Mormon Temple Rituals
Temples
play a central role in Mormonism. What exactly happens inside these
somewhat mysterious structures?
Only after meeting certain requirements are
Mormons allowed to participate in rituals that are performed solely
within their temples. These rituals - known as "ordinances" - are vital
to Mormons because they are regarded as the only means to salvation
and, of course, exaltation to godhood.
The ordinances (which by the way mirror closely
Masonic rituals) begin with a ceremonial washing and anointing. Afterwards,
each participant is given a secret "New Name," along with a garment
which supposedly has the power to repel physical and spiritual danger.
This is then followed by what's referred to as the "Endowment" - essentially
a distorted presentation of man's fall showcasing Adam's alleged acceptance
of Mormon doctrine. Finally, each participant takes a series of oaths
(cf. Matt. 5:33-37) and is asked specific questions that must be answered
properly in order to pass through a veil or curtain, thus marking the
completion of the ceremony.
Well, each Mormon is expected to go through
this ceremony at least once for his or her own benefit. But for the
most part, these ordinances - which have undergone numerous revisions
- are conducted for individuals who have already died! In such instances,
church members go through the ceremony as substitutes for the deceased.
Additionally, the dead are baptized and, in the case of men, ordained
into the priesthood by proxy. And by the way, marriages are also performed
in the temple, which purportedly guarantees eternal unions so that Mormons
may bear children after having become gods and goddesses.
Mormons typically argue that their temples
and ordinances are carry-overs from Hebrew tradition. However, the fact
is that there are no biblical sanctions for secret temple ceremonies
(cf. Isa. 48:16; John 18:20). And while the temple in Jerusalem previously
served as God's dwelling-place among his people (Ps. 5:7; Luke 19:45-46),
1 Corinthians 3:16, along with other passages (John 14:20; 1 Cor. 6:19),
declares that it is now Christians, individually and corporately, which
act as the temple of God. Once again, we see that Mormonism is anything
but Christian. They may use our terminology, but they deny the basic
essentials of the historic Christian faith.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
For a detailed description of the
Mormon temple rituals, see Evolution of the Mormon Temple Ceremony:
1842-1990 by Jerald and Sandra Tanner (DM338/$5). This resource is available
through CRI. For shipping and handling information, please call CRI
or refer to our Resource Listing. To place a credit card order, call
toll-free (888) 7000-CRI. To receive a free copy of our Resource Listing,
fax us at (714) 858-6111 or write us with your request at P.O. Box 7000,
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688-7000.
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