Temples are Sacred--Not Secret

One of the most common misconceptions about temples is that they are all a big secret. The ironic thing about that, is we are all about sharing the gospel--not hiding it from the world. If you are one of those who thinks temples are secret, my hope is that you will change your mind after reading this post. Firstly, I want to show you the definitions of both words from the Merriam-Webster dictionary so I can compare/contrast the words.
sa·cred
adjective \ˈsā-krəd\
1a: dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a deity <a tree sacred to the gods> b: devoted exclusively to one service or use (as of a person or purpose) <a fund sacred to charity>

2a: worthy of religious veneration : holy

 b: entitled to reverence and respect

3: of or relating to religion : not secular or profane <sacred music>

se·cret adjective \ˈsē-krət\

1: kept hidden from others : known to only a few people 

2 [more secret; most secret] : keeping information hidden from others

 

After seeing both definitions side by side, it makes more sense why temples are sacred and not secret. Even though temples are not open to the public like chapels, they are in no way hidden. The Mormon church is very open about where temples are and what they are used for. In the definition of sacred, I highlighted the phrases that explain our temples the best. They are holy places of worship where we make covenants with God. Covenants basically are two-way promises: we make a promise to God and he in turn makes a promise to us.

One of the main purposes of a temple is to seal families together forever. When you are sealed to your family, that means you will all still be together even after death. One of the many blessings of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ is knowing that because my husband and I were sealed in the temple, we, along with our children, will be together forever.

Mormon Newsroom created this wonderful youtube video that breaks down everything you need to know about temples. Having this video available is even more proof that we, as a church, want the world to know who we are and why we have temples. Please, take 15 minutes out of your day to watch this video because it really clarifies the purposes of temples.

Temples are such glorious and peaceful places that I love to go to if I ever need peace and clarity. Even though living my life so that I may be temple worthy is not easy by any means, it is so worth any sin that I may have had to give up. If you are not temple worthy now, it is not too late for you! Nobody is perfect by any means, but all can have hope of someday entering the temple if they so desire.

If you have any other questions, feel free to comment or go to https://www.lds.org/topics/temples?lang=eng for more information.

Mormon Temples & Chapels

I recently came across this infographic that the Mormon Newsroom came out with (mormonnewsroom.org) and thought it was brilliant. Many people outside of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints do not quite understand the differences/similarities between our temples and chapels. This infographic combines great graphics with the information about both the temples and chapels side-by-side for easy comparison. It is simple and straight to the point; I love it!

Baptism and how the Church ensures that everyone can return home

In John, 3:5, it says: “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."  This bothered me greatly, because it didn’t make sense.  If we have a loving Father in Heaven, how could he allow one of his children to not return to him, just because they were unfortunate enough to be born into a situation where they didn’t get to know how to go to heaven?

The LDS Church is the only Church I know of that answers the question:  The Church teaches the doctrine of Baptism for the Dead. This is why it has the world’s largest database of everyone who has ever lived, plus it also has the most active ongoing effort at genealogy, so it can help families find their kindred dead.  In fact it performs, through its members, every ordinance that is necessary to assure that every soul who ever lived, will have the opportunity to return to the Father, and to live forever.

Visit this link for a quote by the prophet, Joseph Smith, about baptizing those who didn't otherwise have an opportunity to learn of the Savior.

Family relationships don't have to end in the grave

My family, both those that came before me, and those that I am associated with now, are the single most important thing to me that I have ever known.  There is nothing more precious.   I assume this is the case for most people. In civil weddings, and in most churches, it is understood that you are married until you die.  I find this unacceptable.  

The LDS Church teaches that the family is the most basic and precious unit on earth and in heaven.  When LDS families are married in the temple, they are married not just “until death" but for time and for all eternity.    This means our family relationships continue beyond death, and continue to grow forever.  Because I love my family so much, this is where I want to be. 

For more information on this topic, please visit this conference talk, feel free to post a question, or get in touch via email at Eternal.Families@yahoo.com