Comparing LDS Temples with the Jerusalem Temple

[Chris-WA]

Since LDS so strongly believe in the importance of modern temples, I was curious to know how their modern temples compare in structure and function to the Jerusalem temple of the Bible. Also, what is it that specifically makes LDS temples so holy compared to what made the temple holy to the Jews?

 

[Brain]

you know i was just thinking about how the mormon worship structure was like the jewish one in a very vauge manner.

That is many local meeting places for prayer, but if you need some rite performed you must go to the temple.

but aso far as i know that is where the similarity ends

 

[Lapsed]

I went through the temple, took out my endowments and had my family sealed when I was in the LDS church.

In terms of function, there is no similarity as there is no sacrifice performed.

The LDS temple exists for the performance of specific ordinances of the LDS church: the endowment ceremony, temple marriage or sealing, and vicarious ordinances for the dead (baptism, confirmation, ordinations, endowment and sealing). There was also an ordinance called washing and anointing, but I’m of the unerstanding it was removed a couple years ago.

Temple attendence marks enterance into the Mormon “inner circle” in a sense as only devout and faithful LDS are permitted to attend. It functions much like the temple of the Greek mystery cults where certain doctrines and ceremonies deemed too holy to share with outsiders were taught to the elect.

 

[mormon_fool]

Chris-WA:

Since LDS so strongly believe in the importance of modern temples, I was curious to know how their modern temples compare in structure and function to the Jerusalem temple of the Bible. Also, what is it that specifically makes LDS temples so holy compared to what made the temple holy to the Jews?

The main difference between pre-Christian temples and LDS temples is that the two different dispensations have some era specific tasks to perform. Under the Law of Moses, sacrifices typifying of Christ and looking forward to him were a big deal. LDS temples seem more to concentrate on vicarious work for the dead enabled by Christ’s sacrifice.

The analysis between what is similiar and what is different can get quite complex. I myself won’t go into any detail, but I will point out some resources and then you’re on your own. An (on-line) acquaintance of mine, Ben Spackman, has assembled a web page of resources for understanding the LDS temple and its ancient parallels here. Just scanning the titles and brief notes gives an idea of the range of mormon thought. Perhaps the article that is most interesting for Catholics to read is this one here.

–fool