Female Episcopal Priest Visits a Mormon Temple

The Mormon Dialogue ^ | April 23,,2012 | Danielle Tumminio

[Jeff Head]

As I stood in front of the new Mormon Temple in Liberty, Mo., it struck me as ironic that close to 175 years ago, Mormons were forced out of this same state.

Whereas the Missouri public once urged their governor to force Joseph Smith and his followers out of the area surrounding Kansas City, Mormons began to return to the region in the 1900s, eventually gathering in such large numbers that the Church organization decided the region needed a temple.

Which is why I came to visit.

Latter Day Saints restrict temple access to members of their denomination who have proven themselves to be faithful and dedicated adherents. Because Mormons believe temples are the most sacred places on earth, one needs to be prepared to enter them by being an active member of the Church. (In contrast, chapels, where Mormons hold Sunday worship, are open to everyone. Temples are used only for certain rituals and are not open on Sunday so that Mormons can be at their chapel services.)

When a new temple is built, anyone may enter prior to its dedication. So, always curious to learn about the faith of others, I didn't want to miss an opportunity to see a site normally closed off to an Episcopal priest like myself.

My visit seemed all the more timely because Mormons have been in the news a lot lately, and so have their temples. Elizabeth Smart recently married her husband in a temple in Hawaii during a ceremony called a sealing, in which the couple and close Mormon friends and family gather together to witness God joining the couple together for time and all eternity. In less complimentary news, Elie Wiesel took Mitt Romney to task for his faith's practice of baptisms of the dead, which also take places within temple walls.

These headlines, in addition to my own curiosity, motivated my visit to the new temple in Kansas City, and with my curiosity came some questions:

What does a Mormon temple look like, and what happens inside it?

Would I feel God's presence in this space, even though it's not a space that's sacred for me?

Before I go any further -- and because I know it's the question at the front of your mind, dear reader -- no one tried to convert me. In fact, everyone was very welcoming. Members volunteered en masse, clad in pressed suits and dresses. They offered guided tours, bent down to put protective boots onto my feet so my shoes wouldn't dirty the carpeting, and offered me a chewy snickerdoodle at the end of the tour. They showed me every space from changing rooms to sealing rooms where marriages take place and answered every question I asked, no matter how challenging or controversial.

And in the end, yes, I did have a God moment.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Mormons go to temples to be close to God. Much like the ancient Jewish people believed God lived at the heart of the temple in Jerusalem, Mormons believe that followers can meet God most intimately in the temple. The reasons they visit temples vary: In addition to having their marriages sealed in the temple, Mormons also have sealing ceremonies that unite parents and children for time and all eternity. Others come to participate in baptisms of the dead, which are intended to be used only for deceased family members of active Mormons, though the Church acknowledged in the wake of Elie Wiesel's comments that others -- such as Anne Frank -- have had baptisms performed on their behalf. These baptisms are not intended to convert the deceased but rather to give them a choice in the afterlife to embrace the revelation of Mormonism: Assuming an afterlife exists, the baptized deceased are free to say yes or no as they please. Finally, Mormons come to the temple to receive their endowment, a ritual ceremony where followers make promises to God and receive knowledge about God.

Unlike a cathedral, which is primarily composed of one large worship space, a Mormon temple has a variety of smaller rooms that serve different purposes. There are sealing rooms and rooms for men and women to change into white clothes (every male or female Mormon who enters a dedicated temple wears the same white clothing) and instruction rooms where individuals learn about God in preparation for receiving their endowments.

It was in these rooms, and the final Celestial Room, where I caught a glimpse of God.

You see, as part of our final stop on the tour, our guide took us to a room with a mural of the Missouri countryside painted by a local artist. The room had earthy colors, browns and greens and rows of cushioned seats. This was the first instruction room. From there, we took a step up -- as if ascending closer to heaven -- and entered a second room, similar to the first in shape and size but all white. This was the second instruction room. When we left that room, we took another step up and entered the Celestial Room, a space designed to give those who sit in it a foretaste of heaven.

It was a simple room yet ornate at the same time, all white with sparkling crystal chandeliers, large mirrors, and plump sofas and chairs reminiscent of those that must have existed in Joseph Smith's day. Our guide asked us to be silent and said we were welcome to sit wherever we liked and take a moment to pray. So I sat down on a sofa that seemed to envelop me, folded my hands on my lap and closed my eyes.

Like Dante, who saw God face to face but had no words to describe the encounter, I have few words to describe what I felt in that moment. But I can say this: While it did not convert me, nor did it make me want to be a Mormon, the silence and peace I felt reminded me of the many other times I've felt close to God, whether in an Episcopal cathedral, in a clear, warm ocean or in my ratty old car. And because of that, I came to understand why temples exist and why they are so important to Mormons across the world.

And along the lines of Mormons being across the world: As I wrote earlier, Mormons were ironically driven out of Liberty, Missouri and the surrounding region nearly 175 years ago. It cannot be lost on those who visit the new temple that almost two centuries later, Mormons are often still held in suspicion by society, but they are far from being as vulnerable as they were in their early years. They are building stronger foundations every day, and striving, as they do so, to catch a glimpse of heaven.

[Jeff Head]

It was never my intent to ridicule, put down, or discount.

I am truly sorry for the way you have been treated and for your loss.

Reconcile was a word I used regarding what I have seen with other people I have personally worked with...it is not a warning, nor was it meant to be.

That is what I mean when I say sometimes your emotions (understandably) cause you to look at things skewed. I was not warning you...I truly hope you and your family can reconcile...and that does not mean you coming back to the LDS church either, simply that you may have peace between yourselves, care for one another and have no animosity over belief in Christ. That is a sincere wish, and perhaps, hopefully in some respects, after so many years, is already the case.

Again, God bless you...I am sincerely sorry for the experiences you have had.

I am sorry you have met only one person who glowingly talks about the church. I know literally hundreds...and have seen and heard many more whom I do not know. Attend a fast and testimony meeting at any ward some 1st sunday of the month and you will hear quite a few...but that is up to you.

God bless you, and my sincere hope and prayer is that you will have peace, contement, and joy in your life now, and in the hereafter as a result of your sincere love for and faith in Jesus Christ.

[greyfoxx39]

Well, I wrote a glowing report about a Lutheran Church, the Faith Lutheran Church in Bellaire, TX. that took me and my wife in through their outreach program, the Faith House, to which we were miraculously admitted when I was in Houston fighting for my life at MD Anderson with malignant bone cancer.

Getting into their aprtment wa a literal and direct answer to prayer for me and my wife and so many others praying for us at the time...all in the name of Christ, Jesus.

Jeff, the mormon church boasts all the time about its humanitarian aid. Houston is a VERY large city. There are probably several thousand mormons who live there.

Why is it that there is not an LDS sponsored Outreach program similar to Faith House, even for members only available?

Faith House

Waiting List Procedure Due to the popularity and demand for Faith House units, a waiting list system is utilized. As soon as you know you will need temporary medical housing in Houston, call the Faith House phone number (713) 876-7533 to have the patient’s name placed on the waiting list. Faith House is coordinated by a dedicated group of church volunteers who use a voice mail system for receiving and returning phone calls. When you reach the Faith House voice mail system, leave your name, phone number, patient’s name, and date when housing is needed. If possible, leave a local callback number. A church volunteer will return your call within 24-48 hours. At that time, you will be asked for more information, such as the patient’s ID number, approximate date and duration of treatment and names of hospital and social worker. In order to keep the waiting list current, Faith House volunteers request that you update your information at least one time every two weeks, or your name will be removed from the list.

Faith House is comprised of two apartment units (“Faith House I”) and a six bedroom house (“Faith House II”).

Somehow, I can't imagine that in the eventuality that the mormons in Houston had a similar facility, a non-member would be considered for this program.

How is it that you lucked out?

Church Statistics

Statistics of the Church

Official 2010 statistics about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Worldwide Church Statistics
Membership	14,131,467
Missions	340
Missionaries	52,483
Missionary Training Centers	15
Temples (current 2011 number)	134
Congregations	28,660
Universities and Colleges	4
Seminary Students Enrollment	369,373
Institute Students Enrollment	348,111
Family History Centers	4,648
Countries with Family History Centers	127
Countries Receiving Humanitarian Aid Since 1985	178
Value of Humanitarian Assistance Since 1985 (25 years)	$1.3 Billions
Welfare Service Missionaries (Including Humanitarian Service Missionaries)	8,583
Languages Church Materials Available

How is it that you lucked out?

[greyfoxx39]

Bump #127

[CommerceComet]

I believe they show the wonder of God in Heaven’s knowledge of His children, each and every one, and where He would use them best.

So you believe that the Holy Spirit would tell one person that the fullness of the everlasting gospel is in Mormonism and the other that Mormonism is false?

to whatever measure of His atoenment

What is the "whatever measure" statement? Either a person's sins are atoned for by Christ or they are not.

I know from personal experience that the LDS church does like wise...I have seen it and felt it spiritually very deeply on countless occassions.

We know from ex-Mormons what Mormons really think of Christians. I know this is a sample of one but the Mormon who tried to get me to join Mormonism was anything but gracious to Christians. What about the statements of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and other Mormon prophets about Christians? Hardly sweetness and light.

A statement that in essense says that LDS people cannnot understand or feel spirituality is, I am sorry, very opinionated and very narro on its face...and I can tell you from my own experiences that it is simply wrong.

And I tell from my experience that it is true. In my discussions with the RMs, I was absolutely stunned at their lack of Biblical understanding.

I would not make such a statement about you or any other sincere believer in Christ.

I wouldn't care if you did. I'm not here for the approval of men (Galatians 1).

Now, we do believe that in due time, Christ will bring all of His sheep to a full knowledge of the entire truth

Some "sheep" are going to find out they are goats. Christ's judgement "depart from me, I never knew you" was directed at those who claimed to be Christians and pointed to good works (Matthew 7:21-23). A person needs to realize that there are wrong paths that lead to damnation even when they use Christian labels.

Guess what...if He one day appears to me, or comes back and tells me, Jeff, you need to stop attending the temple...if HE bids me do so, I will.

Of course, such a witness is very unlikely to occur. Remember the story of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:30) which tells us that the testimony of Moses and the prophet (the written Word of God) is a sufficient testimony. What you are asking for is what Joseph Smith claimed occurred to him. Did it happen? I don't think so. Based on other evidence, I personally think it was a total fabrication. However, even if it had occurred, the discerning Christian would be reminded of Paul's warning in Galatians 1:6-9. A new gospel delivered by an angel which contradicts Paul's should not be believed as a heavenly message whether it is asserted to by Mohammad or by Joseph Smith. Spiritual beings, if indeed they actually appeared to Smith and Mohammad, are not always reliable communicators of the truth (2 Corinthians 11:14).

Instead of a personal appearance of the Lord of the Universe, have you considered that maybe Jesus Christ has placed us "anti's" in your presence to open your eyes?

[greyfoxx39]

Excellent post, CC.

Going out to all the Flying Inmans.

[Jeff Head]

How is it that you lucked out?"

Read my experiences with this cancer...I explain it in detail there. I do not believe "luck" had anything to do with it.

My Sacral Chordoma Bone Cancer

It was literally an answer to prayer.

We had many people praying for us, friends, family, members of our congregation, and many, many here on FR, others I have been involved with at Klaamath, Jarbidge, and elsewhere, parying in Jesus name for His will and His tender mercies.

When down in Houston initially in Jan-Feb 2010, to meet, get fully diagnosed, and set up for the surgery, we began looking. I was very worried about where my wife would stay and her security while I was in the hiospital for 3+ months and she would be coming and going at all hours. While searching we signed up then, in February for the Faith House waiting list.

On the way back to Houston from Idaho in April 2010 for the surgery (almost exactly 2 years ago now) we still had not found a place and were getting concerned as we literally drove into Houston...as we passed the Woodlands, north of Housto,n coming in on I-45, we gat a call from the Faith House and we literally drove right up to it and signed up...they then extended our stay for an extra two months to cover my rehab.

It was simply a blessing, a tender mercy and answer to prayer, for the which I remain humble to this day and give all the credit, glory and thanks to a merciful and loving Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

"Like I said, He will be my Judge. And I am content and etermnally grateful for that because I know He knows my heart. As a result, I will continue doing what I know to be right, and seek and bring as many souls closer to Him as I possibly can. God’s speed to you as you seek to do the same. "

Jeff, when you use the word "He", who are you referring to?

Are you talking about the Christian God, who is eternally God, never created, nor made, omnipotent, the One Who said, "Hear, O' Israel, the Lord your God is ONE LORD" - forever ruling out any thought of polytheism as the pagans surrounding Israel believed...

- Or -

... Are you referring to the mormonic God the Father, who used to be simply a creature, but later earned godhood, and is one of thousands or millions of mormon gods spread throughout the universes?

These are not just "different interpretations", but different Gods. Which God are you referring to in your posts?

[Jeff Head]

Instead of a personal appearance of the Lord of the Universe, have you considered that maybe Jesus Christ has placed us "anti's" in your presence to open your eyes?

Instead of a personal appearance of the Lord of the Universe, have you considered that maybe Jesus Christ has placed me, as an active member of His Restored Church in your presence to open your eyes?

Cuts both ways.

The answer is clear in both cases. We have out witnesses and are going about oding the Lord's work to the best of our ability, and He will judge accordingly according to the sincereity of our conversion to Him and love for Him.

In answer to your other question, "Could the Holy Ghost give those two answerrs?"

Yes, I believe He is perfectly capable of it, knowing us each personally, knowing where we best fit in His plan, not our own, whom we can and will influence for Him and how, as He, in His own way, brings people (His children) to Him through others like ourselves.

This is an understanding I have cme to through the Holy Ghost in watching my brother and his ministry to others...and he in turn regarding me, as he has also watched over a space of more than 40 years.

God's ways are not our ways. He knows and comprehends all things...the end from the beginning...we do not. If we each sincerely seek Him and follow Him according to the sincere dictates of our own conscience and faith in His Son Jesus Christ, He will lead us aright and to all truth...in His time.

Of course, the evidence of that conversion will also be written with His image in our countenance and how we deal with, love, and witness too His children, and live our life.

...and in that regard...once again, God's speed and blessing to you.

[svcw]

the end from the beginning

Not true of the lds god, as he was once a man, so his time has been limited not eternal.

[greyfoxx39]

I'm well aware of your battle with cancer...was one who followed your progress and prayed for you. I'm glad you are doing well. Perhaps all the FR prayers of all faiths were involved in your luck.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the mormon church provided facilities like Faith House? That multi-billion dollars spent on the new mall on Temple Square could be helping the needy instead.

[Godzilla]

Like I said, He will be my Judge. And I am content and etermnally grateful for that because I know He knows my heart.

Were you to die, have you done 'all that you could do' to earn that grace Jeff? Have you removed ALL uncleanliness from your life so that you can be allowed that grace? Do you continue to sin? Then why haven't you repented Jeff? You hang your judgement based upon your works. God called works of righteousness 'filthy rags' (menstrual cloths) Jeff. Pretty shaky ground.

As a result, I will continue doing what I know to be right, and seek and bring as many souls closer to Him as I possibly can.

Know or really really hope is true.

God’s speed to you as you seek to do the same.

Which mormon god are you invoking here Jeff?

[Jeff Head]

Are you aware of the LDS Hospital, or the LDS Children's Hospital?

These two hospitals were originally owned and operated by the Church directly for many years. But, in 1975, the LDS Church created an independent, nonprofit corporation, Intermountain Healthcare, into which all the church's hospital holdings were transferred, and from which and through which they are operated today.

The church, through Intermountain HealthCare, does take part in large scale hospital efforts, with numerours hospitals, and also does involve itself in smaller out reach programs.

They did not have a specific outreach program in Houston generally or specifically for MD Anderson and so I was grateful that the Lord guided us to the fine folks at the Faith House.

Please, it is unbecoming to belittle or somehow try and condemn the Church's efforts in this regard. They are doing much good and are trying and expand that good as time goes on. Clearly, so do many other churches and faiths, for the which, as I say, I am extremely grateful.

[Jeff Head]

Godzilla, I am sorry you are so prone to judge and so anxious to somehow “catch me in my words,” or whatever it is you are trying to do..

Chrsit took care of my sins with His atonement and I have repented (as He commanded us to) and come unto Him and accepted His atonement and great gift in my life. I am not perfect...but will be perfected through Him.

As an imperfect human, I still do wrong things...we all do...but His atonement is sufficient for me and I do as He commanded and take the sacrement in rememberance of Him each week and the convenant I made with Him when I accepted His atonement and great gift in my life.

As I have said many times to you now on this thread...I am content to let Him judge me accordingly...and look forward to that day, whenever it shall come in His time.

And with that...I believe I will now go about lurking and surfing the site and web for other threads and topics of interest, where I may feel inclined to become involved with...or not...as the case may be.

Again, God’s speed to you, and I pray we can all come together and turn our nation around...back to its fundamental moral and Republican principled foundation and roots, so we, our kids, and our grandkids can continue to enjoy the great bleesings of liberty that we have been so graciously blessed with in our Republic.

[CommerceComet]

Instead of a personal appearance of the Lord of the Universe, have you considered that maybe Jesus Christ has placed me, as an active member of His Restored Church in your presence to open your eyes?

Good, let's hear the evidence. My Jesus Christ did not have to have His Church restored.

In answer to your other question, "Could the Holy Ghost give those two answerrs?" Yes, I believe He is perfectly capable of it

Really? So the Holy Spirit would commission me to try to lure people out of Mormonism and commission you to lure people into it? Is this not the logical fallacy of being A and not A simultaneously? How do you reconcile this with Jesus' words in Matthew 12:25 about a house divided against itself?

If we each sincerely seek Him and follow Him according to the sincere dictates of our own conscience and faith in His Son Jesus Christ, He will lead us aright and to all truth...in His time.

Except, of course, those Christians whom Jesus told "depart from me, I never knew you." You're not going to suggest that Jesus didn't mean that, are you?

the evidence of that conversion will also be written with His image in our countenance and how we deal with, love, and witness too His children, and live our life.

The goats were saying the same in Matthew 7:22 - "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?" Counterfeits are convincing only if they look like the real thing.

once again, God's speed and blessing to you.

Right back at you.

[Elsie]

There is nothing unchristian about a church having it's own marriage policies.

True. Being un-christian is what MORMONism IS; wedding policies or not.

[Elsie]

I have known and interacted with many Mormons in my lifetime from school teachers to my cousin who married into the church after being raised Baptist.

So; would they affirm or repudiate the quotes from MORMON leaders shown in reply #67??

[Elsie]

Still waiting...

So Jeff; do you agree with or do you repudiate the quotes from MORMON leaders in reply #67?

[Elsie]

A such some times you make some very wide ranging and generalized statements, IMHO.

While I make very direct ones: quite easy to answer.

[Elsie]

Your witness is countered by far more witnesses to the contrary Jeff, and you would be dishonest to deny it.

And foolish to ignore it.

[CommerceComet]

Chrsit took care of my sins with His atonement and I have repented (as He commanded us to) and come unto Him and accepted His atonement and great gift in my life.

Jeff, which Christ would that be? Jesus of Nazareth who was God's perfect Passover Lamb or Jesus, the brother of Lucifer? A false Christ will give you a false salvation.