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December 2, 2011 | 1:18 am

Mormon temples and Mitt: answer to a rabbi’s question

Posted by Mark Paredes

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Part 2: Do Mormon politicians take orders from Utah?

In his thoughtful letter to the editor of The Jewish Week, Rabbi Mordecai Schnaidman poses three serious questions about LDS beliefs. He asks them in the context of determining whether Mitt Romney’s faith should render him unsuitable for the presidency. This is not a political blog, and I have no interest in advocating Mitt’s candidacy here. However, I think the rabbi’s questions merit honest answers, and I’d like to offer some in the next two posts. In doing so, I recognize that clarity often trumps agreement in matters of theology.

Q: Much of the Mormon faith is kept hidden even from most Mormons who are excluded from participation in rituals and observances conducted in the secluded and off-limits areas of its temples. How can the general public determine whether this faith will affect a person’s political life if it is not totally available for study and scrutiny?

A: Given that non-Jews are not permitted to study Torah in Orthodox yeshivas or study kabbalah in a traditional Orthodox setting, I’m somewhat surprised to see the question of religious exclusion posed by an Orthodox rabbi. That said, he is correct that non-Mormons are excluded from our temples; however, Mormons are not.

Mormons worship in chapels every week, and perform certain sacred rituals and ordinances in temples. Chapels are open to the public, while temples are not. Why are non-Mormons not allowed in LDS temples? For a very simple reason: participants in temple ordinances make promises to God. Since we believe that those promises are the most sacred ones that men and women can make, God requires that those attending the temple attest that they have previously made and kept certain promises made to Him. Non-Mormons haven’t yet made those promises, so they cannot be asked to make more sacred vows.

Some Mormons like to say that the temple is “secret” or exclusionary in the same way that only Jews were permitted to gather at ancient Jewish temples. There are two problems with this argument. First of all, non-Jews were permitted to bring animal sacrifices to the temple. Second, while the high priests, Cohanim and Levites were assigned duties that could not be performed by other Israelites, those duties were clearly spelled out in the Torah. In other words, while the high priest was the only person in all of Israel who could enter the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur, everyone knew what he would be doing there. By way of contrast, the LDS Church does not publish details of its sacred temple ordinances. Mormons are right to insist that those ordinances are sacred, not secret, but if they’re going to reference ancient Jewish temples, they should do so with the understanding that what went on those temples was common knowledge. 
     
LDS temple rituals are not kept hidden from Mormons, and they are not excluded from rituals and ordinances. Every Mormon in the world who wishes to enter a temple is asked the same questions by two local leaders in private interviews. To enter the temple, a member has to affirm, inter alia, that he believes in God, accepts Jesus Christ as his Savior, is chaste, treats his family in an honorable way, meets family obligations, attends church meetings, deals honestly with others, pays tithing, keeps the LDS health code (no tobacco, alcohol, coffee or tea), and pays spousal and child support (where applicable). 

If he can meet these requirements, he will be issued a temple “recommend” that allows him to enter any temple worldwide and participate in any rituals that are performed there. Mormon leaders at all levels have urged church members to obtain and use temple recommends. If a Mormon wants a temple recommend but does not have one, it is because she is not observant enough. In other words, she is not excluded from the temple, but excludes herself from the temple. Temple ordinances are at the center of LDS worship, so this self-exclusion is a very serious matter indeed.

In Jewish terms, imagine that only observant Jews (adult men and women) can study kabbalah. Moreover, the observance level of Rabbi Schnaidman (an Orthodox rabbi ordained at Yeshiva University) is required to study. To determine worthiness, a Jew wanting to begin the study of kabbalah needs to have an interview with his local rabbi and answer a standardized set of questions to determine his observance level. Anyone meeting the universal standard set by Rabbi Schnaidman is given a certificate and allowed to study kabbalah with any qualified rabbi worldwide. However, anyone confessing to, say, a weakness for cheeseburgers is not given a certificate. If Rabbi Schnaidman turned away a woman from his kabbalah study group who did not have a certificate, would it be honest to say that he had excluded her, or that she had excluded herself by failing to meet the standard that she knew was expected of her if she wanted to hear the good rabbi teach?

The sad truth is that if Rabbi Schnaidman wishes to know the details of our temple ordinances, they are all available online. Ex-Mormons and other malcontents mistakenly believe that by “exposing” and mocking our most sacred ceremonies, they will somehow damage the church. Every word of every ordinance is available for scrutiny by those wondering whether LDS temple ceremonies can somehow skew the judgment of Mormon politicians. Anyone reading transcripts of the ordinances will soon note the absence of tax plans and fiscal policy proposals. Instead, he will learn that Mormon temple-goers are earnestly engaged in performing proxy immersions for their deceased ancestors, receiving symbolic washings and anointing similar to those given to Aaron and the priests in ancient Israel, contracting marriages that they believe will last forever, and making promises to God to be chaste, avoid unholy practices, and obey God. I am not encouraging my readers to visit the anti-Mormon sites, but Mormons certainly don’t have anything to fear if they do.

A final word of caution to anyone who believes that the beauty or essence of LDS temple ceremonies can be found in transcripts or reenactments. If an alien were to come to earth and ask to see a transcript of our most important ceremony, he would probably be given something that reads like this:

Priest: And do you take this woman to be your lawfully-wedded wife?
Man: I do.         
Priest: I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.

The couple kiss, walk down the aisle, and have rice thrown on them.

Not terribly compelling reading, is it? If the alien relies only on the transcript, he will never understand why that moment is the highlight of most parents’ lives, why those words have brought many a father and mother to tears, or why many people will travel across the country or the world just to hear those words spoken. If he wants to understand the essence of the wedding ceremony, he should either attend one or sit down with those who have participated in one for a frank, honest discussion. Words on a page can’t begin to capture the emotion surrounding a wedding.

In the same way, non-Mormons should understand that Mormons attempt to prepare spiritually before going to the temple. Once there, they participate in temple worship in a spirit of prayer alongside like-minded Mormons. Temples are quiet places where conversations are whispered and the mind wanders naturally to celestial topics. If non-Mormons want to understand what goes on in LDS temples, they should talk with temple-going Mormons. While they won’t discuss specifics, Mormons can share with them their feelings about temples and temple worship. Jews can also learn of the many Israelite themes in temple architecture and ceremonies.   

To recap, non-Mormons can’t make certain vows and promises to God in LDS temples because they haven’t yet made and kept certain promises with Him; the only Mormons who are denied entry to temples are those who are not sufficiently observant; and the only way to understand LDS temple ceremonies is to talk with temple-going Mormons about their significance. If Rabbi Schnaidman is truly interested in learning more about these ordinances, he’ll find no shortage of Latter-day Saints both ready and willing to help.

Part 2: Do Mormon politicians take orders from Utah?

Mark Paredes is a member of the Jewish Relations Committee of the LDS Church's Southern California Public Affairs Council. You can contact Mark at deverareligione@yahoo.com and follow him on Twitter @jewsandmormons.

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A bit long winded but apart from that, it seems to be fair and accurate

Comment by Alex Barclay on 12/02/11 at 3:52 am

As a temple-attending Latter-day Saint, I’d heartily endorse Mark’s comments here, and I hope that the Rabbi and others with similar questions feel that he’s addressed them well.  If you wish further info, I’d encourage you to find a Mormon friend (you all probably know one) and ask.  We’re known as a missionary church - most of us are more than willing to share! smile

Comment by Steve Florman on 12/02/11 at 6:58 am

Mark forgot to mention that temple attendance requires one to affirm that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only “true” church.

Also, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not consider it “tithing” unless you give the money to them.  If you give to the poor (as Jesus commanded), but not to the Church, you are not a tithe payer. 

Thus, from the POV of the Church, a person cannot receive the ordinances of salvation unless they affirm the supremacy of the LDS Church and pay the Church 10% of their “increase.”


Duwayne Anderson
Author of “Farewell to Eden: Coming to terms with Mormonism and science”

Comment by Duwayne Anderson on 12/02/11 at 10:56 am

Duwayne is correct that church members affirm the truthfulness of church authority. If a member has no such confidence they are not likely to desire to attend the temple.

The tithes of the church are used for multiple purposes—and a good portion, I believe, is in support of the poor. LDS members also are asked to make other generous donations beyond tithing. The monthly “fast offering,” for example is used entirely to support the poor. It would be inaccurate to suggest that LDS members do not support the poor. Such support (reflected at a minimum through faithful tithes) is an indication that one is earnestly seeking to give of his substance to God’s purposes.

Comment by Tom Miller on 12/02/11 at 11:49 am

I’m left wondering why Duwayne thinks his comments are criticisms. Surely it is appropriate for any religion to restrict its most sacred ordinances to those who actually believe in the religion. And the word ‘tithing’ is by definition a donation to a church or clergy.

All religions claim to be true, or at least “true-er than”, and virtually all require donations or tithes. Interestingly for this discussion, the LDS church teaches that all of God’s children can be saved no matter what religion they do or do not belong to, and uses part of its tithing donations to subsidize management of their charities so that all contributions go 100% to the poor.

Comment by Lia Lee on 12/02/11 at 11:52 am

Latter-day Saints invite all people to qualify themselves to come to the Temple and receive instruction.  It is not intended that anyone be left out.  However, as taught by the Bible prophets, the early Christians, and Jesus Himself, sacred things are shared only when people are prepared for it.  The responsibility to prepare and become qualified rests on each individual.  If any do not come it is because they exclude themselves and not because they are not invited.  It seems so ironic to me that some people complain about being left out when, all along, we have been pleading with them to come, qualify themselves, and join with us.

Comment by Dwight Rogers on 12/02/11 at 2:16 pm

See the following where Jesus and the Apostles taught secrecy regarding the most sacred things: Matt. 13:11; Matt. 7:6; Matt. 17:9; Matt. 16:20, Mark 7:36, Luke 9:21; Matt. 8:2-4; Mark 5:43, Mark 7:36; Heb. 5:12-14; 2 Cor. 12:4; 1 Cor. 3:2

Comment by Dwight Rogers on 12/02/11 at 2:20 pm

The early Christians continued this policy.  Peter taught Clement of Rome (Bishop of Rome abt. 90 AD) about the necessity to protect sacred things associated with “my house” meaning the Temple:

Peter Said to me, “Let us remember that the Lord commanded us saying : ‘Guard those secret things which belong to me and the sons of my house.  Keep my secret ye who are kept by it. ‘…

Comment by Dwight Rogers on 12/02/11 at 2:21 pm

Peter continues: “Now Clement you are forcing me with your questions to discuss things that are not allowed to talk about. But I will explain things so far as it is allowed.  With the passing of time the more secret things will be disclosed to you….. it is not permitted to me now to disclose these things to you.  God has concealed his mind from men and we are under obligation to honor with silence the very highest teachings.”

Comment by Dwight Rogers on 12/02/11 at 2:24 pm

Peter cont. “Nothing is harder than to reason about the truth in the presence of mixed multitudes of people.  I try for the most part by using a certain circumlocution to avoid publishing the chief knowledge concerning the Supreme Divinity to unworthy ears. The teaching of all doctrine has a certain order, and there are some things which must be delivered first, others in the second place, and others in the third, and so all in their order; and if these things be delivered in their order, they become plain; but if they be brought forward out of order, they will seem to be spoken against reason…” (The Recognitions of Clement/Book III/Chapter 24)

Comment by Dwight Rogers on 12/02/11 at 2:27 pm

See this link on Duwayne Anderson:

http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/?reviewed_author&vol=18&num=2&id=622

Comment by Dwight Rogers on 12/02/11 at 2:44 pm

God uses temples for ordinances that should only be revealed to certain individuals and not the whole world. It is a place that is set apart from the world. The temple was used differently in ancient Israel. Today, Mormon temple ordinances are designed to bring the people into the presence of God. Moses also strived to bring the Israelites into the presence.

Comment by Peter on 12/02/11 at 3:49 pm

Masonry has its ceremonies off limits.  This has never excluded any mason from office.  The claim that Mormon Temple ceremonies should exclude Mormons from office is bizarre.

Has this lead to people voting against Harry Reid for example?  People do not even bring it up when Reid runs.

Comment by John Pack Lambert on 12/02/11 at 8:02 pm

It is interesting that Anderson’s rejection of religion relates to his rejection of the Old Testament and actions of Moses.  This may put him in line with the views of some Jews, but clearly out of line with the views of Orthodox Jews.

Comment by John Pack Lambert on 12/02/11 at 8:15 pm

As a former Social Worker for the Nevada Department of Mental Health in Las Vegas I had the need to call upon local charities for housing, clothing and employment rehab. services for discharging mental hospital patients. I never had problems in obtaining these from Catholic Charities or Salvation Army. My Supervisor, who was a Mormon in good standing adamantly refused to allow me to contact Mormon charities, as “they will only help Mormons in good standing(regular tithers etc.) and believe me they will check it out, so don’t even bother.” In the entire time I worked for the State I can’t recall a single instance of assistance;this in a city where one third are Mormon.

Comment by Steve on 12/03/11 at 1:50 am

To Steve,
I am sorry that your supervisor took such a fervent line against your asking the Mormons for help. But what she was doing was and is wrong. I’ve done a lot of volunteer work with the Red Cross and it was very common for our disaster caseworkers to call up Desert Industries or the Bishop’s Storehouse and receive aid from the LDS/Mormon church. There was not one mention of whether the client was or wasn’t Mormon. Not once and many of my fellow co-workers admired the church for what they did. While it is true the LDS church does help its own, they also willingly help others out, but to my knowledge the church doesn’t actively advertise what they do.

Comment by Rebekah on 12/03/11 at 6:24 am

I call Steve’s comments into question as sensationalist anti-Mormon hogwash.

Comment by Cody on 12/04/11 at 1:16 pm

This is beautifully written and answers the questions honestly and openly. The concerns about Mitt Romney being president are akin to the same questions being posed of John F. Kennedy, our nation’s first Catholic president. He didn’t allow the Pope to run Washington DC, and neither would the Mormon Church’s prophet run it should Mr. Romney, or any other Mormon, become President.

Comment by Kristi on 12/05/11 at 8:28 am

Mark Paredes fails to mention that we covenant to consecrate everything (ourselves, our time, our talents, and anything that the Lord could bless us with) to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Voters want to be assured that those temple oaths do not extend to the presidency.

Comment by Hal Smith on 12/05/11 at 8:55 am

In the year 2007 alone, the Church responded to major earthquakes in 5 countries, massive fires in 6 countries, hunger and famine in 18 countries, and flooding and severe storms in 34 countries. In total the Church and its members responded to 170 major events — nearly one every two days for the entire year

Comment by Dwight Rogers on 12/05/11 at 5:45 pm

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints conducts humanitarian activities worldwide. From 1985 to 2009 Humanitarian Services of the LDS Church provided more than $1.2 billion in total assistance to needy individuals in 178 countries and territories. This church has 16 million members world-wide and five million in the United States. They were first at Katrina and brought food, clothing, and their hard backs and arms to help there.

Comment by Dwight Rogers on 12/05/11 at 5:46 pm

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides relief and development projects for humanitarian purposes in countries all over the world. Projects operate without regard to the nationality or religion of the recipients. Within hours of a disaster, the Church works with local government officials to determine what supplies and food are needed. Materials are then immediately sent to the area.

Comment by Dwight Rogers on 12/05/11 at 5:47 pm

Donations, principally from Church members but also from people around the world, are used to make relief projects possible. One hundred percent of the donations given to the Church’s humanitarian services are used for relief efforts. The Church absorbs its own overhead costs.

* The humanitarian services arm of the Church sponsors five ongoing global projects to help people become more self-reliant. Initiatives include neonatal resuscitation training, clean water projects, wheelchair distribution, vision treatment and measles vaccinations.

Comment by Dwight Rogers on 12/05/11 at 5:48 pm

7.5 million people now have access to clean water because of the Church’s humanitarian efforts throughout the world over the past 10 years?
550,000 people have benefited from the Church’s vision projects?
415,000 have received wheelchairs or other mobility devices?
The people of 58 countries received relief supplies after 119 disasters in 2010 alone?
The list goes on.

Comment by Dwight Rogers on 12/05/11 at 5:49 pm

Think about how you would feel about this scenario.  Your daughter is about to be married.  She is sweet, beautiful in your eyes and a credit to you her parents.  You are very proud of her and want the best of opportunities presented to her.  Now she is to be married.  Her fiancé is admirable in every way:  polite, educated, motivated, family-oriented and religious. Then as the marriage plans approach the couple begins to prepare you for a tremendous shock:  they will be married in a Mormon Temple for time and all eternity and you will not be welcome to attend the ceremony.  You are dumbstruck!

Comment by johann goethe on 12/07/11 at 4:08 pm

For Johann:  I have had three handsome sons and two beautiful daughters, each of whom I dearly loved, married in the Holy Temple, and I was unable to attend as not “qualified.”  I rejoiced in their worthiness and the experience they had.  I was able to share with them further celebration of THEIR nuptials outside the temple.  With all due respect, and sympathy for someone who doesn’t understand, I would suggest they ask themselves if they are thinking more about themselves than they are of the bride and groom.

Comment by Jay Whipple on 12/07/11 at 6:27 pm

For Johann

I had a very similar situation with my mother and we decided to have a standard civil ceremony that she could attend and then got married in the temple a year later.  Been married now for 24 years and attend our temple on a regular basis.  There is truly nothing like it in the world and you would understand why someone would work so hard to be married there if you could see it for yourself.

Comment by Dean on 12/07/11 at 7:23 pm

For Dean:
That’s the way to go.  Jay:  “thinking more about themselves?”  I would ask:  “are the bride and groom thinking more about themselves!”

Comment by johann goethe on 12/08/11 at 7:04 pm

Further to Jay:

I am mystified by the notion that a parent, after raising children, loving, caring and supporting them financially, would be “unqualified” to attend their wedding.  It seems arrogant and insensitive to me that a Christ-centered church would punitively prohibit couples in the USA and elsewhere from doing what they are permitted to do in New Zealand, i.e. “In New Zealand, for example, the law requires that all marriages be performed in a place that is open to the public. Consequently, couples are generally married civilly first in the visitors center chapel or one of the ward chapels, following which they go immediately to the temple for their sealing.”

Comment by johann goethe on 12/09/11 at 8:26 am

Mark, you explained this all in such a great way!  Thank you for your gift for explaining and detailing things so precisely and openly.

Comment by Joe on 12/17/11 at 10:20 am

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