REL GENRL Mormon underwear?

[von Koehler]

On MSNBC, there was a discussion on about Mormon belief's because that is Romney's religion. One item they talked about was "Mormon underwear" which strikes me as rather bizarre.

Question: Is this accurate? That there is something called "Mormon underwear"? Or is this just an urban legend? If there is, how is it different from just plain old underwear? What is the religious significance?

FA

 

[Double_A]

Not a legend, some sort of loincloth if I'm not mistaken

 

[DustMusher]

From the LDS (www.lds.org) website search for 'garments':
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormonism-101#C15

Do some Latter-day Saints wear temple garments?
Yes. In our world of diverse religious observance, many people of faith wear special clothing as a reminder of sacred beliefs and commitments. This has been a common practice throughout history. Today, faithful adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wear temple garments. These garments are simple, white underclothing composed of two pieces: a top piece similar to a T-shirt and a bottom piece similar to shorts. Not unlike the Jewish tallit katan (prayer shawl), these garments are worn underneath regular clothes. Temple garments serve as a personal reminder of covenants made with God to lead good, honorable, Christlike lives. The wearing of temple garments is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior.

Biblical scripture contains many references to the wearing of special garments. In the Old Testament the Israelites are specifically instructed to turn their garments into personal reminders of their covenants with God (see Numbers 15:37-41). Indeed, for some, religious clothing has always been an important part of integrating worship with daily living. Such practices resonate with Latter-day Saints today.

Because of the personal and religious nature of the temple garment, the Church asks all media to report on the subject with respect, treating Latter-day Saint temple garments as they would religious vestments of other faiths. Ridiculing or making light of sacred clothing is highly offensive to Latter-day Saints.

Now, can we get on to something important?

DM

 

[Captain D]

Now, can we get on to something important?

Yeah, like who cares? Other people do stuff wierder than that.

 

[packyderms_wife]

Yeah, like who cares? Other people do stuff wierder than that.

skull and cross bonescomes to mind... all involving a dead native american mans skull. Btw the ancestors of that native american would like to have their ancestors skull back!!!

 

[bakodgid]

I am a Mormon and I wear what we refer to as garments. They are in essence an undershirt and knee length boxer style shorts. They are a reminder to us of the promises or covenants we make with God to live his laws and keep his commandments. Those promises are made in our temples and we consider them very sacred. Nothing woowoo about them really, just an outward expression of inward devotion. Just like the requirement to enter the temple, only those members in good standing are supposed to wear them, and only if they have made the covenants in the temple. Since they are a reminder of our commitment to those promises, it would bear no meaning to anyone else.

 

[BadMedicine]

making the undergarments a religious/political doctrine/ gesture certainly aids in control of said person, who is always wearing the garments/ uniform of that doctrine... very interesting.

 

[Barry Natchitoches]

I wear LDS temple garments too, as does my wife. They are not odd in any way, and they are quite comfortable. They do remind us to watch how we dress -- that we do not dress inappropriately or immodestly (for example, for me to run around with that "ghetto look" of pants pulled down to the butt crack, or perhaps, for my wife to run around with a blouse cut so low that nothing is left to the imagination.) But mostly, they remind us regularly of our decision to live a righteous and upstanding life, and our desire to try and follow our Savior.


This is a personal decision I and my wife make -- to wear these garments -- not something that we make a point of discussing in public.


And I would wish it to stay this way.


But the reality is that with Mitt Romney so close to landing the GOP nomination, the media is choosing to make Mormon undergarments a topic of conversation.


And that being the case, we who are LDS need to be understanding of those not of our faith who are hearing about the garments for the first time and are curious about them. They mean us no harm when they ask questions about them, and they honestly don't realize how private we consider them, or how intrusive we consider the question to be.


These questions are going to come up again, and again in the weeks and months that go by, if Romney gets the nomination. The media will see to that.


So we might as well get used to answering questions about it, even if we would rather not. We cannot blame folks who are hearing the media spin on the garments, for asking questions about them. At least they are asking us, and not some person who hates Mormons.


May I suggest that each of us who are LDS and who will need to field questions about the garments or other religious issues in the next few months, pray for the wisdom to know how to answer these questions so that God's will will be done.


But as for those of you who are not LDS, please be respectful of LDS members who would rather not discuss one of the most private decisions they make in their private lives with you. This really is a private -- and, believe it or not, sacred issue for the faithful LDS.


There are many of us who will answer your questions as best we can -- even though we would rather not. In return, please respect us by not making a bigger issue of it, or critisizing us in any way for our personal decision. (BTW, I did NOT see any criticism in any of the posts above -- only respect. The reason I add this latter statement is because people at my WORK PLACE -- not here on TB2K -- have been giving me a hard time in the last few days over the garments, thanks to the spin the news media is giving it.)

 

[Barry Natchitoches]

Not a legend, some sort of loincloth if I'm not mistaken

No, there are several cloths that you can choose from when you purchase your garments. I usually choose simple ole' white cotton.

 

[goatlady2]

I am under the impression that ONLY LDS who have been privilaged to be admitted to a Temple for participation in a Temple ceremony are allowed to purchase and wear said garments, so not all LDS have and/or wear said garments?

 

[MtnGal]

'But as for those of you who are not LDS, please be respectful of LDS members who would rather not discuss one of the most private decisions they make in their private lives with you. This really is a private -- and, believe it or not, sacred issue for the faithful LDS.'

I have to admit I'm curious about several points of the LDS religion. I have ask questions before Mitt ever came on the scene, just trying to understand. Now that Mitt is in the forefront it does raise the questions no one would answer before.

I realize LDS don't like to talk of their religion, that in itself makes me wonder all the more. I've wished some of these 'missionaries' would stop here so I could talk with them and maybe get straight answers instead of being told it's a 'secret'.

Being a Christian and more than willing to share Jesus with anyone who wants to know leaves me with so many questions when LDS do not want to share their beliefs.

The biggest two questions I have are about the belief in Lucifer as a 'good' guy and the belief as Mitt has stated that he wants to become a 'god' in this life. Why, if these two points are part of the LDS belief are they taboo to discuss?

As far as underwear, each to their own. Cotton wouldn't be so bad, other materials for those of us that are heat intolerant would be miserable.

No disrespect intended, just a lot of questions about a 'secret' religion.

 

[Mongo]

just call your local ward (they are in the phone book) and ask them to send some elders (missionaries) over.
That's what my wife and I did some years ago.

 

[Rescuedog]

'But as for those of you who are not LDS, please be respectful of LDS members who would rather not discuss one of the most private decisions they make in their private lives with you. This really is a private -- and, believe it or not, sacred issue for the faithful LDS.'

I have to admit I'm curious about several points of the LDS religion. I have ask questions before Mitt ever came on the scene, just trying to understand. Now that Mitt is in the forefront it does raise the questions no one would answer before.

I realize LDS don't like to talk of their religion, that in itself makes me wonder all the more. I've wished some of these 'missionaries' would stop here so I could talk with them and maybe get straight answers instead of being told it's a 'secret'.

Being a Christian and more than willing to share Jesus with anyone who wants to know leaves me with so many questions when LDS do not want to share their beliefs.

The biggest two questions I have are about the belief in Lucifer as a 'good' guy and the belief as Mitt has stated that he wants to become a 'god' in this life. Why, if these two points are part of the LDS belief are they taboo to discuss?

As far as underwear, each to their own. Cotton wouldn't be so bad, other materials for those of us that are heat intolerant would be miserable.

No disrespect intended, just a lot of questions about a 'secret' religion.

I agree. If there is the possibility of a Mormon president then naturally people who are unfamiliar with the religion will be curious. To me it seems counter productive to have missionaries all over the world but not allow non-Mormons into your temples. Frankly temples aren't any more sacred than my church, which welcomes all.

RD

 

[willowlady]

I apologize in advance,

but I just cannot resist!

 

[Dobbin]

The biggest two questions I have are about the belief in Lucifer as a 'good' guy and the belief as Mitt has stated that he wants to become a 'god' in this life.

I've always kind of thought that the Maker created EVERYTHING - including Lucifer. Or perhaps the Maker created "nature" and then separated nature into two parts: good nature (beneficial rain, sun, wind, even fire) and bad nature (tornadoes, conflagration fires, earthquakes, ) And then Maker created "mankind" in his image to dominate nature. Or try. And for this Maker created for humans a choice: Holy Spirit and Good one choice and Lucifer and Evil the other. And therein lies the contest. And it's ongoing within the mind and hand of man continuously and as I write this.

I have seen that choice in Owners hand. A frustration with me for some perceived umbrage and a pull back on the loose end of the reins and hand poised and then - a realization that a whip will not help the situation. In his anger Owner has followed through only once or twice. (I can honestly still say he does not whip me.)

Now one might opine that Lucifer is a "good guy" only in that he was created by Maker and does His intention - to offer man a choice. I could see where this might be misconstrued.

As to Romney wanting to be a "God" in this life, this may be easy to take from context and consider blasphemy. However, I think EVERY human has the physical ability to be a God son/daughter during their tenure here. (The spiritual part of this is where humankind usually fails.) Romney may be referring to this. I suspect that Romney may desire more than his ability to achieve. But in this he is not alone. Nor wrong.

Not trying to "sell" to Romney here. I very much suspect he's driven by externals and for him money talks louder than God, or even Holy Spirit. Just trying to offer here a perspective that may mirror what Romney may claim as is own religious tenants.

For us here in Seacoast Cow Hampshire, there is a LDS Temple on the south side of Exeter. Just south of there on the road to Hampton Falls is one of the horse stables that Owner keeps up a running trade in hay with. He has brought me by there in the trailer. (Show & Tell day?) The Temple seems VERY well kept up. Actually better than the neighbor across the street (who I might opine is er...organizationally challenged with "stuff" all over his yard.) My personal scope is by it's nature limited but most everything I've seen of the Mormon religion speaks highly. But like a hard nosed New England Yankee, the Mormons know which side their bread is buttered on.

They fit right in around here. Skivvies or no skivvies.

Dobbin

 

[Captain D]

Frankly temples aren't any more sacred than my church, which welcomes all.

I don't think you'll be turned away if you try to visit any Mormon church. I have been to their services and gatherings before, and they have always been very friendly and welcoming to me, even though I am not a Mormon.

I've always said that all the Mormons I know are good, red-blooded, gun-totin' Americans. I wouldn't mind if my whole neighborhood were Mormon.

One word of advice, though. Don't go to one of their social events hoping to enjoy a nice cup of black coffee like I did one time!

 

[Rescuedog]

I don't think you'll be turned away if you try to visit any Mormon church. I have been to their services and gatherings before, and they have always been very friendly and welcoming to me, even though I am not a Mormon.

I've always said that all the Mormons I know are good, red-blooded, gun-totin' Americans. I wouldn't mind if my whole neighborhood were Mormon.

One word of advice, though. Don't go to one of their social events hoping to enjoy a nice cup of black coffee like I did one time!

Perhaps i wouldn't be turned away from a church, but i would be turned away from a temple. I don't understand how non-Mormons are kept out of their own child's wedding ceremony if that child decides to convert and marry a Mormon. It seems to me you would catch more flies with honey...as it was when my youngest daughter's Muslim and gay Godparents held her at the baptismal font at our church.

RD

RD

 

[Ender]

'But as for those of you who are not LDS, please be respectful of LDS members who would rather not discuss one of the most private decisions they make in their private lives with you. This really is a private -- and, believe it or not, sacred issue for the faithful LDS.'

I have to admit I'm curious about several points of the LDS religion. I have ask questions before Mitt ever came on the scene, just trying to understand. Now that Mitt is in the forefront it does raise the questions no one would answer before.

I realize LDS don't like to talk of their religion, that in itself makes me wonder all the more. I've wished some of these 'missionaries' would stop here so I could talk with them and maybe get straight answers instead of being told it's a 'secret'.

Being a Christian and more than willing to share Jesus with anyone who wants to know leaves me with so many questions when LDS do not want to share their beliefs.

The biggest two questions I have are about the belief in Lucifer as a 'good' guy and the belief as Mitt has stated that he wants to become a 'god' in this life. Why, if these two points are part of the LDS belief are they taboo to discuss?

As far as underwear, each to their own. Cotton wouldn't be so bad, other materials for those of us that are heat intolerant would be miserable.

No disrespect intended, just a lot of questions about a 'secret' religion.

Mormons are not "secret" and love to talk about their religion- not sure where you got that- there are just certain aspects like the temple or garments that are sacred to them. Difference.

Everyone is accepted into Mormon churches and they are known to be some of the friendliest people on earth.

Also, in both Biblical & Mormon theology, Lucifer is the great angel who was the "Morning Star" in the Bible, who fell and became Satan. So, yes, he started as a good guy and became a bad guy. In LDS theology it was because he wanted Jesus' job and was angry because he wasn't given the same power.

As for becoming a god, the LDS believe that God, the Father is a loving and caring father who wants his children to progress and have what he has, sort of like all fathers. They believe that this life is not the end but a path to a celestial life for those that desire it.

So- not secret- sacred.

Also, realize that the Mormons were persecuted for many years, so there can be some carefulness in their attitude. The Mormon Extermination Order from Missouri was only rescinded in 1976.

And, this should be moved to religion.

 

[Gercarson]

Mormons are not "secret" and love to talk about their religion- not sure where you got that- there are just certain aspects like the temple or garments that are sacred to them. Difference.

Everyone is accepted into Mormon churches and they are known to be some of the friendliest people on earth.

Also, in both Biblical & Mormon theology, Lucifer is the great angel who was the "Morning Star" in the Bible, who fell and became Satan. So, yes, he started as a good guy and became a bad guy. In LDS theology it was because he wanted Jesus' job and was angry because he wasn't given the same power.

As for becoming a god, the LDS believe that God, the Father is a loving and caring father who wants his children to progress and have what he has, sort of like all fathers. They believe that this life is not the end but a path to a celestial life for those that desire it.

So- not secret- sacred.

Also, realize that the Mormons were persecuted for many years, so there can be some carefulness in their attitude. The Mormon Extermination Order from Missouri was only rescinded in 1976.

And, this should be moved to religion.

I agree - this thread should be moved.

 

[Rescuedog]

So- not secret- sacred.

I just check the online dictionaries. No where does it mention "secret" in the definition of "sacred." The are very definitely secret aspects to Mormon worship.

RD

 

[Dobbin]

And, this should be moved to religion.

I would let this one trot along a little longer on Main. Ender has already revealed something I didn't know about Mormon theology. Some more of this will help those who might be unsure.

Very much an adherent of the "Little Endian" and "Big Endian" satire of Gulliver's Travels by Johnathan Swift (1726) Swift used this satire to address (and minimize) the differences between religions (i.e. to get to the spiritual yoke.)

I.e. it doesn't matter how one holds or which end of the egg hits the dish first - the object is to get to the spiritual inside.

Dobbin

 

[Ender]

I just check the online dictionaries. No where does it mention "secret" in the definition of "sacred." The are very definitely secret aspects to Mormon worship.

RD

Nowhere did I say they were the same. It is YOU who are making the big deal out of things you know nothing about.

There are very SACRED elements to Mormon temple worship and if you want to know about them, become a Mormon and study up. This should be a matter of respect; I am sure that what the LDS do in their temples is really of little interest to you.

 

[Dennis Olson]

There is nothing secret about anything in the Mormon faith. There are ceremonies that are "private", and only available to those who have demonstrated self-worthiness within the faith. For example, one cannot get a Temple Recommend (essentially a "pass" to get into a Temple) without answering a series of questions. They are:

Do you have faith in and a testimony of God the Eternal Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost?

Do you have a testimony of the Atonement of Christ and of His role as Savior and Redeemer?

Do you have a testimony of the restoration of the gospel in these the latter days?

Do you sustain the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator and as the only person on the earth who possesses and is authorized to exercise all priesthood keys? Do you sustain members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators? Do you sustain the other General Authorities and local authorities of the Church?

Do you live the law of chastity?

Is there anything in your conduct relating to members of your family that is not in harmony with the teachings of the Church?

Do you support, affiliate with, or agree with any group or individual whose teachings or practices are contrary to or oppose those accepted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Do you strive to keep the covenants you have made, to attend your sacrament and other meetings, and to keep your life in harmony with the laws and commandments of the gospel?

Are you honest in your dealings with your fellowmen?

Are you a full-tithe payer? Do your keep the Word of Wisdom?

Do you have financial or other obligations to a former spouse or children? If yes, are you current in meeting those obligations?

If you have previously received your temple endowment: Do you keep the covenants that you made in the temple? Do you wear the garment both night and day as instructed in the endowment and in accordance with the covenant you made in the temple?

Have there been any sins or misdeeds in your life that should have been resolved with priesthood authorities but have not been?

Do you consider yourself worthy to enter the Lord's house and participate in temple ordinances?

Upon one's first trip to the Temple, on receives their Endowment: http://www.ldsendowment.org/

Once their Endowment is bestowed, couples can then arrange for a Temple wedding, which is for all time rather than "til death do us part."

Once the person has gone to the Temple for the first time, they can then purchase their Garments, which are basically standard cotton underwear, with a couple of symbols embroidered into them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_garment

Bottom line: all this stuff is out there for all to research, IF YOU CHOOSE. But most people just want to hate Mormons because after all, it's not like they're Christians, right? (As a person raised Lutheran, who converted to LDS in 1982, I can state categorically that that's total nonsense and ignorant bigotry.)

But people will believe as they wish. Let's not let FACTS get in the way of a good ol' fashioned religious hatefest (one of the reasons Mormons are told that no other faith is "true" BTW.) Additionally, LDS members feel that their relationship with God is a private matter, and not something to be worn on the sleeve like *some* faiths do. That's why we don't bleat about it all the time to people who have no interest in it, unlike many Southern Baptists, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc, etc...


We don't believe in sticking our noses in to other peoples' business.


ETA: The Word of Wisdom:

1 A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion—

2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—

3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.

4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—

5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.

6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.

7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.

8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.

9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.

10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—

11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.

12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used csparingly;

13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.

14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;

15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.

16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—

17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.

18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

 

[Josie]

I had never heard of the term "Mormon underwear". Thank you to all members of the Mormon faith for your patient, enlightening answers. I now understand that it is more than a simple question of "boxers or briefs".

 

[lectrickitty]

The subject of underwear should NOT be a factor in an election. Is this another diversionary tactic? Are they saying, "look at his underwear so I can sign away more of your rights while your not looking at ME!" The media grabs this ignorant sh*t and runs with it. Back years ago I remember how the media tried to create a feeding frenzy over JFK being catholic.

I wish the media would pay attention to things that matter. People have the right to wear whatever underwear they choose, or none at all if they prefer.

 

[kittyknits]

I think we can learn some facts from threads like this so we will not be played by the media. If Romney becomes a candidate, the media will really ratchet up the hysterical hype, either in news shows or campaign ads.

I remember the JFK thing, too.

 

[undead]

wow, a whole thread about underwear

 

[AlaskaSue]

I have listened to LDS Missionaries and read quite a bit of their doctrine. While I agree they are some of the best people I know, and while I enjoy their company and feel they have terrific families and very good hearts, they are sadly misled, ie: The LDS scriptures declare that the ultimate goal of a Mormon is to become a god and procreate for all eternity. The sacred underwear is just a step along the path to being 'exalted'. And I agree that this may be simply more distraction from some serious issues we are facing....

I'll not take time to put down more than a couple of references, but there is much teaching and I believe this may be one of the "secrets" of the religion that many do not know ~

Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.1, p.97 - p.98:
ALL EXALTED MEN BECOME GODS. To believe that Adam is a god should not be strange to any person who accepts the Bible.
Joseph Smith taught a plurality of gods, and that man by obeying the commandments of God and keeping the whole law will eventually reach the power and exaltation by which he also will become a god.

Milton R. Hunter, LDS Conference Report, April 1949, p.71:
The Prophet Joseph Smith explained that this continuation of "the seeds" forever and ever, meant the power of procreation; in other words, the power to beget spirit children on the same principle as we were born to our Heavenly Parents, God the Eternal Father and our Eternal Mother. Therefore, a man cannot receive the highest exaltation without a woman, his wife, nor can a woman be exalted without her husband. That is the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the plan of salvation.

GODHOOD: From the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.2 (emphasis mine)
Logically and naturally, the ultimate desire of a loving Supreme Being is to help his children enjoy all that he enjoys. For Latter-day Saints, the term "godhood" denotes the attainment of such a state—one of having all divine attributes and doing as God does and being as God is. Such a state is to be enjoyed by all exalted, embodied, intelligent beings (see Deification; Eternal Progression; Exaltation; God; Perfection). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that all resurrected and perfected mortals become gods (cf. Gen. 3:22; Matt. 5:48). They will dwell again with God the Father, and live and act like him in endless worlds of happiness, power, love, glory, and knowledge; above all, they will have the power of procreating endless lives. Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ attained godhood (see Christology) and that he marked the path and led the way for others likewise to become exalted divine beings by following him (cf. John 14:3).

 

[Jonas Parker]

Nowhere did I say they were the same. It is YOU who are making the big deal out of things you know nothing about.

There are very SACRED elements to Mormon temple worship and if you want to know about them, become a Mormon and study up. This should be a matter of respect; I am sure that what the LDS do in their temples is really of little interest to you.

Much like Catholics, to receive communion, must be of the age of reason, baptized, and properly prepared. Nothing wrong here. Each religion has teachings unique unto itself.

 

[Dobbin]

And one can only speculate, but one Internet take on the appearance is...

Do you suppose they have selected manufacturers who make the undergarments? Maybe operated under a "kosher" type system?

I'm sure this is relevant to a Presidential Election. Onshore producers of undergarment clothes would want to know if a Presidential Candidate appreciated their support - figuratively if not literally.

There are still onshore producers of human clothes, are there not?

Dobbin

 

[Rescuedog]

Nowhere did I say they were the same. It is YOU who are making the big deal out of things you know nothing about.

There are very SACRED elements to Mormon temple worship and if you want to know about them, become a Mormon and study up. This should be a matter of respect; I am sure that what the LDS do in their temples is really of little interest to you.

Ender stop being so hysterical about this. For a self described man of God you show very little tolerance of those who think differently than you. I have a problem with any religion that would keep a faithful (or not ) person out of their churches and hide their rites. I'm allowed to feel that way. I've gone to some websites on the Mormon faith, some pro, some against. Regardless of how "sacred" Mormons may think their rituals are, there are some performed in "secret." There is one perfect God, the rest of us are imperfect, no man should stand above another in a church, regardless of what he professes or what under garments he wears.

And I'll say it again, why keep family members of a bride or groom banned from their own child's wedding. If the family is good enough to produce a future spouse for a Mormon, they are good enough to attend the wedding.

The whole thing is creepy.

RD

 

[Rescuedog]

Much like Catholics, to receive communion, must be of the age of reason, baptized, and properly prepared. Nothing wrong here. Each religion has teachings unique unto itself.

Yes, but you are free to attend Catholic mass in a church or cathedral, you are not stopped at the door. You are free to witness the rites and rituals and then decide if you wish to make the sacraments. It is different.

RD

 

[NC Susan]

 

[TerryK]

I have known Mormons since I first came in the Navy back in 69.
I have lived with them (shared a house), been friends with them, had them work for me and I worked for them.
The ones I have known personally have been good upstanding people. To a person, they did not cuss, did not drink and did not smoke.
(Don't know what happened to Dennis ) Just kidding Dennis, I know you have been through a lot lately.
They usually kept their religious beliefs fairly private until you got to know them and even then you had to ask.
Helping an LDS friend move his preps is what got me into prepping in the first place. Their emphasis on the importance of family is something the rest of the country would do well to consider.
They are one of the few religions that have strong support for the BoyScouts. I have yet to see a ward that didn't have a troop.

If you are curious you can go to the LDS sight online and read all about the religion and their beliefs. They will also list the locations of all the Wards, Temples and even Warehouses. You can also order cases of Wheat, Oats, Beans and Milk, water filters, O2 absorbers and mylar from them online as well as some other stuff including temple garments and other religiou material.
Go here http://store.lds.org/webapp/wcs/sto...01&countryName=US&showCountryChangePopUp=null for the store and select Self Reliance under Home and Family.

If you want to know more about the religion the best sight I have found is
http://www.lds.org
Be careful if you use google because their are many LDS hate sights out there, just as there are for other religions as well.

Saying all that, the fact is that the next President could be an LDS and the LDS church and LDS folks in general should get out in public ahead of the whole issue.
There are going to be attacks on Mormonism from the left with ridicule and from the right with claims against the LDS doctrine. The church and the members should be prepared and have a unified message to answer both the attacks and the honest questions like the OP had.
Calling for burying the thread won't help either here or in the court of public opinion.
Take a lesson from the way the Catholic church handled it when Kennedy ran for President.
I was in Catholic grade school then but had most of my friends in public school and the two main questions they had were:
1. Will Kennedy make everybody eat fish on Friday?
2. Will the pope tell us all what to do?
Not eating meat on Friday and things like Holy Water are idiosyncracies of the Catholic Church in the same way Temple Garments and certain ceremonies are to the LDS Church.
If you really want to get a good feel of the LDS Church become friends with an active LDS member. The proof is in the fruit.

I would be far more willing to trust the Presidency to an active and faithful Mormon in good standing than the current POS we have in the White House.

 

[Bolt]

At least Mormons don't incorporate explosives into their undergarments. /sarcasm Is it really such a big deal what kind of underwear Romney wears?

 

[TerryK]

Ender stop being so hysterical about this. For a self described man of God you show very little tolerance of those who think differently than you. I have a problem with any religion that would keep a faithful (or not ) person out of their churches and hide their rites. I'm allowed to feel that way. I've gone to some websites on the Mormon faith, some pro, some against. Regardless of how "sacred" Mormons may think their rituals are, there are some performed in "secret." There is one perfect God, the rest of us are imperfect, no man should stand above another in a church, regardless of what he professes or what under garments he wears.

And I'll say it again, why keep family members of a bride or groom banned from their own child's wedding. If the family is good enough to produce a future spouse for a Mormon, they are good enough to attend the wedding.

The whole thing is creepy.

RD

Think of it in the way the ancient Jews were in the time of the Temple.
People could enter certain parts of the temple and all of the Synagogues and pray but only certain people could enter into the Holy of Holy's. Even fewer could touch the Arc of the Covenant.
You can go to any Ward and they will be glad to see you and you can sit in on all their services and even attend Sunday School afterwards with no pressure from anyone. The temples are their holiest of holy places and entry is reserved for only those deemed worthy.
Many LDS I know don't have a Temple Recommend and dont go at all, but still go to the Ward for services every week.

 

[LittleJohn]

At least Mormons don't incorporate explosives into their undergarments. /sarcasm Is it really such a big deal what kind of underwear Romney wears?

Yes. Yes it is...

Personally, I will only vote for a president who will wear a man thong or banana hammock.

Individual choice of undergarments say a lot about a person...


LittleJohn

 

[Ender]

Ender stop being so hysterical about this. For a self described man of God you show very little tolerance of those who think differently than you. I have a problem with any religion that would keep a faithful (or not ) person out of their churches and hide their rites. I'm allowed to feel that way. I've gone to some websites on the Mormon faith, some pro, some against. Regardless of how "sacred" Mormons may think their rituals are, there are some performed in "secret." There is one perfect God, the rest of us are imperfect, no man should stand above another in a church, regardless of what he professes or what under garments he wears.

And I'll say it again, why keep family members of a bride or groom banned from their own child's wedding. If the family is good enough to produce a future spouse for a Mormon, they are good enough to attend the wedding.

The whole thing is creepy.

RD

You call Mormons creepy, but I: "For a self described man of God you show very little tolerance of those who think differently than you."

Mirror time.

I just have no tolerance for bigotry in any form whether it is religion or race- gets me in trouble a lot. Maybe you've noticed.

 

[AnnCats]

Yo dude
You ever been to the Vatican? You ever been in a meeting of the College of Cardinals while they're trying to elect the new Pope? They BURN the ballots so no one knows what goes on - and that smoke, by the way announces whether there has been a Pope selected or not. That is the Catholic religion and the Catholic "hidden ceremonies" and there is nothing wrong with that, either. And you think the MORMONS are the only ones with a religious secret! What a laugh!

 

[Rescuedog]

You call Mormons creepy, but I: "For a self described man of God you show very little tolerance of those who think differently than you."

Mirror time.

I just have no tolerance for bigotry in any form whether it is religion or race- gets me in trouble a lot. Maybe you've noticed.

I said the practice of not allowing the families of a converted bride or groom to attend a wedding of their child is creepy, but hey skew it however you want to fit your argument.

I don't describe myself as a pastor or church leader. You do.

Ender you spend your TB life looking to be offended and contrary, you aren't the great defender of the downtrodden, you're usually just some guy looking for a fight.

RD