The lowdown on us Mormons... (Joseph: hotel, top, soccer)

[ktorch]

A few years ago I drove through your beautiful state. I always wanted to see Temple Square, and did. The Tabernacle was being repaired as the foundation was being re-reinforced, so I couldn't get in, and they would not let me see inside the temple, as there was something about me they didn't like I suppose. Not much of a welcome. Strange things these people believe. I fear I would have to take religion lightly after that experience, like Thomas Jefferson and many of our forefathers did. I've been in cathedrals over the world, including St Peters in Roma, but no LDS Temple.

[irman]

Originally Posted by ktorch

I've been in cathedrals over the world, including St Peters in Roma, but no LDS Temple.

Let's look at it this way ..
Since you did not see anything *yet* inside an LDS Temple, you haven't missed anything *yet*.
So go on in life, stop crying over spilt milk.

But ... , if you really are interested what is inside an LDS Temple, it is really simple to do so.
Become a member (like in any other association or groupe).
Prove yourself worthy (like in any other religion)
Then go in and look.

You speak of cathedrals ? Most of them are owned by the Catholic Church ...
Have you ever tried to get into their really *sacred* places, like the Vatican ?

Their Cathedrals are like regular meeting houses of the LDS church.
You can go in, on any Sunday and look around to your hearts content.

An LDS Temple is a really sacred place, and NOT accessible to any Tom, Dick, Harry or Mary,
even if they are LDS church members.

Want to know more (?), do not ask *here*, but contact the Church itself or find some LDS Missionaries (hard to NOT recognise them !!)

[kaytidid]

Non LDS members can not see the inside of the Temples. It is nothing personal against you. The only time you can is during an open house of a new, not yet dedicated Temple.

I am Catholic and have yet to visit the Vatican, although I would LOVE to do so!

[bdb5853]

Even many LDS can't go inside some temples, correct? Don't you have to have a 'temple recommend' to be allowed inside a temple? What does that entail?

[markg91359]

Even many LDS can't go inside some temples, correct? Don't you have to have a 'temple recommend' to be allowed inside a temple? What does that entail?[

Katzpur may answer this in more complete detail. The gist of it is that when you want a "temple recommend" or want to have your "temple recommend" renewed, you go before your bishop for an interview. You will be asked a series of questions like:

1. Do you keep the 10 Commandments?
2. Do you believe in Christ?
3. Do you believe that Joseph Smith was the Prophet of God?
4. Do you believe that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God?
5. Do you pay a full tithing?

If you answer satisfactorily than you will either get a "temple recommend" or have your old one renewed.

You are correct that many LDS people cannot go inside temples. The statistics from our ward that I saw a couple of years ago said that just over half of the members held "temple recommends".

I'll add one more comment to this: The church encourages young people to participate in a Temple Ordinance known as "Baptism for the Dead". As such, its fairly easy for young people to get a limited purpose "temple recommend" that allows them access to the temple to participate in this ordinance.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by ktorch

A few years ago I drove through your beautiful state. I always wanted to see Temple Square, and did. The Tabernacle was being repaired as the foundation was being re-reinforced, so I couldn't get in, and they would not let me see inside the temple, as there was something about me they didn't like I suppose. Not much of a welcome. Strange things these people believe. I fear I would have to take religion lightly after that experience, like Thomas Jefferson and many of our forefathers did. I've been in cathedrals over the world, including St Peters in Roma, but no LDS Temple.

What an odd criticism. Yeah, from time to time, renovations must be done on buildings that are 150 or so years old. I'm really sorry that they didn't time this particular one to suit your schedule better. I'm also sorry you weren't able to go inside the temple. Most people who come here have done their homework, know in advance that this will be the case, and choose not to let it ruin the Temple Square experience. After all, Temple Square comprises 35 acres and has about a dozen beuatiful and interesting buildings you could have gone in.

[irman]

Originally Posted by kaytidid

have yet to visit the Vatican, although I would LOVE to do so!

If you use Google earth, and then use Street view, you probably do not see any more, being there, or via your computer.

Note the absence of people in the courtyard ...
Same thing with LDS Temples !

[jfitt]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

What an odd criticism. Yeah, from time to time, renovations must be done on buildings that are 150 or so years old. I'm really sorry that they didn't time this particular one to suit your schedule better. I'm also sorry you weren't able to go inside the temple. Most people who come here have done their homework, know in advance that this will be the case, and choose not to let it ruin the Temple Square experience. After all, Temple Square comprises 35 acres and has about a dozen beuatiful and interesting buildings you could have gone in.

Actually, it is not odd if you are not Mormon. When I first visited there 6 years ago, I knew nothing about the religion as I lived on the east coast. I was truly taken aback that I could not get in. What the original,poster may not have known is that even some members of the religion can not get in either! So please, before you judge him on his lack of knowledge about your religion, know that many folks not from the western states know very little about you.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by jfitt

Actually, it is not odd if you are not Mormon. When I first visited there 6 years ago, I knew nothing about the religion as I lived on the east coast. I was truly taken aback that I could not get in. What the original,poster may not have known is that even some members of the religion can not get in either! So please, before you judge him on his lack of knowledge about your religion, know that many folks not from the western states know very little about you.

I didn't judge him on his lack of knowledge, jfitt. I judged him on his attitude -- which sucked big time.

[irman]

Originally Posted by jfitt

his lack of knowledge about your religion,.

If he DID want to enter, he was stopped and given an explanation of why, so please do not excuse ignorance ...

Those of us who give their time at Temple Square are instructed to do so.