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.