Temple Shock

[_Jersey Girl]

Pok

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.

Okay, it's been far too long that I've thought about the Jewish temple. If I am not mistaken, only priests were permitted IN the Temple (Holy of Holies?) and each time they were annointed (cleansed) and donned special temple clothing that was worn only in the temple.

This would make a great new topic thread. Rites, rituals, temple practice of ancient Judaism?

I'm afraid I don't know enough about that topic to even consider trying to drive a thread like that. I would love to see some knowledgeable posters make comparisions between ancient practices and LDS restored practices.

[_Jersey Girl]

Here's a small beginning, Pok:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_in_Jerusalem#Temple_services

[_Gazelam]

Inconceivable,

Excellent post.

The best way to compare our experience is to that of a parent sendign their child off to college. No more safety and security of the home, just the childs memories of the way things should be and an inner desire to hold fast to the morals and mindset they were brought up with.

Some decide to apply themselves and make use of the time they have in a constructive manner, and some deside to appear in "Spring Break :Girls gone wild".

God gives us the Gift of the Holy Ghost to assist us while we are here, its up to us to follow his promptings. Satan only has as much power over us as we allow him to. We choose to listen to which prompting we will follow.

God only gives warnings of what will happen if we decide to not listen. that's not negative reinforcement, that's no different than someone telling us not to walk through a minefield. Is it negative if we get a leg blown off, and the guy says, "See, I told you but you wouldent listen".

Satan progressed up to a certain point, but is now damned. He has his priesthood authority, and his authority over us extends to no more than a whisper or a prompting. We are our own masters unless we enslave ourselves to his will. We can equally choose to follow the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, which teaches us to stand on our own and master the elements of the body.

[_Inconceivable]

Good enough points, Gaz. I pretty much agree with you and you're speaking chapel doctrine. However, the temple speaks in absolutes - your obedience light is either switched on to 100% or it receives it's power from Satan. That is the wording. What an unhealthy reality. We both know it doesn't make sense. English is not that difficult of a language. Should we expect the Mormon God to has a decent command of it? Evidently not.

It's like the former wording of the covenant women made to obey their husbands. My mom lived through a living hell for over 20 years married to an abusive man because he was a Mormon she married in the temple.

[_Pokatator]

Here's a small beginning, Pok:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_in_Jerusalem#Temple_services

Hi Jersey Girl I haven't had a lot of time to research but I did check out this too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_marriage_customs
It seems to me that no marriages were performed in the temple.

The temple rites anciently were performed by the tribe of Levi. That isn't mentioned in the Mormon temple. It is my understanding that Jesus changed the process that was in place, the people had to go through a priest to talk to god. Jesus taught that we no longer needed a priest. He declared he was the last High Priest and the temple was no longer needed.

Jersey Girl I do think a new thread with some one a lot smarter than me would be interesting. I think the list would be long stating the differences between the old temple stuff and the new temple stuff.

This begs the question about the restoration: Restored from what?

It all goes against what Jesus taught. This issue shows me that all this stuff is borrowed and/or made up from man-made stuff not anything to do with god.

Interesting topic but got to go I have a busy day ahead.

Jersey Girl Thanx - Pok

[_Dr. Shades]

What I see is an element of secrecy involving Temple ceremonies.

What on earth gave you that impression?

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.

You don't think so?

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.

You're probably the only one who sees it.

I see a significant level of "let down" and disappointment, even confusion in the accounts of some LDS regarding the Temple.

How do you see that?

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

I have no idea where you'd get that impression.

[_Yoda]

LOL

You were obviously in a cynical mood this morning, Shades. ;)

I agree with your cynicism, by the way.

[_Ray A]

The last time I went to the temple was about two years ago. To pick up mail (when I worked for the Post). It's a beautiful place with very nice people, most wearing white shirts. My first temple experience was great, and the custard and cake desert in the New Zealand temple cafeteria was simply unbeatable. Nothing bad to report. (Except that the transport to and from Hamilton was atrocious.)

[_Jersey Girl]

What I see is an element of secrecy involving Temple ceremonies.

What on earth gave you that impression?

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.

You don't think so?

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.

You're probably the only one who sees it.

I see a significant level of "let down" and disappointment, even confusion in the accounts of some LDS regarding the Temple.

How do you see that?

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

I have no idea where you'd get that impression.

I was being diplomatic you shape shifting snickerer! You need to pick a side and land on it, buddy. Either you appreciate me when I'm nice or appreciate me when I'm strident. You can't have me both ways.

Well maybe you can...

:-D

[_Jersey Girl]

Pok

Hi Jersey Girl I haven't had a lot of time to research but I did check out this too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_marriage_customs
It seems to me that no marriages were performed in the temple.

I don't think so either, Pok. What I've read discusses traditions/customs and a public cup ceremony. Thanks for the link!

The temple rites anciently were performed by the tribe of Levi.

Do you mean the Levitical Priesthood?

That isn't mentioned in the Mormon temple. It is my understanding that Jesus changed the process that was in place, the people had to go through a priest to talk to god. Jesus taught that we no longer needed a priest. He declared he was the last High Priest and the temple was no longer needed.

Yes I know. That's why some of the LDS Temple stuff doesn't make sense to me.

Jersey Girl I do think a new thread with some one a lot smarter than me would be interesting. I think the list would be long stating the differences between the old temple stuff and the new temple stuff.

I honestly think there isn't anyone on the board qualified to do that any more than you or I. If so, I'm not aware of them.

This begs the question about the restoration: Restored from what?

I've asked about the Restoration a zillion times on this and other LDS boards. I get no clear/matching answers.

It all goes against what Jesus taught. This issue shows me that all this stuff is borrowed and/or made up from man-made stuff not anything to do with god.

I know!

Interesting topic but got to go I have a busy day ahead.

Jersey Girl Thanx - Pok

You bet!