C and I have made a point of going to the temple on a regular basis lately. There is surprisingly a lot of drama and commotion externally about such very peaceful places. I think much of it is drummed up by those who don't understand the purpose of a temple, or who have been offended because they didn't get to go inside to observe the wedding of a loved one.
When you visit a temple, you wear nice clothing. Men wear white shirts, ties, and weather permitting, suitcoats. Women wear nice and modest skirts, shirts, or dresses and I personally always wear nylons and dress shoes rather than sandals or flip-flops. Each person who is admitted to a temple has a small slip of paper with three signatures including their own, stating that they feel worthy to enter. The other two signatures are from church leaders who ask several questions to the person who wants to enter the temple. This isn't to exclude anyone, rather to make sure that all entering are worthy to be in the presence of God since temples are dedicated to Him and are sacred.
In truth, anyone may enter a temple. They just must first agree to live a life of high moral and ethical standards. People make mistakes, and so they are given time to repent or stop acting on immoral behaviors, and then they too may enter the temple. In truth, it is one of the most inclusive religious organizations, encouraging all to live honest, clean, and moral lives.
When you enter a temple, you change out of your street clothing and into clothing of pure white in individual private locker areas. Everyone is esteemed as an equal, and nobody is treated disrespectfully or as inferior to anyone else. There are sacred things we learn in temples, most of which are right out of the scriptures from the time that ancient Israelites built temples in which they also worshipped God.
Contrary to some rumors I have heard from others, absolutely nothing immoral or sexual happens in temples. Everyone is dressed very modestly and the building is filled with light and beauty. There is another type of light that fills a temple, and that is a spiritual light. It also fills your heart and mind with peace and beauty just like the temple is filled with light and beauty. It isn't a loud place. Everyone speaks in barely audible whispers if they speak at all. It is a place of contemplation, a place where you can come with questions in your mind, and have the answers to those questions flow into your mind before you leave.
No one listens to iPods or talks on mobile phones inside. In fact, these devices are not permitted inside. The only books you will find are the holy scriptures. It is a haven, a sanctuary from the distractions of everyday life. It is a place of calm and kindness. It is the house of God.
Mmm, your temple sounds very beautiful and peaceful. :-)
ReplyDeleteOn a secondary note - reading this brought to my mind a difference in our beliefs. (Please don't read this comment as antagonistic; I'm just typing what has come to my mind.) The Bible states God has taken all my guilt away and sees me as pure and clean because of His Son Jesus taking my punishment for what I have done and even what I will do wrong.
Hebrews 10:10 "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Hebrews 4:14-16 "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
I hope you are not feeling like I'm being disagreeable. I really enjoyed reading about your temple visits. :-)