Temple Shock

[_squawkeye]

When I went through in the 60's Satan had an apron with actual symbols of other Churches on it. "Symbols of powers and priesthoods" was the description and they were there for all of us to see.

Now, no symbols at all. Does this mean no 'powers and priesthoods'?

[_Jersey Girl]

Pok,

I just quickly went through some search results for Ancient Jewish Wedding customs and I see no references to even a private portion of the ceremony. What I see are arrangements, a waiting period, marital "bed" customs, a cup ceremony and a blessing.

I'll keep looking.

[_squawkeye]

I will say my favorite part was looking at the dinosaurs painted on the wall of the Earth room.

Moderator, don't delete. The LDS publication on Temples, sold to the public, had pictures inside some of the Temples showing paintings on the walls so this should not be off topic or relegate the topic to the lower kingdom.

One sad thing is the 'redecoration' of Logan and St. George to look like Holiday Inn decor and getting rid of all the hand painted walls and murals and hand made woodwork in the Temple. That was part of the experience. If you didn't really pay attention you could find so much fine woodwork and other stuff of interest to concentrate on inbetween things.

Then there were the actors playing parts in the sessions. Really good when you got some who thought they should be hollywood actors and got into the parts big time. Even better when they had Minnesota or German or other accents. On time had Adam from Canada and every other sentence ended with 'eh. Made ignoring the really fat guy chewing on a toothpick next to me easier as I was trying not to laugh through the thing.

The very worst was when I did break out laughing in the Celestial room as my bud (the one I am visiting who won't post any longer) pulls out his pet monkey after we are in there. He had him in his pocket the whole time. Seems the little guy was a bit under the weather and he didn't want to leave him home and had promised the Bishop a session to bolster the ward numbers. So, he brought the little guy with him. Quiet the whole time which was surprising. I almost had a heart attack when he opened the pocket and the little guys head pops up!

The live sessions are a lot better than the movies. Too bad only two Temples still have them. They made going at least bearable.

[_Jersey Girl]

I realize that my position may be fully biased but, my impression of all of this is as follows.

What I see is an element of secrecy involving Temple ceremonies. There isn't any secrecy involving vicarious baptism, but when it comes to "higher" rite/ceremony, it's alluded to in conversations and teaching however, the ceremony itself isn't clearly indicated.

It appears as if participation in vicarious baptism is a stepping stone to other important cermonies that are not openly discussed.

I see a progression in LDS teaching that leads one to strong anticipation of what further goes on in the Temple. People anticipate a serious and faith affirming spiritual experience.

I see a significant level of "let down" and disappointment, even confusion in the accounts of some LDS regarding the Temple. They feel they've been exposed to something strange that they never imagined existed. Certain practices (I won't be specific) seem cult-like to many. They don't understand why certain practices exist and feel it is less than spiritual and more "cult" or "club" like. More man-made than God-created.

They question why Heavenly Father would require them to go through a series of "actions" in order to enter the Kingdom and what these actions have to do with their spiritual life and/or salvation; their connection to God.

And they are often left disappointed and confused.

At the other end of the Temple ceremonies, they are not permitted to speak of their experiences with each other, not even those who share their most intimate relationship roles in life.

They've been taught to expect something wonderfully spiritual and afterwards, aren't able to discuss their concerns or even ask questions of their loved ones.

It seems to me, that there is a never ending chain of confirmation and encouragement to conform.

What happens when one holds doubts? Their testimony and faith, essentially the core of their earnest spirituality are called into question.

And no one discusses their heartfelt concerns.

It reminds me of the unstated "rules" in the home of an alcoholic:

1. Don't feel
2. Don't talk
3. Don't think

It cannot be good for folks when a church that purports to hold the family in such high esteem and teaches the value of family throughout a person's life course, appears to intefere with the family on such an intimate level as their spirituality.

Okay....I'm rambling here. Maybe something I stated makes sense. I wouldn't bet on it!

[_Jersey Girl]

squawkeye,

I think you just have to let the moderator's decide what is appropriate (or not) regarding your post. Welcome to the board.

[_Pokatator]

Pok,

I just quickly went through some search results for Ancient Jewish Wedding customs and I see no references to even a private portion of the ceremony. What I see are arrangements, a waiting period, marital "bed" customs, a cup ceremony and a blessing.

I'll keep looking.

Jersey Girl That is how I remember the Jewish traditions too. I won't have time to research any of it until this evening.

Even the miracle story of Jesus changing water to wine had nothing to do with the temple and it seemed like a party, a celebration.

This, to me, throws another wrench in the gears of the church's "Restoration of All Things" mantra.

[_Yoda]

(Moderator Note) Squawkeye...for the record, I see nothing in your post that is inappropriate.

[_Inconceivable]

A chill ran over me as I realized that all I did in the temple was in the name of the Son of God, and in this religion there are two Sons of God. Jesus and Satan, .......brothers. The question became who is behind the curtain, Jesus or Satan? Would Jesus whisper secrets, want me to make blood oaths, not know me, etc. and etc.?

I found it very odd that the Mormon God would permit Satan to not only command but to require me that I cover my nakedness (my sins) with an apron when I would have had no inclination to consciously do so. After which it becomes a permanent part of my sacred, holy (God awful) attire. My wife and I had to get married wairing this. All my relatives have even been burried with this apron on (from the viewing on). So yes, it is worn permanently by many outside the temple - by dead Mormons. And Satan started it.

[_Pokatator]

A chill ran over me as I realized that all I did in the temple was in the name of the Son of God, and in this religion there are two Sons of God. Jesus and Satan, .......brothers. The question became who is behind the curtain, Jesus or Satan? Would Jesus whisper secrets, want me to make blood oaths, not know me, etc. and etc.?

I found it very odd that the Mormon God would permit Satan to not only command but to require me that I cover my nakedness (my sins) with an apron when I would have had no inclination to consciously do so. After which it becomes a permanent part of my sacred, holy (God awful) attire. My wife and I had to get married wairing this. All my relatives have even been burried with this apron on (from the viewing on). So yes, it is worn permanently by many outside the temple - by dead Mormons. And Satan started it.

And Adam and Eve pray to God and Satan shows up. What kind of god is this that lets Satan answer prayers to him?

[_Inconceivable]

I have always felt very uneasy that the Mormon God would permit Satan to have power over me (take posession of my agency) if I did not "..live up to every covenant I had made in the temple this day". It was like I was being subjected to a good cop, bad cop scenario. The covenants are that I to give everything. All or nothing. I can think of only One that is reputed to have had the capacity to accomplish such a task.

What ever became of becoming born again as Alma, Lamoni or even myself? "..Having no more desire to do evil but to do good continually?" Becoming (and remaining) children of Christ? Can I become un-adopted by Christ? Apparently so. Where is the nurture? The unconditional love? The occasional reproof with the increase of love afterwards?

It is Satan's plan for us to respond through negative reinforcement/fear. Why all the fear, threats, promised reprisals when we have come so far as to qualify for a temple recommend to enter the Mormon God's holy house?

This is not special.