Why is There So Much Secrecy Concerning Mormon Temples?
Why is there so much secrecy concerning Mormon temples?
Mormons want the temple experience to be sacred, not a secret. In 1 Corinthians 3:2, we read, “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.” This scripture is telling us that before one can partake in the meat of the gospel, they must first be introduced to the milk. To clarify, if we opened the doors of the Mormon temple to people who didn’t have a basic testimony, they would be confused and be unable to understand the significance of the temple. It would be too overwhelming of an experience for people who knew very little about basic principles of the Mormon faith. To protect the sacredness of the temple, a temple recommended is needed to enter into the temple. Before attending the temple, Mormons must prepare and be interviewed by their local bishop. Because there are many who seek to mock or belittle the sacredness of the temple, Mormons are told to keep from telling others about temple ordinances. Often times, these sacred ordinances are taken out of context and misunderstood by those who do not fully understand their significance. Many are simply not ready and cannot understand the importance behind much of what is done in the temple. For these reasons, Mormons try to keep details of temple practices private. It makes no sense for people who don’t have a basic understanding of Mormonism to partake in the ordinances and rituals. Everything done in the temple is legal and moral. The only reason we don’t talk about it is to protect the sacredness of the ordinances performed within the temple.
Often times, nonmembers can be offended because they cannot be included in temple worship. When a Mormon is married in the temple, only those who hold a temple recommend can attend the wedding. This often causes feelings to be hurt of parents and family members who are not Mormon. However, the Mormon Church is not the only church who is exclusive concerning who can and cannot enter in their temple. For example, only Muslims are allowed to enter into the Kaaba at Mecca. Other religions have similar policies concerning their temples. Being a devout Mormon who is worthy to enter the temple is a slow and gradual process that takes much preparation. One must have the faith to be baptized and confirmed a member of the church. One must live their life according to God’s teachings. After years of living in faith and harmony with God’s teaching, one can consider seeking after a temple recommend.
The temple is significant because it is thought to be one of the only perfect places on earth. Mormons believe that those who live in accordance with Jesus’ teachings and accept His gospel will dwell in the Celestial Kingdom, which is the highest degree of glory in heaven. The temple is as close to the Celestial Kingdom as we will get in this mortal life. Because of its extreme sacredness, Mormons try not to expose or offend the sacredness of the temple by not talking about it. Mormons have nothing to hide.