Mormon Temples
Frank Moore Cross, the Harvard Hancock Professor of Hebrew and Other Oriental Languages, Emeritus, and not a Latter-day Saint, says this about Momron temples: “Someone who does not know much about temples and Mormons building temples should be directed to the Bible.” He continues, “I am both interested and delighted to see so much of ancient religious tradition, particularly biblical tradition, taken up into the religious structures and rituals of the Mormons.”
The Old and New Testaments include many references to temples. The children of Israel used a portable temple, the tabernacle of Moses, during their journey in the wilderness; later Solomon’s temple was built in Jerusalem, and Jesus Himself was found teaching in Herod’s temple at a young age.
Lawrence H. Schiffmann, undergraduate director of Hebrew and Judaic Studies at New York University, says, “Within ancient Judaism and in the biblical period, the idea of a temple is it’s a special place where God’s presence is always to be found.”
Referring to the sacred nature of Mormon temples, Elder David Bednar, an apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, says: “There were particular special ceremonies, rites and sacraments that were administered only in this sacred, set-apart place. That was the purpose of the temples. It provided that supernal special place to be able to perform those sacred rites.”
Mormons believe their faith is a restoration of Christ’s New Testament Church, and they therefore build temples just as Christians did in ancient times. The Church has built nearly 160 temples worldwide. Mormon temples differ from the 17,000 chapels where members of the Church worship on Sundays in regular sacrament services.
Instead, Elder Bednar says, Mormon temples are places for the highest sacraments of the faith. “Everything in the temple is focused on the Lord Jesus Christ and on our Heavenly Father and the plan of happiness which He provided for us. Everything in the temple is ennobling and uplifting and edifying. There’s a great peace in the temple.”
Elder Bednar adds that Mormon temples are primarily places of learning and instruction and likens them to the Lord’s university: “We learn about our relationship with God. We learn about the purposes of our life here upon the earth. Questions such as where did we come from? Why are we here? What happens to us after we die? Those questions are addressed and answered in the instruction that’s presented in the temple. We also make promises to live honest, upright and virtuous lives.”
Before a new Mormon temple is dedicated for use by worth Church members, visitors are allowed to tour inside the temple. Visitors see the baptistry, which is used for the ordinance of baptism for the dead. Mormons believe that after death, people go to a “spirit world” to await resurrection and judgment. Spirits in the spirit world have volition and agency, plus the ability to gain knowledge. Those who enter the spirit world without a knowledge of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the “plan of salvation” are taught there, but since they are disembodied, cannot participate in physical ordinances. These ordinances are performed by proxies in the temples, so they will be available to those spirits who choose to accept them. Visitors also see an endowment room, much like a very small, tranquil auditorium where gospel lessons are taught. Visitors also see the central feature of the temple, the celestial room, which is a representation of heaven. Near the celestial room are sealing rooms, where marriages are performed. Sealing rooms have an altar at the center where bride and groom kneel and face each other. Chairs for guests line the walls. All rooms in the temple are beautiful and well appointed.
Once a temple is dedicated it is closed to the public, and open only to Latter-day Saints who keep the commandments of God. Elder Bednar says: “There are pre-requisites in many forms of life. You cannot take advanced courses in chemistry until you have mastered the basics. And the same thing is true of the Lord’s university. You have to meet the pre-requisites. Anyone can come if they are willing to abide by those commitments” (LDS Newsroom:”New Temple Reflects Biblical Parallels“)
More on Mormon Temples:
What do Mormons do in the temple?
Who can attend the temple?
Why is there so much secrecy concerning Mormon temples?
August 8th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
My name is William Armstrong, I’m actually Christian, but I was allowed to date a Mormon, no names mentioned. Just in general, nothing having to do with me, if a Christian wanted to marry a Mormon, would that be possible?
I myself respect all beliefs that are of Latter-Day Saints, I wouldn’t disrespect the religion in any way.
August 12th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Hi, William. Thanks for your question. Mormons can marry out of the faith, if they choose. They know that such a marriage is dissolved at death. As it says in the ceremony, “Until death do we part.” Temple marriage is an eternal covenant, binding in heaven as on earth. Only a worthy Mormon couple can be married in the temple.
There are other considerations. If a Mormon girl marries a non-Mormon boy, she knows that she will not have the blessing of having a “priesthood holder” to lead her family. Now, the Mormon Church has a lay clergy, and all worthy men over the age of 18 may hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, which has great power. This includes the power to heal according to God’s will, and in emergencies, when there is sickness or injury, this is a great blessing indeed. A priesthood holder will also provide spiritual leadership in the home.
There is also the question of church activity. At some point in the marriage, questions may arise regarding belief and religious practice, especially if there are children who need guidance. Spouses of two different faiths may not agree. It’s important to quote statistics here. Temple marriages have a divorce rate around 7%. Marriages between a Mormon and a spouse of another faith have a divorce rate of 40%. Quite a difference.
December 28th, 2010 at 9:49 am
Of course they could. However, it is generally not encouraged and it is not often that faithful, active members chose to do so. We believe that marriage is meant to last forever. And we believe that it can only last forever if that marriage occurs in the temples spoken of in this article. In these temples there are men who have been given a special authority and right to pronounce a husband and wife married for time and all eternity. Because Mormons wish to obtain this great blessing, and because only other Mormons can enter the temples to make this eternal marriage covenant, most Mormons will choose to marry only another Mormon.
Thank you for your respect and desire to always respect people of all religions. That is a rare quality in today’s heated political world. In light of that idea, I’d like to make sure that everyone knows that while Mormons don’t generally marry outside of their religion, that doesn’t mean we don’t honor and respect and love other religions for the good that they are doing and for the good people that they are. Thanks again for your kind words and respect.
January 2nd, 2011 at 10:34 pm
I’m dating a Mormon boy, i feel completely in love, being non Mormon, you guys are freaking me out that we wont work out.
January 4th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
I hope we don’t freak you out. I hope that by dating a Mormon boy, that he is living his religion, and because of that you feel honored and respected. Inter-faith marriages have special challenges, no matter what the faiths of the people involved. The divorce rate of two worthy Mormons entering into a temple covenant is around 7%. The divorce rate of Mormons who marry outside the temple is 25%. The divorce rate of Mormons who marry non-members is 40%. If you do marry, it would be a great blessing to you both if you decide before-hand how you will live your religions and raise your future children. You would both profit by learning all you can about each others’ religions, too. The best of luck to you both!!
February 5th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
I would like to tell you that joseth smith does not come before god and that your beleif and teaching does not include what the king james bible talks more about hell souls burning in torment so why is it that you do not tell the truth to people.
My conclusion is that your church will loose custermers they will look for the truth.
February 11th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
Mormons don’t worship Joseph Smith any more than Americans worship George Washington. We do believe in hell, but it is reserved for those who receive a sure testimony of Christ and then deny Him, thereby “crucifying Him anew.”
April 26th, 2011 at 2:44 am
The Bible tells us that there will be no marriages in Heaven. Matthew chapter 22, v 30…. If you are thinking of becoming a Mormon, don’t. No doors should be closed to outsiders unless they have something hide. The Word of God is an open book to all who seek Him. Not in some off in the corner room where lies are told. FOR IN THE RESURRECTION THEY NEITHER MARRY NOR ARE GIVEN IN MARRIAGE, BUT ARE LIKE ANGELS IN HEAVEN. Temple marriage is not a eternal covenant. There is nothing in the Bible to this idea.
April 28th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
You misunderstand Mormon doctrine. Indeed, no marriages are performed in heaven, and most of the inhabitants of heaven (who will be of all faiths and persuasions) will be single. But with the authority to bind in heaven what is bound on earth, we may be reunited with our beloved family members in heaven and continue in the relationships we have formed on earth. Which perception is more loving and inclusive? That we must be separated from our loved ones forever? Or that we may be reunited with them forever? Mormonism isn’t closing doors. It is opening them.
June 18th, 2011 at 9:50 pm
I am a christian but have a family member that is mormon, as well as friends. My thought is that we will be spirits in heaven and we will know those that were close to us on earth but not necesarily have the same type of relationship. No one really knows what heaven will be like until we get there, and the whole point is to have eternal life with God our Father and to not worry about whether or not we will still be married to our earthly spouses. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ and also the glory of God will be so awesome that it won,t matter.
June 19th, 2011 at 11:04 am
i just wanted to say that what you are doing here is wonderful! spreading the truth to what poeple think isnt. im a mormon born and raised. i did have a fall away for many years, but knowing what i was raised and what i believed brought me back. i think if they went to chruch and really studied the scriptures and then asked if it was true, God will not lead astray. he will give you the truth and honest answer to youre prayers. i believe with all my heart in evertything the LDS chruch believes. again thank you for putting the truth out there!
June 20th, 2011 at 11:58 am
Thanks, Kimberly.
June 20th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
As someone who is joined in marriage under the eternal marriage covenant, I can testify that it does matter to some of us. Through our spiritual experiences, we have an eternal insight into the character and personalities of our children, as well as each other. We definitely want to be eternally married and close companions for an eternity.
We won’t be spirits forever. All will be resurrected. I agree that the glory of God will be awesome, and share your belief in the saving power of Jesus Christ. Thanks for your comment.
June 28th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
i am a 15yr old christian girl and my boyfriend is a mormon and reading theese have made me less worried about been not able to marry him wen i am older
June 29th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Good, Phoebe. Thanks for putting forth the effort to gain understanding of your boyfriend’s faith. Let us know if you have questions.
July 11th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
my question would be,do mormons teach from the book of mormons as well as the bible?i’ve not seen alot of mormons “witness” as i have from others churches,i.e.baptist,methodist,etc.i’d be willing to attend a mormon church.as with any church,people have a right to beleive in whats best for them,why wait for something to happen before going to God when it’s not too late for the present for tomorrows not promised….thanks.
July 13th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
Yes, Mormons teach from the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, as well as the discourses of the prophets and leaders of the Church. Mormons witness all the time, sometimes in their own meetings, but also to others who are willing to listen. We testify that Jesus Christ is the Creator and Savior of the world, and invite all to come and worship in His name. At any given time, we have over 50,000 full-time missionaries worldwide testifying of this truth and calling all to repent. You might enjoy a Mormon Church meeting. Visitors are welcome, and you can find a meetinghouse near you at the following link: <a href:"http://lds.org/maps/index.jsf?lang=eng#x=find&m=microsoft&lat=0.7031073524365037&lng=0&z=2&t=3&places=meetinghouses&legend=1"
September 6th, 2011 at 9:11 am
Hi yes we will meet our loves ones again thats only after we get judge by God on the judgement day..u c I ws tld bt my boyfriend which he’s a mormon that he wnt get judge unless his family gets there..bt in the bible it says that we will one by one stand before God and be judge by him..so I think that mormon jst need to do more study into the bible nt the book of mormon..im nt judgeing anybody here im jst saying truth and wot is written in the bible..because of the different in our beliefs we are nt dating each other now because of how much he hates me wn everytime I correct abt the bible…
September 20th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
I am investigating mormonism right now. I dont know a lot about the bible but I see lots of references to temples in the old testament but none in the new testament. A christian friend of mine told me that Christ rent the veil of the temple at his death, meaning no more need of temples or the law of Moses. Can you give me a biblical scripture from the new testament after the death of Christ about temple worship to prove her wrong.
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Acts 2 shows that the followers of Christ continued to worship in the temple with new understanding:
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
“And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
“And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
“And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart (vs 42-46).
September 23rd, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Sorry about the rift in your relationship. You are correct in that we are judged one by one upon our desires, intentions, and acts while on earth. Each one of us has to stand at the bar of God and be judged by the Savior.