (to the extent that can be talked about outside the temple), and more. There is often a teacher of this class that can answer questions, and is encouraged to be truthful in preparing you for the temple.
3. After that, you have to meet with both your Bishop (the Priesthood leader of the local congregation), and also your Stake President (the Priesthood leader of all the local congregations in an area), and they have to approve you going. It is also that time you have the opportunity to ask questions.

I find it hard to believe that every single one of those people would deny their knowledge about the garment. If so, that is unfortunate, as just similar to the Catholic church a strong Priesthood organization has been set up to fend off such lies and mistruths. Again, we are all not perfect, I could cite examples in the Catholic church as well - so long as the organization is set up to not fail the church will move on despite it’s members sins and imperfections.

 

[Allweather]

Again, we are all not perfect, ***I could cite examples in the Catholic church as well ***- so long as the organization is set up to not fail the church will move on despite it’s members sins and imperfections.

OK, waiting for your citations.