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I'm not even going to address your most silly claims; if you don't care to go out there and find out the real stories behind these myths, then the chances are slim that you will listen to me when I try and refute them.

Since, however, research is more difficult regarding what you term "temple secrets," I will attempt to correct the record for the sake of people who aren't too bigoted to take into consideration what I am saying. Does this include you? We shall see.

The temple ordinances are not secret; they are sacred. You will doubtless think of that as a distinction without a difference, but the difference is real. We are counseled by Christ Himself not to cast our pearls before swine, and the promises I made to God in the temple are among my most precious assets. When and where the circumstances are appropriate, these ordinances may be freely discussed.

What I will tell you, however, is what they are NOT. You can take or leave my word on this; that's your decision. Nevertheless, I have participated in these ordinances dozens of times in my life, so I am qualified to tell the truth.

Therefore, let it be clearly understood: There is no part of any temple ordinance where a slashing motion is made against the throat or abdomen; nor is there any part of any temple ordinance where any symbol or motion is used that could be interpreted to have similar significance. We do not kill animals, plants, or minerals, (except, of course, for the roast beef sandwiches in the cafeteria, which aren't really that great), nor do we utilize blood in any way. The consequences of inappropriately discussing temple ordinances are spiritual; if I were to do so, they would as a natural consequence become less meaningful for me and therefore less of a power for good in my life, and therefore I am commanded not to do so unless appropriate. No consequence is stated or implied against the safety or physical well-being of any person who does.

The record is set straight. Take it or leave it, it's up to you.

And now, one final point regarding your statement: A cult mind means that a person is so unquestioning to a religious organization that they will do anything that their leaders ask of them

By that definition, I will gladly accept your absolution of the LDS Church as being guilty of cult status. We are not counseled to accept ANYTHING that we are taught in blind faith. There are those who are too lazy to do otherwise, but a truly faithful Mormon is one who questions EVERYTHING; he or she will probe and prod every doctrine for weaknesses and flaws, will pray for confirmation of its truth, and will test it out in his or her life. In that way, the truth of the doctrine is found through the good that it brings to one's own life. (Indeed, there are a number of points of doctrine that I continue to study, ponder, and pray about, because I remain unconvinced. But that lack of knowledge in no way disqualifies what I already know to be true.) That is not blind faith; that is the kind of faith that cannot be blinded.

Is it any wonder that we are so eager to share the kind of joy and spiritual security that only this kind of belief can bring?