Posted on 04/24/2012 1:28:27 PM PDT by 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.
Ok, so you don’t go to church. You know nothing about mormonism yet ....... oh never mind.
I haven't gone to work in over 17 years either. There might be a connection. I have some neurological issues that make both difficult. It's hard to explain but I was born with some sensory processing issues related to auditory and visual processing. When I hit 36 I hat a rather notable decline and starting having some major malfunctions at work.
Certain sounds and certain visual stimulation make me have seizures. I spasm quite violently in my upper torso from the shoulders up. At the same time I also developed PTSD from some life events that over a nine year period had taken a toll as well. So I medically retired at age 36 in 1994.
Last October at my dads funeral service I still couldn't control the seizures even doubling on my medication to tone things down. My family is used to it now. I imagine the preacher was kinda taken back but I told him before hand. Add to that I'm partially deaf now anyway and when I turn the hearing aids up in some places seizures increase accordingly.
It's a non fatal issue but non curable & it means some things I can not do anymore. To grocery shop for the month for example I have to go after midnight. Same thing with Wally World so I can get our necessities. I am also a caregiver so I have to do the shopping even though my wife goes along with me. She can't drive nor walk so I do the driving and her motorized wheelchair does her walking. Late night shopping means no people and more important no P.A. blaring so I can concentrate.
Most persons enjoy having good concentration to read, pray, study. That too was hit very hard. Before it hit me I had studied the Bible pretty extensive for a few years likely 4-5. It was an urgency to do so. Now for prayer I hop in the truck & drive to a favorite trail along a river and do it there walking the trail where I am not distracted. Any distraction means train of though is gone maybe a few seconds or maybe gone for good. If I have a half hour to study at something that is a very good day.
But I consider myself blessed. I worked in a nursing home as a maintenance mechanic. I saw just about everything there was in the way of disorders in the time I worked there. It sure beats the diagnoses that they were testing me for like stroke, brain tumor, & MS.
GOD works in GOD's on way. Two persons with disabilities man and wife. One is the brawn to do the lifting and physical stuff and the other who has a keen sense for details I count on to help me keep up with things.
What do you think Purgatory is?
"communion in the literal terms the RCC places it in..."
What do you thing Epiousios means?
"communion in the literal terms the RCC places it in"
What is your objection to confessing to a priest based upon?
I don't believe there is any further needing of purging of our sin or punishment. By His stripes we are healed. Only bu His Blood our sins removed.
What do you thing Epiousios means?
What about Remembrance? The Lord's Supper or Communion is a set apart time a reenactment of what happened in The Upper Room. It is in a sense The Passover Feast. What is ingested isn't important meaning a wafer will suffice and a small portion of wine. The state of the heart during the observance however is highly important and should be focused upon. It is a time to reflect on Christ who's body took our sins and His blood which establishes the new Blood Covenant. Christ said "Do this in remembrance of me". Christ is already present in the church or anywhere two or more are gathered. 1 Corinthians 11 v 21-34 pretty much spells it out.
What is your objection to confessing to a priest based upon?
OK I reckon if you feel you must. But you see we already have a Priest each of us can confess to and pray to GOD directly in His name. What did Christ say about prayer and asking forgiveness of sin? How are we to pray? The first 15 verses of Matthew ch 6 tells us.
Now if a person commits a sin against the church as in stealing from it etc or causing gossip things like that? Yea a person should tell the preacher, Priest, etc.
On the other hand if I get mad and let out some rather not so nice words in a moment of anger etc I can immediately seeing my wrong ask The Lord myself for forgiveness.
But those are my beliefs and how I read & understand The Bible.
Then WHY are you in this thread; carrying their water?
(I know that certain believers in the work of Joseph Smith and the Book of MORMON are not 'mormon' either.)
Nope. I'm 'telling' what the MORMON publishing house has produced over the years.
I say we've got #2 already...
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Are you still killing your unborn? -- GOD |
Indeed you are!
There are those walking around in perfect PHYSICAL health that are marching straight to hell.
You know what is more important.
Is NL back?
Getting all flustered again?
Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
1 John 3:21-24
Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
If an individual or a 'church' keeps on insisting that we 'need' more than the above; they are the Judizers spoken of in Acts chapter 15.
It appears you wife and have worked everything out and have become one.
That however does not answer as to why you are defending mormonism when you do not apparently know anything about it.
What is being quoted here on FR are from lds sources, no one is making them up (don’t have to).
snipe, God bless you my friend, and I pray in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ that His healing hand, His conforting Hand, and His loving hand will be extended to you and your wife, that your example will continue to otuch and influence socres and scores of people for the good...in His name, Amen!
You are an example and inspiration to more than you know. You have shared you experience with me before and you are one of my heroes and a beacon of light for anyone with discerning eyes to see and immulate. God bless you for your srvice to this Nation, particularly in the bowels of the USS America in your time, God bless you for your faith, God bless you for your love and faith and service to your dear wife, God bless you for your steadfastness in such adversity. You have been and remain an example to me in my own condition and I thank God for people like yourself.
As I said, you both are heroes of ours.
and greyfox, if you go to that foundation’s web site you will find that the foundation there set up by the church has funded , built, and operates many hospitals and health care facilities.
The Church helps the dieased, the poor, the needy, and those in difficult circumstances all over the world through such foundations as this, through Deseret Indistries where poor folks are given jobs and then helped to gain an education, through the many service, building, health care and other missions outside of prosilyting. And this is all prvided, not by the government, but by the charity of the Church as it ought to be...and they are very effective programs. In humanitarian aid, since the mid 80s the Church has sent something over 1.5 billion dollars worth of aid out to other nations I believe, not to mention these other programs I have listed.
How much is enough? I believe, sadly, that it does not matter what I documented to you about what the LDS church does, for you it would never be enough...and I find that sad that you would even disparage the help the church gives to others by somehow indicating that, “yes, that’s nice, but you are not giving enough.” Know you not that you are starting to sound like the very liberals this forum was designed to stand against?
Anyhow, there’s plenty out there about what the Church does in terms of helping others and I am glad to take part in it whenver asked, or whenever opportunity presents itself, either through actual service, or through my offerings to those programs in addition to our tithing. May wife and I give liberally to the missionary fund, to the education funds, and with our fast offerings to help the poor and needy in addition to our tithing.
Anyhow, my real intent was once again to thank snipe for his outstanding example, his inmtegrity and his passion for and commitment to the truth.
through Deseret Indistries where poor folks are given jobs
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Jeffie those poor folks are not PAID for their work
Theyre expected to volunteer their time...
The farms and canneries of that part of Mormon Inc are like anything slse
The Mormons are suppose to give their time and money...
the Morg doesnt PAY out
It demands the members PAY it...
You dont gather HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS to yourself by giving to others..
and when the moembers are given a wee bit of money ???
Theu sign LOAN contracts
and have to pay it back
WITH INTEREST
and they are treated like beggers and thieves for asking...
DONT even try to equate the Mormon business with a real benevolent group like Catholic Charities...
I can still spend a good day at the Bishops Store House.
I'm glad for the opportunity to give to the Mission Fund and Fast Offering.
My wife's parents home burned and her father died in the fire.
The first person to see if they needed help as the Relief Society President.
The Native Tribe rebuild the house.
This good sister collected furnishing for them.
BTW They are not LDS and have no interest in the church, but they express their thanks for what help they got.
My sister in law is here house setting for her brother. She just said " How can people say such hateful things"
Actually, there are many people at DI who are paid and who are put into job training programs to advance themselves.
Others serve their in pure charitable service helping make things, repair things, and then sell them at discount prices (like any such discount store) so that the incoming dollars pay for the operation and then the profits/excess are used for other charitable purposes.
I’ve worked on Church Farms, Orchards, and Ranches in Texas, Utah, Montana, and Idaho.
Sadly, my disabilities severely limit what I can physically do now, but it was always a very fun and good experience.
I can still do quite a bit at the canneries and we have one of those here in the area too.
The Welfare program of the church is a good model. Members give freely of monies and time and service to help others. Those in need, who are capable of doing so, are given jobs so they can work for the food and help they get...and retain their dignity while so doing.
The nation could benefit from sonehow replicating the principles involved to improve the existing welfare programs which are designed to entrap people and make them dependent on the government and enbale pols to “buy” votes, where the Church program is desigtned to help them with both immediate and long term needs by finding avenues for them to work for what they get and develop themselves to the point where they can get jobs back in the work force if they are able.
While the widows and orphans, and sick and needy who cannot do those things are helped too.
Thanks for that post, Blue, really appreciate it.
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THE
DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS SECTION 132
51–57, Emma Smith is counseled (commanded) to be faithful and true; 58–66, Laws governing the plurality of wives are set forth.
51 Verily, I say unto you: A commandment I give unto mine handmaid, Emma Smith, your wife, whom I have given unto you, that she stay herself and partake not of that which I commanded you to offer unto her; for I did it, saith the Lord, to aprove you all, as I did Abraham, and that I might require an offering at your hand, by covenant and sacrifice.
52 And let mine handmaid, Emma Smith, areceive all those that have been given unto my servant Joseph, and who are virtuous and pure before me; and those who are not pure, and have said they were pure, shall be destroyed, saith the Lord God.
53 For I am the Lord thy God, and ye shall obey my voice; and I give unto my servant Joseph that he shall be made ruler over many things; for he hath been afaithful over a few things, and from henceforth I will strengthen him.
55 But if she will not abide this commandment, then shall my servant Joseph do all things for her, even as he hath said; and I will bless him and multiply him and give unto him an ahundredfold in this world, of fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, houses and lands, wives and children, and crowns of beternal lives in the eternal worlds.
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