Mormon temples compared to Catholic Basilicas and Cathedrals

[zaffiroborant]

That’s a bummer. I was told as a missionary not to teach minors or invite them to church, etc without parent’s consent. In some places they actually require a paper signed by a parent before any teaching.

That said, I don’t prevent my son from talking about our faith at other’s houses, including insisting that we pray before Thanksgiving meal with the rest of my family who is not LDS. We just don’t, and wouldn’t, bring friends to church activities without consent. Seems dishonest to me. Too bad some do it.

It’s not the missionaries that are the problem, it’s the parents of LDS kids who instigate this kind of behavior. As a missionary if you were invited to dinner and a lesson at a members house you wouldn’t have thought to get a piece of paper signed by the parents of the kids there would you? That’s the tale I’ve seen so many times and it’s why I control the exposure my kids have to LDS families.

Of course you wouldn’t prevent your child from discussing you religion in other peoples homes, that would go against what the LDS church teaches your children to do. It’s sad to see LDS kids as they get older fore go genuine friendships formed in order to fulfill the “every member a missionary” mandate from the church.

 

[dianaiad]

Dunno Diana, I guess, depends on the lobby, but I think the comparison here has been to a NICE hotel. Not some seedy casino with brown shag carpet and tobacco-stained ceilings. Why try so hard to make posters here the bad guys/gals?

A nice hotel lobby is different than a cathedral. Does that mean one decor is better than the other? There was a Mormon here who posted for a while who told me point blank the paintings in the Cathedral of the Madeleine were ugly. Well, I don’t find them ugly, but maybe I should have scolded him for punching my sister.

I’ve been to Vegas. I’ve never been to a 'seedy casino with brown shag carpet and tobacco-stained ceilings." I suppose such exist, but I’ve never seen one. Indeed, most of the Vegas Casinos are non-smoking and decorated up the ying-yang…and are, indeed, generally the first floor of some very fancy hotels.

One generally has to walk through, or by, said casinos in order to get to one’s room.

Like I said: one gets OUT of an experience what one takes into it. I think that the paintings in that cathedral are marvelous. I love the expression on the faces. Of course the ‘rose window’ is fabulous. You SHOULD have scolded him for punching your sister. That Mormon was disrespectful and didn’t know what he was looking at.

 

[dianaiad]

I

The interesting thing is that you are all upset on my comment about LDS temple decor, but you had nothing to say about my stating that the LDS temple ceremonies are masonic in origin or that I found the veiling of my face dehumanizing.

Because the ceremonies may well have had Masonic inspiration, and if you found veiling your face dehumanizing, you found it dehumanizing. I don’t, but your feelings are your own; how can I argue with that?

INo, I don’t see the point of your anecdote in relation to this thread. Please see the bolded part of your post. I have never stated that my goal in this forum is to help you or anyone else “see the light” and leave Mormonism. That is way, way above my pay grade. It’s the Holy Spirit that helps people see the light. Please don’t make up intentions that are not clearly stated.

then…why are you engaging Mormons here, and why do you seek to educate others ABOUT Mormonism? You may claim that the Holy Spirit 'helps people see the light," but you evidently think you can help Him. So why are you, if that’s not your goal?

 

[RebeccaJ]

I’ve been to Vegas. I’ve never been to a 'seedy casino with brown shag carpet and tobacco-stained ceilings." I suppose such exist, but I’ve never seen one. Indeed, most of the Vegas Casinos are non-smoking and decorated up the ying-yang…and are, indeed, generally the first floor of some very fancy hotels.

One generally has to walk through, or by, said casinos in order to get to one’s room.

Like I said: one gets OUT of an experience what one takes into it. I think that the paintings in that cathedral are marvelous. I love the expression on the faces. Of course the ‘rose window’ is fabulous. You SHOULD have scolded him for punching your sister. That Mormon was disrespectful and didn’t know what he was looking at.

I figure it’s a matter of taste. I’m sure there are Catholics who don’t like our Stations, but their purpose is to bring to mind the Stations of the Cross, not to entertain.

Yeah, I’ve been to Vegas multiple times. It’s close and I have a couple of friends who used to want to be there once a year. Also, business conferences. I haven’t seen brown shag carpet and stained ceilings either, but your post made it sound like that is what you thought we were saying about Mormon temples.

The pics LW7 posted are beautiful, but still hotel/office looking. Doesn’t mean there is something wrong with that, just to Catholic eyes, it doesn’t look like a church. Maybe the Pope’s office or something.

 

[iepuras]

then…why are you engaging Mormons here, and why do you seek to educate others ABOUT Mormonism? You may claim that the Holy Spirit 'helps people see the light," but you evidently think you can help Him. So why are you, if that’s not your goal?

This is what I specifically stated:

iepuras:

I have never stated that my goal in this forum is to help you or anyone else “see the light” and leave Mormonism. That is way, way above my pay grade. It’s the Holy Spirit that helps people see the light. Please don’t make up intentions that are not clearly stated.

You have a tendancy to read a lot more in what I post than what I specifically say and it leads you to grossly misunderstand me. In your post above, you impose motivations and intentions on me, and I don’t know where you are getting it. I have asked you numerous times to stop making assumptions about me. Perhaps you can explain why you continue to do so.

If I wanted to convince Mormons to leave Mormonism, I would go where Mormons are. But I haven’t. I’m where Catholics are. I am also Catholic, so I don’t see why it is so shocking that I would participate in a *Catholic *online forum.

So why am I here? A variety of reasons but not specifically for the purpose of convincing Mormons to leave the LDS church. After I left Mormonism, I had been frequenting ex-Mormon forums but found them to not be the best place for me to find support from an online community because they are quite hostile to the belief in God and Christianity in particular. Since I was becoming Catholic, I figured I would seek out an online Catholic community.

I happened upon CAF’s non-Catholic subforum last summer when the Hans Mattson story was published in the NY Times, so I registered and started posting. I have found a great, supportive group of Catholics here some of whom are former Mormons. It’s nice to know I am not alone and that other people have had similar experiences.

Now why do I specifically post on Mormon related threads? Because many non-Mormons don’t understand Mormonism or have questions, and with real life experience in Mormonism, I can help. There are other former Mormons who have posted who are considering Catholicism or are returning to the Catholic Church. I hope that my posts of support have been helpful. Since I was born and raised LDS and, thus far, I have spent most of my life as a believing Mormon, I still have interest in discussing Mormonism and my experiences in the LDS church. If a Mormon is here posting on CAF, I do not assume that they are looking to be convinced to leave Mormonism unless they specifically state that they are.

It’s interesting that you assume that I think my job is to “help the Holy Spirit” to convince Mormons to leave the LDS church. Why do you think that? Is that because you have been taught by LDS leaders that people who leave the LDS church cannot leave it alone? I could assume that is why but instead of making assumptions, I ask you. I would love to leave the LDS church alone, but the problem is that the LDS church doesn’t leave me alone. I even resigned, and the LDS church still doesn’t leave me alone. How many times do I have to say ‘no’ to be left alone? Also, there are LDS teachings that have damaged me. It will take years to undo that damage.

Interestingly, on the Protestant related threads, many Catholics who are former Protestants comment on those threads, and I don’t see Protestants questioning their motivations or reasons for posting.

 

[Telstar]

Just a quick observation, since I don’t have a lot of time to post at the moment. My impression of all of the pictures that I have seen of Mormon Temples, in other places as well as the ones that LW posted, is that they really do remind me of very opulent hotel lobbies, or funeral parlors for the ‘rich and famous’. It could even be seen as some kind of palace entrance hall.

I’ve never seen a crystal chandelier in any church I’ve ever been to, Catholic or otherwise. I did notice a few paintings of seemingly Biblical characters, including one that might be Jesus, but overall, they don’t leave me with any sense of it being a place of worship. I doubt that I would feel very comfortable there, since it’s way more opulent than what I’m used to. I guess I’ll always be just a country hick, at heart.

 

[Stephen168]

then…why are you engaging Mormons here, and why do you seek to educate others ABOUT Mormonism? You may claim that the Holy Spirit 'helps people see the light," but you evidently think you can help Him.

Most of the ex-Mormons do a great job of correcting the falsehoods spread by Mormons who come here to proselytize.

 

[JamesCollins]

I haven’t read the other posts on this thread. The LDS temples serve a different purpose than a Catholic cathedral. I think they actually are very simple and beautiful inside and the ceremonies are meant to draw people closer to God and closer to each other. They go there to help save the dead who in their understanding may not have heard the gospel of Christ as they teach it. So their purpose is to bring people closer to God through the temple and it extends to everyone who has ever lived. Even those who don’t believe in the LDS Church would have to admit that at least from their point of view they are trying to bless everyone else. I’ve been through the temple. I don’t see anything wrong with what they are trying to do.

 

[RebeccaJ]

Just a quick observation, since I don’t have a lot of time to post at the moment. My impression of all of the pictures that I have seen of Mormon Temples, in other places as well as the ones that LW posted, is that they really do remind me of very opulent hotel lobbies, or funeral parlors for the ‘rich and famous’. It could even be seen as some kind of palace entrance hall.

I’ve never seen a crystal chandelier in any church I’ve ever been to, Catholic or otherwise. I did notice a few paintings of seemingly Biblical characters, including one that might be Jesus, but overall, they don’t leave me with any sense of it being a place of worship. I doubt that I would feel very comfortable there, since it’s way more opulent than what I’m used to. I guess I’ll always be just a country hick, at heart.

I find so many churches that I would like to see in person.


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[andrewstx]

I’ve been to Vegas. I’ve never been to a 'seedy casino with brown shag carpet and tobacco-stained ceilings." I suppose such exist, but I’ve never seen one. Indeed, most of the Vegas Casinos are non-smoking and decorated up the ying-yang…and are, indeed, generally the first floor of some very fancy hotels.

One generally has to walk through, or by, said casinos in order to get to one’s room.

Like I said: one gets OUT of an experience what one takes into it. I think that the paintings in that cathedral are marvelous. I love the expression on the faces. Of course the ‘rose window’ is fabulous. You SHOULD have scolded him for punching your sister. That Mormon was disrespectful and didn’t know what he was looking at.

There really are non-smoking casinos in Las Vegas? I had no idea. Smoking goes hand in hand with drinking, and the casinos really push drinking.

I do not gamble and there is a casino near to me. I have never been.

But I agree with the WOW, and I have COPD and hate suicidal stink sticks! I may go to Vegas for a show or two, knowing I won’t have smoke forced down my lungs.

 

[andrewstx]

http://www.templestudy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Vancouver-Celestial-Room.jpg

Church Newsroom - Official Newsroom of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Perhaps some think temples look like hotel lobbies is because the only part of the temple you see pictures of is generally only the Celestial room. You never see pictures of the endowment rooms or the sealing rooms. Once in a while you may see pictures of the baptismal fount on top of oxen, but that is the only exception.

 

[RebeccaJ]

There really are non-smoking casinos in Las Vegas? I had no idea. Smoking goes hand in hand with drinking, and the casinos really push drinking.

I do not gamble and there is a casino near to me. I have never been.

But I agree with the WOW, and I have COPD and hate suicidal stink sticks! I may go to Vegas for a show or two, knowing I won’t have smoke forced down my lungs.

I would check with wherever you might go . Last time I was in Vegas, two years or so ago, smoking was still allowed in the casinos. Showrooms, generally, no smoking in them, but I’d still verify.

 

[Shinehah]

Just a quick observation, since I don’t have a lot of time to post at the moment. My impression of all of the pictures that I have seen of Mormon Temples, in other places as well as the ones that LW posted, is that they really do remind me of very opulent hotel lobbies, or funeral parlors for the ‘rich and famous’. It could even be seen as some kind of palace entrance hall.

I’ve never seen a crystal chandelier in any church I’ve ever been to, Catholic or otherwise. I did notice a few paintings of seemingly Biblical characters, including one that might be Jesus, but overall, they don’t leave me with any sense of it being a place of worship. I doubt that I would feel very comfortable there, since it’s way more opulent than what I’m used to. I guess I’ll always be just a country hick, at heart.

Country hick here also. I see the ornamentation as giving glory to God. I would not live in a house so decorated, but I guess nothing is too good for the Lord.

 

[Telstar]

Country hick here also. I see the ornamentation as giving glory to God. I would not live in a house so decorated, but I guess nothing is too good for the Lord.

I suppose if that’s the kind of thing that reminds LDS of God, then I can’t argue with that. But, it’s the lack of visible references to God, that I usually associate with a Catholic church, that makes it appear to be more of a secular space, to me. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve also seen the inside of a few other Christian churches, that also seem to have a very plain interior. They also remind me more of a civic building (like a typical NE town hall) than a ‘church’. Some might have a wooden cross hanging in them, but there’s very few other visible signs of religion. The other obvious reminder that it’s really a church, are the rows of pews (though minus the kneelers) with a pulpit in the front of them. Although, those could also be found in a lecture hall of any university.

There’s just something about walking into a beautiful old Catholic church that makes me immediately think about God, and gives me that inner peaceful feeling of being ‘at home’. There’s nothing else that compares with that comforting feeling, even if I’ve never stepped foot in that particular church, before. They always bring Jesus to mind, immediately. I always know where to find Him in any of those churches, there on the main altar, hidden inside the Tabernacle, just waiting for someone to visit Him.

The whole interior of a Catholic church reminds me that it really is a House of God. I just don’t get that reverent feeling of being in the real presence of God, in any other churches. I truly feel like I’m walking on holy ground, that’s been blessed by so many years of Masses celebrated, along with the souls of the holy men and women that have walked those same floors for generations. Sorry, but nothing else can compare with all of those things put together, at least not for me. JMHO

 

[LivingWaters7]

Perhaps some think temples look like hotel lobbies is because the only part of the temple you see pictures of is generally only the Celestial room. You never see pictures of the endowment rooms or the sealing rooms. Once in a while you may see pictures of the baptismal fount on top of oxen, but that is the only exception.

Actually, they do show pictures of the endowment rooms (usually referred to as “instruction room” when they show the pics on Mormon Newsroom), sealing rooms, and baptistry, at least these days. Whenever they announce an open house of a new temple, they put pics of the exterior and interior, including all of those rooms (the only room you never see is the Initiatory room, but there’s really nothing to see there). But I do agree that the “hotel lobby” connotation generally comes from what the Celestial Rooms look like.

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[Miriam1947]

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Totally looks like a hotel lobby. If I hand’t known, I would never have thought temple upon seeing these pictures.

 

[Miriam1947]

Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Who is the artist of the painting? Looks Catholic to me.

 

[Telstar]

Who is the artist of the painting? Looks Catholic to me.

I think you’re right. It reminds me of a picture that I’ve seen in old Catholic Bibles, of Jesus talking to the rich young man that asked Jesus what he must do to be saved, and when Jesus told him that he must sell all of his possessions, he walked away. Seems a little out of place in the surroundings, when you think about it, doesn’t it?

 

[RebeccaJ]

Who is the artist of the painting? Looks Catholic to me.

“Christ and the Rich Young Ruler” by Heinrich Hofmann

 

[RebeccaJ]

I think you’re right. It reminds me of a picture that I’ve seen in old Catholic Bibles, of Jesus talking to the rich young man that asked Jesus what he must do to be saved, and when Jesus told him that he must sell all of his possessions, he walked away. Seems a little out of place in the surroundings, when you think about it, doesn’t it?

During this past Advent, my Mormon relatives had a Christmas party at a LDS chapel. The entryways and hallways had numerous Christian paintings, intermixed with Mormon art. It was bizarre!