The Sacred Garment of Mormon Theology

Beehive Standard Weekly ^ | 02/23/2008 | Emerson Chase

[Alex Murphy]

Old Testament
High Priest Robes

At the Beehive Standard Weekly, our Internet analysis tools allow us to see what some people are searching for on search engines such as Google, Yahoo! and the like. Time and again, we see searches for "Mormon Underwear" coming up in our keywords section.

There appears to be some appetite for those who are curious as to the undergarment that some Mormon men and women wear.  Rather than the void being filled with some anti-Mormon lunatic or those who might only desire to ridicule, we thought it would be appropriate to give a discrete response to those who might be genuinely curious, but who don't want to read the bigoted slander that exists on the world wide web.

The Temple Garment: A Symbol of Progression in Spiritual Matters

It is true that some Mormons wear an undergarment unique to the Mormon faith. As a curious reader, you should know that the "garment" as Mormons refer to the article of clothing is sacred and in the Mormon faith is believed to be representative of the covenants God made with man since Adam and Eve. As such, those who mock or ridicule the garment are not only inconsiderate of the faith and beliefs of others, but strike at one of the most sacred items within the Mormon belief system.

In short, having a knowledge of the garment should help others recognize what the article of clothing is and how to interact with Mormons when the topic comes up in discussion.

In general, the garment is obtained through a process of obedience to commandments and knowledge of Mormon doctrine. Where the entrance to the Mormon faith is baptism by immersion in the name of "the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost," the garment is representative of a higher level of commitment to establishing the Kingdom of God upon the earth.

To understand how the garment fits into a person's spiritual progression, it would be helpful to start at the beginning and follow a standard course of a convert.

Let's first assume that a person decides that the Mormon faith is true and correct and they join the church. They would first be baptized and then they would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Baptism is accomplished by going into a pool of water and then being fully immersed in the water by someone having authority from Christ to perform the ritual.

The next step is to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. In the Mormon faith, the Holy Ghost is believed to be a member of the Godhead and a personage of spirit that can enter into the physical soul of man to testify of truth. In other words, when the message of Christ is shared with another person, the Holy Ghost enters into the soul of that man or woman and there is a confirmation of the truth of the message by the workings of the Holy Ghost. It is a physical manifestation of truth. Every soul upon the earth is entitled to this physical manifestation of the Holy Ghost or special witness in order to help them find truth, or more specifically, to find the message that Christ is the Son of God and Redeemer of mankind.

After about a year after baptism and the receipt of the Gift of the Holy Ghost, adult men receive the priesthood so they can begin to minister in supporting roles in the church. The Mormon faith has a lay clergy, or rather, they do not have paid ministers or pastors. Women do not receive the priesthood in the Mormon faith, but are vital in their leadership and service in the church. After a full year, women have had many opportunities to serve and contribute to their congregations as well.

In each case, after a full year of activity in the church, the man or woman should have had many experiences to help confirm their faith and advance the work of Christ upon the earth. At this point, those who desire to enter the LDS Temples to make a higher level of commitment to Christ are typically given the opportunity -- especially married couples.

It is within the Mormon Temples that the most sacred covenants between mankind and God are made.

But Isn't Baptism Enough?

Many would ask at this point, why is anything other than baptism necessary for salvation? It is a valid question.

Baptism is for the individual and one of the most important steps in one's progression. In truth, baptism is the entrance to the Kingdom of God and is essential. It does not, however fully define God's realm. Higher covenants are reflective of the commitment one makes to a spouse, a person's family and to God.

Mormonism's first prophet and founder, Joseph Smith, taught that marriage is a sacred ordinance and covenant, just like baptism. When a man marries a woman, that union is just as important as the baptismal covenant because it allows a man and a woman to participate together in the Kingdom of God as servants with Christ. In Mormon theology, this marriage covenant is essential to one's eternal progression. Through marriage, men and women become part of the hierarchy and government of the Kingdom of God. They are primarily responsible for their children and families, but also share the responsibility to share the gospel and care for the entire human family.

So where baptism is relevant to one's personal salvation, the covenants in the temple represent one's commitments to others, first to God, then one's spouse, then children, then the other Children of God upon the face of the earth. That commitment, along with a showing of obedience, qualifies a person to participate at a higher level within the gospel.

On a side note, some would argue that one cannot be saved by works and Mormons would not argue against this point. They would, however, state that without works their faith would be dead and as such the covenants they make to work in the Kingdom of God upon the earth simply illustrates their level of faith. Mormons believe that you are saved by "grace" after all you can do.

A Symbol of Commitment to Others

Mormon marriages are performed in the holy temples. Before a man or woman marry each other, they enter into covenants with God to honor the pledges to be made in the marriage. These covenants state that they will respect the marriage covenant into which they will be entering as well as follow the commandments of Christ.

During the process of taking on these covenants, men and women are clothed in garments which represent these higher covenants and commitments. In essence, the garment reflects the promise to each other and to God to obey God's laws for their own benefit, for the benefit of their marriage and ultimately for their families.

Those married in the temple are significantly more likely to stay married than those married outside of the LDS temples. At one time, the divorce rate was only ten percent, though this figure has been increasing in recent years.

Eternal marriage also allows the woman to participate in the priesthood covenants of her husband without directly receiving the priesthood. In a similar fashion, by example, a queen shares the royal privilege of the king, who may have the authority to reign in a kingdom. Through marriage and the sharing of the covenants made in the temple, woman are entitled to the same blessings as their husbands, nothing more and nothing less. The men, however, by receiving the priesthood directly are responsible for the administrative affairs and church governance.

Now, let's return to the discussion of the garment.

The Mormon Garment is not worn in such a manner as to display the covenants made by the individual to the world. Where a pastor or preacher might wear a white collar or robe to indicate authority and covenants to God, Mormons are very personal in their commitments and wear the garment under their clothing. In short, it is a statement that the covenants established are between that person and God and the opinions of others don't count. There is no show-and-tell because the covenants are sacred, and because of their personal nature, secret. It is somewhat like medical records or financial information. It is not something that is considered appropriate for public disclosure. As they say, it is what you do when people are not watching that really matters.

The Garment and Society

It is inevitable with millions of Mormons in the United States, that everyone will at some point encounter a Mormon wearing the garment. Between locker rooms, gyms, public pools, dressing rooms, hospitals and the like, it is almost unavoidable. This is especially true in the military where general housing of troops will most certainly reveal the differences in under-attire during the course of a day.

So how does one react when it is clear that the person dressing next to you is wearing the garment? First, the Mormon man or woman is already aware that they stick out like a neon light in a mine shaft, so bringing additional attention to that fact doesn't really help matters. In truth, Mormon men and women probably won't think much about it if you don't say anything. Just don't stare. Mormons get enough of that already. Go on about your business as if they were wearing BVDs or Fruit of the Looms.

If for any reason you needed to handle the garment, such as in an emergency at a hospital, understand that the garment should not touch the floor. If ever you come into possession of a garment, you should place the garment into a plastic sack and give it to a loved one or church leader, even if it is soiled.  There is a proper procedure for destroying the garment that should be respected. The garment is not like "underwear" to Mormons. They reverence the garement like a soldier would respect the American flag. To see the garment treated like Fruit-of-the-Loom briefs would be offensive to Mormons.

In terms of when the garment is to be worn, Mormons are counseled by their leaders to wear the garment as often as possible; however, there are times and places where it would be inappropriate. For instance, in a football game or at a gym, where a great deal of activity would be exerted by its bearer (the garment is not suitable for athletics). Likewise, a stage performance where the bearer might subject the garment to ridicule or scorn would also be inappropriate. Despite the exceptions, the garment is intended to be worn while sleeping or lounging about the home, during work - even construction type jobs, and play, such as going to the park or easy hikes.

Some may wonder if the garement interferes with normal marital relations. It would be unusual for Mormon couples to wear the garment during intimate encounters.

Ultimately, when to wear the garment is a personal decision, though it is clear that the leadership of the Church would prefer it be worn most of the time, both day and night.

The Mormon Mafia

Mormons have a little secret. It is the way Mormons identify other temple-worthy Mormons. Non-Mormons can identify Mormons the same way, or at least the worthy Mormons who have entered into the temple covenants. The temple garment usually has a t-shirt like appearance under one's shirt. For men, this is not a tell-tale sign as many men wear t-shirts underneath their dress shirts and even casual shirts; however, for women, it is a little more obvious. For women, the garment is often trimmed in lace.

To see if a person you know is Mormon, man or woman, look for an undergarment "line" stopping at or about the knee. If you see such a line, you are probably talking to a temple-worthy Mormon.

Young women in the Mormon faith who want to know if a Mormon man is worthy to marry them in the temple will often let their hands "accidentally" rest on the man's knee to see if they can feel the garment below. If it is not present, the dating might take a quick step back as the man has not yet established his worthiness to marry in the temple -- an all important step in Mormon culture. Men don't have the same advantage. In Mormon culture, men receive their garment shortly after receiving the ministering priesthood, before they go on two year missions for the church. This is at about the age of nineteen. Women normally receive their garment immediately before being married. As such, Mormon men have no excuse to touch the knees of their dates.

Of course, peer pressure can cause unworthy persons to go through the temple simply for the appearance of worthiness, so the garment is only a single step in determining another person's dedication to the faith. A person inquiring into the worthiness of a Mormon would typically consider other factors such as whether a person is from a family of actively attending members, whether the person has gone on a mission (both men and women can go on missions), what position of responsibility the member has held in the volunteer oriented church, whether they regularly read the scriptures or pray frequently, etc. Of course, with great scrutiny can also come great deception, so Mormons look upon these conditions as guide posts, not facts of worthiness and dedication.

Some call this screening activity the basis of a "Mormon Mafia" a humorous reference to a secret society of harmeless do-gooders. It is the functional equivalent of the Little Rascals Club Super Secret Code Word. It might get you in the club house, but after you are in, it is all cheese and crackers.

Of course, like any major movement, just because a person claims to be a Mormon and wears the garment doesn't mean that they are honorable or trustworthy. In fact, Mormons and Non-Mormons alike should be very cautious of those who are engaging in irregular behavior who are wearing the garment. If they can't live up to the covenant of their God and spouse, to what degree should they be fully trusted?

This, of course, is an oversimplification. Some men struggle with alcohol or tobacco addiction who have made the commitment to live at a higher level and are having a tough time staying away from old habits. Such addictive behavior is hardly a commentary on trustworthiness, but rather human frailty and imperfection; however, seeing a man or woman in a strip club is an entirely different matter as the covenants Mormons make deal directly with sexual purity. Sexual promiscuity is considered a major sin in the Mormon faith.

Seeing a person wearing garments should be a sign of trustworthiness, but it is not a guarantee. In other words, Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware).

Culture Lesson

To Non-Mormons the garment should never be used as a ego lesson to demean another person. For instance, in an argument, a person who would use the garment as a means to prove a point or win a battle of words is shallow and base. For instance, let's assume that you have had a disagreement with a general contractor who you know is Mormon and is wearing the garment. To say to him in heated discussion "I can't believe you would wear your holy garment and then lie to me to my face," is a pretty low blow. A difference of opinion or even a human frailty is common to all men -- including Mormons.

The garment and what it represents is between that man or woman and their God. Trying to use that to your advantage in a dispute or argument is a classless act. Even Mormons in the most heated disputes would not sink that low. Don't use your knowledge of the garment as a way to get leverage over Mormons. That would simply be improper. It doesn't mean that you can't challenge the person to do the "right thing." That works much better on Mormons as they are typically grilled by spiritual leaders to conduct themselves honorably in business and their personal lives.

Voyeurs Not Welcome

There are those who want to find out every little detail about the Mormon garment for mere voyeuristic curiosity. There is not a single website on the Internet sponsored or endorsed by the Church of Jesus Christ that exists that describes the garment in detail. The reason, of course, is that the garment and what it represents is sacred to Mormons. Of course, that won't stop thousands from satisfying their carnal desire to take a peak at unofficial, and often times slanderous, websites that demean and poke fun at the religious beliefs of Mormons. For those seeking such religious pornography, the information is there for the taking, though you might consider taking a shower after reading some of the articles.

The temple garment is unique to the Mormon faith and even within the faith. Children do not know the meaning of the garment until they go through the temple as adults. It is a rite of passage and in a perfect world, should be an expression of worthiness. The garment is rarely discussed, even in church settings among those who wear it. Those who are not familiar with the concepts underlying the garment should refrain from discussing it in detail out of respect for those who have made the commitments and hold the garment sacred.

One of the basic tenants of the Mormon faith is to respect and show tolerance for others and their beliefs. Mormons only ask the same in return.

[Alex Murphy]

In general, the garment is obtained through a process of obedience to commandments and knowledge of Mormon doctrine. Where the entrance to the Mormon faith is baptism by immersion in the name of "the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost," the garment is representative of a higher level of commitment to establishing the Kingdom of God upon the earth...
...In Mormon theology, this marriage covenant is essential to one's eternal progression. Through marriage, men and women become part of the hierarchy and government of the Kingdom of God...
...During the process of taking on these covenants, men and women are clothed in garments which represent these higher covenants and commitments. In essence, the garment reflects the promise to each other and to God to obey God's laws for their own benefit, for the benefit of their marriage and ultimately for their families.

[nmh]

Is this garmet similar to LONG boxer shorts?

Is it a particular color or have a pattern on it?

Just curious but not obsessed.

[greyfoxx39]

From the article: Of course, that won't stop thousands from satisfying their carnal desire to take a peak at unofficial, and often times slanderous, websites that demean and poke fun at the religious beliefs of Mormons.

CARNAL DESIRE?

ROTFL! Plain old curiousity!

I notice an article at the source site entitled "Shunned Mormons Could Serve Up the West for Obama"Link.

Excerpt: The many Mormons I have spoken to in attempting to obtain a read on how Mormons will vote in November are universally stating that they will either not vote for the Republican candidate, which is likely to be McCain, or they will vote for Obama as a candidate who will include Mormons in his campaign. If the candidate is Huckabee, the Mormons will turn out in droves to reject him as he openly used religion against the Mormons, which would result in a heavy vote for Obama.

Obama has taken note. In Obama's Super Tuesday speech, he made it very clear that his candidacy is inclusive of disaffected Republicans, as well as those who share differing religious views -- e.g., code word for Mormons. He is a smart character and he knows what it feels like to be on the receiving end of bigotry. He perceives he can tap into that well and turn the Mormon vote in his direction. He can also bridge to the Mormons on race as Mormons have been viewed as intolerant because of excluding their priesthood leadership responsibilities where the rank-and-file Mormon population is far from racist and as a group they have been seeking a way to heal the perceived !! racist policies of the past. Many prominent black Americans, such as Gladys Knight, who have joined the church have found racial ignorance in the church's mostly white and Hispanic population, but not intolerance or open racism in the church. With some patience, Obama can appeal to the members of the Mormon faith and become a popular symbol for overcoming the church's past perceived!! isolationist and racially-based policies.

I encourage others to visit this site and read the articles.

[Excellence]

https://www.dressedinwhite.com/www/productList.do?ptid=13

Even though I’m not Mormon, I’ve bought many things from Dressed in White. They have the prettiest hankie envelopes that are just perfect for keeping precious things like old letters or pressed flowers. The white dresses and suits are perfect for a more-casual wedding attire.

[colorcountry]

Speaking of Mormon support for Obama (I told you they weren't conservative at heart)

From todays Salt Lake Tribune

"Former Mitt supporters spread the love among varied presidential candidates

Excerpt:
With Mitt Romney out of the race, Dennis Wendt has a suggestion for where the Mormon vote should gravitate: Barack Obama.
After all, Obama encapsulates many of the same beliefs as Mormons, says Wendt, a 27-year-old Brigham Young University graduate student.
"He's been the one who appears to be the most faith-friendly and family-friendly candidate," he says. "That's a big thing."

[Tennessee Nana]

BTTT

[colorcountry]

There is a difference in Mormonism between Temple undergarments, and Temple Clothing.

This is a picture of Temple Clothing. http://www.concernedchristians.org/images/he2lg.jpg It consists of white dress, (or slacks, pants and tie, vail, apron, sash, white shoes etc. These are worn inside the Temple to perform ordinances. Mormons are most often buried in Temple Clothing.

Garments are underwear and are worn daily by active LDS. FR will not allow a link to garments, but basically they are underwear....you’ll have to google it go to http://images.google.com/ and type in temple garments.

[svcw]

In Mormon theology, this marriage covenant is essential to one’s eternal progression. Through marriage, men and women become part of the hierarchy and government of the Kingdom of God...WRONG

Marriage is a representation of the union between Christ and His church.

[svcw]

Why?

[colorcountry]

There is a type of “costume” you dress in to perform the ordinances in the Temple. This costume is called Temple Clothing. The men wear a little “baker’s hat” thing. As I said there are shoes, ties, belts, aprons, sashes, slacks, shirts, ties and dresses. It is a ceremonial attire worn only during the ceremony.

Then, there is a seperate article of clothing, an undergarment you wear every day under your clothing and next to your skin, to remind you of oaths and covenants you performed in the Temple. These are called “garments of the priesthood.” In the olden days of Mormonism, you were never allowed to take them off. Now they can be removed to bathe, swim or perform in sports. Some couple leave them on even during marital relations.

They were at one time, ankle length, and they have little symbols stitched into the nipples and navel and knee (there used to be symbols at elbow, wrist and ankle too).

[Invincibly Ignorant]

Perhaps cleaning up the constant Mormon smears here on the Religion forum would be an improvement over the obsession with minor potty language.

[svcw]

Sorry, I meant why wont FR allow a direct link.

[colorcountry]

Because the “garment” is “sacred” and they are underwear (which leads to charges of prurience). And because Mormons cry loudly whenever it is done. Don’t be surprised if you find my link to the costume deleted, even though anyone can view the clothing at any Mormon funeral (the only other time the clothing is worn outside a Mormon Temple)

[svcw]

Oh. I don’t get it but it’s not my site.
Sometimes I see no pattern or rhyme in what is removed or deleted or not allowed.
Oh well, I still am grateful for FR.

[fproy2222]

If this thread is like most others that have anything to do with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or as we are more often called, the Mormons, it will soon be taken over by those who, for reasons of their own, choose to put down my Church, and those of us who worship with it.

We find no problem with people who really want to talk to us about converting to their religion, we spend a lot of time doing it ourselves.

What we find offensive is when people leave out part of the truth to make a half-true lie , or when some one renames something, that we find important or sacred, so it sounds like gutter talk.

I do not know how to tell the difference all the time. There are some Handles that keep showing up, and they are easy to spot. Sometimes, though, I have given a hard and not so kind response to some who honestly care for us and our salvation.

Please forgive us if we get you mixed up.

Thanks for your time,
fred

[Zakeet]

A FEW MORE FACTS ABOUT TEMPLE GARMENTS

1. According to Joseph Smith, the Temple Garment was given to Adam and Eve to cover their nakedness when they were expelled from the Garden of Eden.

2. According to one Mormon President:

   The Temple Garments are sacred and must forever remain unchanged and unaltered from the very pattern in which God gave them. Joseph Fielding Smith, (The Improvement Era, vol. 9:813, as quoted in Temples of the Most High, p.276)

   In Joseph Fielding Smith's day: The garments worn by those who receive endowments must be white, and of the approved pattern; they must not be altered or mutilated, and are to be worn as intended, down to the wrist and ankles, and around the neck.

   Thus, the current Sacred Temple Garments are not in accordance with the revelations and teachings of Prophet J.F. Smith.

3. The Temple Garments contain masonic symbols over both nipples, and markings over the navel and the right knee. When they eventually wear out, the Garments are burned. But the symbols and markings are considered so sacred they must be removed and given a special burial.

4. The devout Mormon who has received his endowments in the temple will wear Sacred Temple Garments at all times. The undergarments are worn by both men and women, awake and sleeping. It is said older Mormons refuse to take off these garments completely even while taking a bath; they will hang one leg out of the tub so that they will never lose contact with the garments.

You can see annotations for these facts and read more about the Sacred Garments HERE (about 2/3 down the page) and HERE (about 1/3 down the page).

One last point. I read somewhere (and maybe someone can either affirm or refute this) that the Temple Garments caused severe hardship among Mormons serving in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Temperatures in the tropics and subtropics were frequently in excess of 110 degrees; the Saints persistently refused to take off their Garments; many suffered from heat exhaustion as a result. As a result, whenever possible, the War Department transferred Mormon GI's to the European Theater.

[colorcountry]

My dad (a returned LDS missionary) served in the Navy during WWII in the Pacific. In fact there were several Mormon men from our same small town who were on the same ship.

My dad had claustrophobia. He never mentioned that his garments were uncomfortable....he only lamented about the close living quarters on a ship. I think it must have almost driven him nuts! When he was drafted, he was supposed to be assigned to a submarine, in fact he was sent to submarine training.... until they found out he was claustrophobic.

[ansel12]

“If this thread is like most others that have anything to do with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or as we are more often called, the Mormons, it will soon be taken over by those who, for reasons of their own, choose to put down my Church, and those of us who worship with it.

We find no problem with people who really want to talk to us about converting to their religion, we spend a lot of time doing it ourselves.

What we find offensive is when people leave out part of the truth to make a half-true lie , or when some one renames something, that we find important or sacred, so it sounds like gutter talk.

I do not know how to tell the difference all the time. There are some Handles that keep showing up, and they are easy to spot. Sometimes, though, I have given a hard and not so kind response to some who honestly care for us and our salvation.

Please forgive us if we get you mixed up.

Thanks for your time,
fred”

---

Alex Murphy, Personally I thought that that long post sending a subtle message to you was creepy, I hope it doesn’t have the desired effect on you.

Have the courage to speak fellowfreeper.

[svcw]

“According to Joseph Smith, the Temple Garment was given to Adam and Eve to cover their nakedness when they were expelled from the Garden of Eden.”

Oh, come on.......

[greyfoxx39]

Alex Murphy, Personally I thought that that long post sending a subtle message to you was creepy, I hope it doesn’t have the desired effect on you.
Have the courage to speak fellowfreeper.

That's just Fred's spam message...he posts it all the time. Don't pay any attention to it.