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It’s really impossible to discuss comparative religion if one keeps its teaching secret.

Our teachings are public, for example what the ceremonies are for has been discussed earlier on this very thread.

Elsie appears to me to want me to give her information that she knows I have covenanted not to reveal (the actual content of the ceremonies) It really seems to bother her that we won't talk to her about it.

Elsie, do you heft and shake presents put under the tree before christmas eve too? (an attempt at humor) I respect that you may do so, however, you should understand that this makes discussion of it impossible

If you want to discuss why we do what we do there, no problem, if you want to discuss what the ceremonies are intended to do, again, no problem, if you want to discuss who says what and why, problem.

If you want to discuss why we do what we do there, no problem, if you want to discuss what the ceremonies are intended to do, again, no problem, if you want to discuss who says what and why, problem.

thanks for your reply and I do understand the distinction. However..

If "who says what and why" includes oaths or creedal agreements or similar things, then your problem creates a problem for a comparative discussion of religious beliefs and practices.

Whether this is the case in LDS, I don't know. The larger point is I can't know.

This is similar to the problem I encountered recently concerning whether Masonry was a religion. At some point, the cards are hidden.

I do understand that some knowledge is gained in progression and one cannot skip steps. Contemplative Christian practice is similar to this. However, the practices are published and described and readily available. One may not understand them, but they're not hidden.

Again, I appreciate that a LDS wishes to keep some aspects secret. Whether the cost of this is greater than the benefit is perhaps a future decision for the church.

Thanks very much for your reply, and best wishes to you..

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