Does anyone find the practices of the Mormon church bizarre? I don't understand the whole secret Temple?

Question

marriage. What's the point? I have had many friends get married in the Temple and I couldn't go, kind of weird.

Answer 1

No, I find the practices of the LDS church to be honest, practical, and good. The reason why non-members aren't allowed to attend sacred ceremonies within the temple is that only those who have made sacred promises and agreed to live by the standards of the gospel are allowed to enter, and even then only with a signed "recommend" from their local leaders affirming that they are members in good standing. There is nothing secret about it, it's just not open to the public due to its sacredness to members of the church.

Answer 2

Well you certainly did get a various collection of answers, some better then others and some of course worthless. Just individuals wishing to make some "noise". Probably the best answer came from ..nymormc. However I fear there is an aspect of the question unanswered.

That is in my opinion, when a couple sincerely are in love with each other, the ordinary marriage seems to be limited. In fact a portion of the vows spoken to each other are, "until death we do part". When a thinking person stops to realize what that means, there is something inside of that person (s) that cries out for some thing longer lasting. The LDS church, disregarding your own feelings about the "life style" does offer to many a marriage for "All Time and Eternity". Disregarding any associated yes or no feelings about the religious practices, the All time and Eternity concept, inters into the minds of the young couple. Many are so in touch with their proposed spouses, they find the offer of the eternal security in marriage what they wish to have.

To that degree, in the minds of the couple, the requirements of the Temple Marriage are worth the, perhaps down side of the ceremony, including the fact that non members may not witness the service. For those couples many hold additional wedding ceremonies as well, out side of the Temple rites. Some in local chapels or private locations.

Answer 3

There's a difference between "secret" and "sacred" or private.

Assuming your married, the things that go on in your bedroom aren't secret, but rather private or sacred. Everyone knows what's going on in there, it's just that you don't want everyone watching.

Not that anything that goes on in the Temple is sexual in nature, it falls into the same category.

The temple is a place where sacred promises are made. People can walk though temples before they're dedicated and see the buildings. It's not hard to read about what goes on inside, however, participation is limited to those who meet certain requirements. The marriage ceremony is the "crowning" ceremony. It builds upon the other ceremonies and promises that have been made previously.

The temples of the Old testament were similar in nature. Not all could enter, and of those who entered, they had limited access and participation.

It is difficult to understand, when traditionally, anyone can go to a wedding.

Talk to your friend about it. I imagine that he/she can help you understand what the temple is and why it was important to get married there.

Answer 4

I find the church and its doctrines to be true and very biblical.

As there are already some accurate answers here, I would only remind everyone that Temples have been a part of Christian worship for thousands of years. While temples are frequently mentioned in the bible, much of what occurred therein is not described in detail. This is because of the sacred nature of Temple worship not because it was secret. It is also very clear that not everyone was allowed to enter and administer in the temple.

One purpose of the temple, as you point out, is to perform marriages by the priesthood power. These marriages are for time and eternity, not until death do we part, according to the sealing power given to Peter in Matthew 16:19.

So, a better question might be why are so many Christians surprised that we have Temples?

Answer 5

You didn't miss much. I was married in the temple and you have to wear the green apron and use one of the secret handshakes while kneeling across an alter from your intended. Most Mormons are married by some guy they have never seen before and will never see again...yeah, "special" is the word there. The ceremony itself isn't much different than a regular wedding other than they talk about how only Mormon men with the priesthood have the keys to seal on earth that which will be sealed in heaven and how the couple is making a covenant with God and each other. They have two male witnesses who sign the marriage certificate. No music. It almost feels like a cattle call on some days with so many people coming and going. Some temples are busier than others. You can't take any pictures inside the temple or record what the officiator says (unless you take short-hand).

The whole thing is just a relic from when Joseph Smith instituted polygamy. People before then didn't get married in the temple and anyone could attend a wedding. He tied the whole polygamy thing in with the celestial sealings and performed them secretly (since not everyone in the church at the time knew that he was marrying other women). He promised the women who consented to his offers of marriage (not all did) that they would be sealed to him forever and would reign with him in heaven. Most of what Mormons know today about celestial marriage and the highest order of marriage were just euphemisms for polygamous marriage.

Answer 6

Bizarre? no. Different? yes. Why can't everyone go to the temple? the same reason we won't all return to our Father in Heaven. Obedience and worthiness to the basic principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm sorry you felt left out. Their wedding was about them and their plans for an eternal family. I'm certain they want you as their friend, but ultimately, their relationship, marriage & wedding needed to come first. It is customary to have receptions after the ceremony so that everyone has an opportunity to express best wishes & good will for the new bride and groom, I hope you had an opportunity to do so. Btw - it is customary and traditional for LDS temple ceremonies to be small in nature. The rooms where the ceremony takes place will not hold hundreds of well-wishers. Some have room for a couple dozen. Most considerably less than that. When family is able to attend, that's wonderful -- but it's not the place for groomsmen, bridesmaids, etc. There is no place in the ceremony for best man or maid of honor.
Is it different? yes. Bizarre? no. Personally, I much preferred my temple ceremony to the elaborate weddings I've witnessed amongs friends and family.
Best wishes

Answer 7

I understand where there are some that would think that our practices are weird - we're encouraged to be a peculiar people.
The Temple is a sacred place to us, consequently, only those who are found worthy to enter may do so. There are many who are members that can't enter, either, for whatever the reason.
The temples are open for a brief period before they are dedicated for tour by ALL people, it is only after they are dedicated that access is restricted.
The point is that we believe that we will be permitted to be together with our family that is "sealed" to us for Time and All Eternity. It is something very important to us, and all who find that they believe the same eventually will be given the chance.
The Lord is the ultimate Judge of us all. Christ is really there, and it is through Him that we'll be able to live with our families in the eternities.
If you have any other questions - please feel free to email me.

Answer 8

First off, unfit is incorrect. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a Christian religion. I am unclear why people do not understand that. If we were not Christian, the name of the Church would not be "The Church of Jesus Christ". I think the name explains to all and sundry that we are Christian.

The temple ceremonies are sacred to us, and only members in good standing can enter the temple and participate in the ceremonies. In order to participate in the ceremonies in the temple, we have to be a member for at least one year. We go to our bishop and ask for a "temple recommend". The bishop interviews us, and asks us some questions. After that, we are interviewed by a member of the stake presidency. Then, we get our temple recommend.

I am sorry that you could not attend your friends' weddings. You should have asked them about why they wanted to marry in the temple. They could have explained it to you.

We are taught that a temple wedding is very special, in that we are then married for eternity, not just "until death do us part". Those members who can, strive to have a temple marriage rather than a traditional marriage.

Answer 9

It is indeed strange. You don't have to understand the ceremonies if you are not a Mormon. They tell you that it is required to do these ceremonies in order to advance to become God.

Answer 10

Psalms 24:3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.