why members who are received in the Temple are ever after expected to wear white "garments" under their clothes? Not during surgery, childbirth or marital relations of course. However for the rest of their lives until death they are to be dressed in these garments. What is the point please, and is it for their "protection"? Thank you for your answer.
2007-12-02 14:34:59 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The best description I know is that they are an outward expression of an inward covenant.
There are things that those who are not endowed would not fully understand, as they are sacred they are not mentioned outside the walls of the Temple. This makes them a target of speculation and often ridicule.
The reason for the garment is to help you remember those things you promised to your Heavenly father in the Temple. I can testify that there have been times where I have been tempted to do things and I have felt the garments against my skin and they helped me to remember the big picture.
It is quite a beautiful practise.
2007-12-02 21:59:57 · answer #1 · answered by Bangbangbangbang 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It is symbolic of the covenants we make in the temple. Just as what nuns and priests wear as their outer clothing is symbolic of vows they take when committing their lives to Christ and the covenants they enter into with Him, so ours are for us - although the covenants made are different the purpose is to be a reminder to us of the promises we have made to God. For those of us who have been through the temple we do not take lightly the fact that we are making promises to God and how important that is and the eternal ramifications that entails. Many people can provide personal accounts of finding physical protection from different things and testify that it was the garment that protected them. I know of countless stories where people feel spiritual protection when they have the garment on, but less when they don't - for example when at the swimming pool, or in surgery, or other times.
2007-12-03 03:37:26 · answer #2 · answered by Tonya in TX - Duck 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just as the other LDS members have stated... The garments remind us of sacred covenants we make with Heavenly Father. They are there as a "guide" to help us choose right paths when faced with temptation.
I wasn't always a member of the Church, I joined at the age of 24 and learned about the garments a few months after wards. I must admit it sounded odd to me. But as I prepared myself (spiritually) I had a better understanding and prepared me to enter the Temple myself.
2007-12-02 16:41:03 · answer #3 · answered by Bubblewrap 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
not only do they protect us spiritually, as in serving as a reminder of the covenants we've made and helping in temptation, but they DO also protect us physically. My brother-in-law's sister got hit by a car and literally went through a house and the doctor couldn't believe that she was fine everywhere her garments had protected her. (that was just one instance though.. they're not miracle underwear that will save you from anything)
They also help us to be modest. It sets a firm standard on what is acceptable to the Lord in dress without trying to justify our clothing.
They're really not that bad. you can wear small capped shirts and shorts and you'll be fine.
Also, to add to your list of when you don't have to wear them, it also includes Excercise, swimming (obviously), performing arts, any kind of doctor visit (not just surgery), dance, tanning,.. so basically most times you are not wearing you're normal attire, including pajamas, you are not required to wear them. they are not bad at all to live with. just a different kind of under - wear.
2007-12-02 17:24:38 · answer #4 · answered by Amy 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
It is a symbol of the covenants that church members make in the temple. This serves as a spiritual protection of sorts, since it is a reminder of their covenants every time they get dressed. It can also be a reminder of their covenants in times of temptation... I'll let you think that one through. I guess the answer is that it is for protection, but not for physical reasons. Garments are sacred and are worn as an above mentioned symbol of the covenants made.
I hope this answers your questions.
2007-12-02 14:46:04 · answer #5 · answered by moonman 6 · 8⤊ 1⤋
Just to add a bit to those members who have already answered...
In a way, it kind of helps to think of it having the same overall purpose as circumcision in Old Testament times and the Jewish religion. It's there to serve as a physical reminder of covenants the specific individual has made with God in the temple.
2007-12-02 17:28:49 · answer #6 · answered by Rynok 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Well it's not just when they're received. I can go into the temple, and not have to worry about the garments...
Although when I get endowed, which is where you make special promises(covenants) with God...like "I promise to remain monogamous(or something like that) all my life and hope to have the blessings of God in my life"
I mean they promise to do more than one thing of course....
And then the garments are a permanent reminder of our promises we made that day.
Usually people get endowed before they're married or go on a mission....but you don't *have* to get endowed...
2007-12-02 14:58:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋
The below link will give you the doctrine. You will need to look under additional info. It's basically a reminder and a symbol of covenants that we have made. We don't believe our garments to be "magic" nor are they bulletproof. They are considered more of a spiritual protection than a physical protection.
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=b1747c2fc20b8010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____
If you have any more questions, feel free to email me. I hesitate to go into further detail because some people on here like to have fun (which is fine and dandy).
2007-12-02 14:47:03 · answer #8 · answered by gumby 7 · 9⤊ 1⤋
Revelation 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
2007-12-02 18:31:14 · answer #9 · answered by Isolde 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
They are simply a sacred reminder of promises that we have made to our Heavenly Father.
You can read more about Temple Garments here:
http://ldspatriot.wordpress.com/mormonism/what-are-mormon-garments/
Here is basic church doctrine - http://mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/the-restoration-of-truth/god-is-your-loving-heavenly-father FYI.
Hope this helps.
2007-12-02 14:48:57 · answer #10 · answered by Kim 4 · 9⤊ 1⤋