The reactions by Mormons, mixed to say the least, aren't just about the temple garments being neatly laid out for the world to see, but also shown is the temple clothing (robes of holy priesthood) worn only inside a Mormon temple; sacred to members of the Church. So sacred, that most don’t purposely show the temple clothing to their own children until they are preparing to go to the temple themselves – as adults.
Mind you, most reacting with some discomfort about the Church video are fully aware that anti-Mormons and apostate members find great joy in displaying our sacred temple clothing across the Internet to mock the faith and humiliate us -- and worse. We know that Google is more than accommodating to the curious or critical in providing these unholy shares, the likes of which offensive to those who hold this part of our personal faith sacred -- not secret. And, we get that having the Church address the curiosity by taking charge of the conversation will be a net positive.
With that said, however, showing the garments and robes as if it's no big deal, just part of the faith (similar to others), well, that's taking some Mormons time to digest -- for a few reasons; all legitimate. In fact, I shared the video immediately and did so as a positive. Though it hasn’t yet taken away the background discomfort I’m feeling particularly when so many are sharing similar reactions – I totally get it.
Before the release of this new video about "Mormon underwear" in most settings the spiritual maturity of an individual has often been the guide, or policy, used to introduce the wearing of Mormon temple clothing. Because of that this sudden exposure, if you will, by the Church, has come across as somewhat confusing to not a few members. I might add, that most pushback is coming from older members (although I hate to admit that), rather than from Millennial Mormons who right off the bat think it’s pretty darn cool and see it as super awesome! ;)
Like this, from Jake Oakey: "Our youth now have a resource they can turn to to learn more, which still maintains the sacred nature of temple ordinances. Learning about sacred things should be done in sacred places when the learner has been adequately prepared. The temple is such an amazing and special place. I am grateful the Church is opening up some of that special sacred knowledge to others."
Like this, from Jake Oakey: "Our youth now have a resource they can turn to to learn more, which still maintains the sacred nature of temple ordinances. Learning about sacred things should be done in sacred places when the learner has been adequately prepared. The temple is such an amazing and special place. I am grateful the Church is opening up some of that special sacred knowledge to others."
Which means, because our wonderful and faithful Millennials are the future of our faith, the rest of us best come up to speed. Right? I think so. But I do feel there is some value is recognizing and validating the concerns swirling around the new openness of the Church and together focus on the positives going forward for our faith.
One sister I spoke with yesterday (young I might add) suggested “it would have been nice if the Church had given us a little head’s up about the video -- a letter perhaps?” Honestly, considering the sacred nature of temple clothing, to so many members, I had to agree; it would have been nice. Onward.
I really like these thoughts, extracted from various online conversations about the new temple garment video, helping me and others to reconcile our temporary, uncomfortable feelings:
“Why not show it appropriately? Go to YouTube. Many non-members have posted far worse. Being the only member of the church in my family, and always being asked about my "magic underwear", this makes it easier for me to share that part of my life with my family in a way the church deems appropriate! I understand this makes people uncomfortable, because for so many people this has been something not up for open discussion for so long, but with the invention of the Internet, so much floats out there already, better to address it."
“I am so thankful the Church decided to do this. They did this in a tasteful way, and in a way that the sacred nature and words of the covenants that are made in the temple are not divulged or infringed upon, and are kept sacred. The exact meaning and symbolism of the temple clothing and garment is kept sacred as well. This clears up misconceptions, speculations, distortions, and downright falsehoods that are made all the time about our faith and our temple worship. This is a great thing!”
“ For some of us it is a little shocking to talk about "temple stuff", but we have to remember that what goes on in the temple is "sacred", not "secret". Let's follow the Church's lead and carefully share the scriptures that verify what is taught in the temple to our children, friends, and neighbors. We don't have to feel awkward about testifying of the covenants we've made in the temple. Without verbalizing everything, we can still promote our sacred beliefs without being weird about it. Everything we do in the temple is in the scriptures and is available to all those who faithfully desire. The Church is opening the door for us as members to share what is truly important to us.”
“So much better that our church leaders explain it reverently and correctly than our detractors being the so called "authorities" on this topic. I'm very glad they're done this video.”
“Wow... I don't know how I feel about this. This is just too sacred, but at the same time I understand that sometimes certain decisions in the church are necessary. All I know is that following the prophet is what's right!”
“When my children were sealed to us this summer I didn't know how much to tell them. This answers my kids questions about the clothing. I am so grateful this was put out. I can show them and now they will understand.”
“What an eloquent way of dispelling the myths. I'm questioned often about temple garments and this is a wonderful little video that explains without going into too much detail. I love how the garments were displayed. A very usable tool for Temple Prep Classes.”
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
Mormon Newsroom Update 10/22: Church Updates Temple Garment Video
Photos: screenshots taken from video
Mormon Newsroom Update 10/22: Church Updates Temple Garment Video
Photos: screenshots taken from video
Other articles about the new video, or topic, of Mormon underwear or temple garments:
Kathryn Skaggs: What are Special Undergarments, LDS Temple Garments or Mormon Underwear the Mormons Wear?
Mormon Women Stand:Temple Clothing in a Church Video?
Mormon Women Stand:Temple Clothing in a Church Video?
McKay Coppins: A Brief Guide To “Mormon Underwear”
Salt Lake Tribune: Church posts pictures, video explaining Mormon ‘garments’
I have always loved Exodus 28 -- this is the chapter that talks about the ancient tabernacle (temple), and the clothing. I was hesitant to watch this video, but I thought it was well done, and feel like the Church is finally owning this topic. I wish they would have done this in 2012 during the presidential campaign, I think that might have helped to better demystify the Mormon moment.
ReplyDeleteEven when you knew the Church produced it? Ha! That makes me feel so much better.
DeleteI, too, treasure that scriptural reference. I hope this video helps the Church take control of the conversation and mystique surrounding temple clothing -- even if it makes a few of us squirm a bit. ;)
Yes, even though it was from the Church. This is the most sacred thing we do as LDS ... I just didn't know what to expect. I knew it would have 1st Pres approval and all, but still. I figured too, I needed to watch it so as to tell my husband. He has a co-worker that likes to tell him all about what Mormons "believe". I thought, he needed to have this in his clip before that conversation ensued.
DeleteI know. Well, if anything, this has been an excellent exercise for many members in making sure we are prepared as a people to move forward. With the Internet increasing our ability to take control of the conversations about our faith -- we must do it.
DeleteI don't understand.I feel spiritually kicked in the gut. I have always been told the garments and temple clothing are Sacred and things that go on in the Temple should only be discussed in the Temple. I know the difference between secret and Sacred. This does not feel good to me, because it goes against everything I have been taught about the Temple. I wished there had been a letter sent out to the members and announced in Sacrament Meeting. I will not share this video, because I hold these thing Sacred.
ReplyDeleteWhich is why I felt the need to write this post, Connie. I've been told the same things and have acted accordingly and felt confused when suddenly all that was tossed out the window -- at least it feels that way.
DeleteI completely respect your decision, though, not to share the video. Hang in there, because I suspect the Church will continue to be as open about our faith as possible -- and we must trust there decisions, even when some might make us older folks a bit uncomfortable. Sigh. ;)
As my husband pointed out to me last night, we covenant in the temple that we will not share a lot of things outside the temple. But we never once covenant to keep what the robes look like secret.
DeleteWe don't talk about these things openly normally to avoid casting our pearls before swine. But these are still pearls that need to be shared and taught. So apparently the brethren, with direction from God, have decided that the benefit in sharing these things outweighs the risk in casting them before swine.
I think I just lost my comment (sigh) so I will try again.
ReplyDeleteI saw the video 5 minutes prior to heading out to a ward dinner. While I was initially shocked, the shock value lasted all of about 15 seconds before I thought, "Yes! Way to go!" Since we have an elderly ward, I made it a point at the dinner to spread the word to the younger couples so we can be a "buffer" as the older people find out. When I came home, I called my older friend to tell her because I knew it would be better coming from me.
This is a really good thing. We are so steeped in tradition in the Church that it sometimes impedes our progress. There is actually very little that we can't say about the temple. We talk about these things being sacred; not secret -- yet we are unwilling to talk about it.
I remember camping with some children years ago, and a child inadvertently walked into where I was dressing. She later asked me about my "long underwear". My adult companion was not a member of the Church and looked at me like, "How are you going to deal with that one?!" I frankly just told the child (and the adult present) that it was a reminder of covenants I have made to God. Simple as that.
Just when I think I'm totally hip, you come along and school me, Laurie. Rock on!
DeleteI grew up knowing what temple clothes looked like because my mother wisely shared them with me (and my siblings). She presented them in the most special/sacred way she possibly could. She pointed out how my grandmother lovingly and perfectly sewed all of her temple clothes for her, and how grateful she was for that beautiful gift. We never talked about them outside of our home because we knew they were so so special.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I'm truly grateful the Church created this video. :) There are many awful videos online about our sacred temple ceremonies and clothing, and I feel they went viral simply for the fact that the Church didn't have anything online for people to research. As hard as it is to see our sacred information online for everyone to see, I prefer that our beloved Church present it, rather than non-members or ex-members who present it with contempt.
Thank you for your posts—they're great!
Beautiful, Adrie. I'm sure this video will open up many more wonderful conversations about temple worship within families.
DeleteThank you!
I too was shocked, but I must put my faith in our leaders decisions. I believe that the video is very tasteful in the way that it was done.
ReplyDeleteRight there with you!
DeleteThis is a great post! It never occurred to me how this could used to teach our own members.
ReplyDeleteYup. We've got lots of learning and growing, as members, if the Lord is to get His work done. ;)
DeleteI was shocked but then again I thought I have seen garments as my parents did laundry and any kids that has been to a mormon funeral has seen the temple garments - worn in the proper way even. I do like that it was tastefully done under the direction of the brethren so that makes it all sit a bit better.
ReplyDeleteSo true. Just a bit of a transition for some of us -- and most are going to be just fine.
DeleteAll the while growing up I watched my mother iron her temple robes and knew what they looked like. The tenderness she showed regarding them helped me understand their sacred nature. She never told me what they meant or how they were used but I saw them all the time and was not surprised at all when I got to purchase my own to go to the temple. I think the new video is FABULOUS!! And just what is needed at this time. I have heard that the entire endowment ceremony has been posted online. It is best for the church to show the world the truth and compare it to the sacred, symbolic religious clothing of other faiths to enable better understanding. We are led by a prophet and he approved this message.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful comment. Thank you!
DeleteI am one of the "older" members (age 57) and frankly, I was SHOCKED when this video came out. I am a very faithful member of the Church with a strong testimony and have no doubt that we are led by true and living Prophets and Apostles. I first got my endowments in 1977 and was taught that none of these things should be talked about outside the Temple (of course, being married to a nonmember I did have to explain in general terms about the garments, without any details). I'm still having a difficult time trying to come to terms with it and I'm frankly very confused by my own reaction. But it's okay, just as the Lords ways are not our ways, I know that the Prophet and Apostles are led by revelation and apparently, this is what they felt inspired to do. It'll just take me a little time to process I guess.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Mary. And please know, you are in some very faithful company. It's good to have our spiritual muscles stretched a bit, eh? ;)
Delete"The gospel isn't supposed to change. Why is this being changed?" I think one way to see this is that ordinances and instructions change. That's the great thing about having living prophets, is that if the Lord sees fit to do something differently, he will. Here are some examples of those times:
ReplyDelete1. The early Church members in Joseph Smith's day used wine for the sacrament before the Lord directed the prophet to use water.
2. Alma's baptismal prayer in Alma 18 is different from the prayer we use for the ordinance today.
3. A First Presidency letter went out to all of the congregations about ten years ago explaining that from time to time the temple ceremonies change.
Excellent response, Jelaire. Thank you!
DeleteIn addition to the story about Ezra Taft Benson's mother ironing her temple robes in front of him, Joseph Smith allowed Jane Manning James, non-endowed Latter-day Saint to see his robes when she was washing them:
ReplyDelete"The next morning [Emma] brought the clothes down in the basement to wash. Among the clothes, I found brother Joseph’s Robes. I looked at them and wondered–[as] I had never seen any before–and I pondered over them and thought about them so earnestly that the spirit made manifest to me that they pertained to the new name that is given the saints that the world knows not of."
I definitely think that the setting needs to be reverent, and the asker needs to be sincere. And it's always a good idea to use what has been said by the Brethren and in scripture. That being said, I love Ezra Taft Benson's statement about preparing people for the temple:
"The temple is a sacred place, and the ordinances in the temple are of a sacred character. Because of its sacredness we are sometimes reluctant to say anything about the temple to our children and grandchildren. As a consequence, many do not develop a real desire to go to the temple, or when they go there, they do so without much background to prepare them for the obligations and covenants they enter into. I believe a proper understanding or background will immeasurably help prepare our youth for the temple" (Ezra Taft Benson, "What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children About the Temple").
As I've looked to see what has been said about it, I've been surprised at how much the Brethren have said about it. I think if we become familiar with what has been said, we'll be much more comfortable gauging what we might say in a conversation with a non-LDS or even non-endowed LDS friend.
Wonderful story, Jelaire. I don't recall ever reading it. And yes, the brethren have said a lot about the temple endowment -- I don't necessarily think that's the issue the the video. Just the showing of the clothing -- something many of us never expected to see, but are pleasantly surprised about and coming up to speed about.
DeleteThanks for sharing. I love your thoughts. That talk by President Benson is a classic!
As I reflect on the covenants and instructions it says little if not nothing about clothing being secret and never to be revealed. How many have been to the funeral of an endowed member and seen them lying there in their robes? Is this not a public setting?
ReplyDeleteI believe that much of the mystery and mystique regarding these articles of clothing are from the members themselves. I have been folding them all my life. My parents never hid them from us. I think we do this with too much. Much like how many steps Jews could walk on the Sabbath. Rules where none existed.
You're right about endowment not giving specific instruction about the showing of actual garment/temple clothing. Generally, that instruction is given during the private orientation prior to one receiving their endowment for the first time, in the temple. And/or from a bishop or other LDS leader (or teacher) with responsibility to instruct on the wearing of the garments.
DeleteI agree, some of the ideas surround the privacy of the temple clothing does come from individual members. However, the instruction given in the temple I'm sure has come from SLC and has been around for a very long time. ;)
When I first read about this video I was beyond shocked. I was also a bit confused because I had always been taught that these things are so sacred that we only discuss them in the temple. I almost felt betrayed (if that makes any sense.)
DeleteBut then I heard: "Follow the Prophet." Now I know that if this is what President Monson has condoned then it is from direction of our Lord. Then I remembered how much is already on the internet, but with such a disrespectful attitude. I loved how it started out showing the sacred garments of other faiths. This was so tastefully done; its spirit will touch so many people and stay with them longer and stronger than any anti-Mormon propaganda video. I now see the wisdom of God's way.
I believe this video was made just for me. :) I believe in a way that Gid was letting me know that he cares about by thoughts and concerns. I struggle attending the temple. When I went for the first time I felt lied to. I didn't have parents that taught me about the temple. Nobody talked to me about temple clothes. Nobody suggested attending a temple prep class. Nothing. I went in blind, and as a result it has taken a long time for me to reconcile these feelings of betrayal. I know that's a harsh word but that really is how I felt. I wish it was different. I continue to work out my feelings and it gets easier as I do attend the temple, but it's still hard to get there. The morning that this video was released I was asking myself what could have made it better? What can I do now as a mother to teach my own children about the temple and help prepare them for the temple so that they can have a peaceful sacred experience different from what I had. My answer was I wish I could have seen the temple clothing, and had just a little bit of a discussion about it. I told myself that the next time I had the chance to be with my children at a viewing I was going to point out that the clothing being worn was temple clothes. I think it is so special and so full of symbolism that we are buried in our temple clothes, and why shouldn't I be able to talk to my children about that and share with them how special and meaningful that is? Later that morning there the video was on facebook. I was not expecting to see the temple clothing and it brought tears to my eyes when I did. I knew that God cared about me and my experiences with the temple and that he cares about my children, and he wants me to teach them as much that is appropriate and good, and now I don't have to wait for someone to die. We can talk about it in our home. We can watch this video. We can better prepare our children for temple service, and I can continue to learn and heal from my experiences.
ReplyDeleteYou made me cry! Truly Heavenly Father knows what's in our hearts. This is a blessing from him. Amen.
DeleteOpenness! Yes! Loved the video. Hoping for more!
ReplyDeleteI think you can keep them sacred without being secret, I have always heard what's in the temple is sacred not secret when responding to others questions about why they can't go in the temple, what's so secret in there type of attitude...if it's not secret, than why can't they know? We tell others if they have questions go to the source, but there has been no source to learn about the garments or robes....just a lot of anti-mormon or people sneaking cameras into the temple and posting youtube videos. This is a great way to squash the rumors, I think the video was excellently done, very reverently done and explained beautifully! Many people (when asked) did not know even how to explain the garments...even though they are covered, they are many times still noticeable which raises questions at times. Being in the military raised questions as well. And as mentioned in another comment...funerals show the robes. The only thing that left me slightly uncomfortable about the video is that now that I've shared it, people that may not have known, now know what my underwear looks like....but at least they can now understand fully why it is I wear them and hopefully they will respect that!
ReplyDeleteThere is a very distinct difference between doctrine and covenants (the things themselves, not the book) and tradition. I think that as members of the church we often have a tendency to confuse those things. Traditions may change, but the doctrine and the covenants do not. The basic doctrine remains unchanging and the covenants we make are binding and sacred, but we must distinguish between that which is written in the scriptures and that which we promise before God and that which is just common practice.
ReplyDeleteI appreciated the video for the degree of respect and sacredness it gives to the garments and temple clothing. I think it’s a great way to share how important these things are to us with members of other faiths.
I too was shocked at this video from the church. But it is very well done and I loved it. Any video that starts out in Hebrew with a view of Jerusalem is off to a good start in my opinion. I loved the incorporation of not only non Christian examples but examples from non Abrahamic faiths. I showed this video to my young children and nephew who is preparing for temple/mission for FHE. With follow up questions it was clear to me he only caught the vaguest sense of its importance at 20 yrs old and having grown up in a temple attending home.
ReplyDeleteI loved your arcticle but I do not like us perpetuating the term "Mormon underwear". This has never been an approved or appropriate term for the temple garment. It may be needed to clarify to a reader what we are discussing but we should always try to elevate the conversation in our terminology. Our careful reference to these sacred things will set the example. Note the video never calls them underwear. Is uses words like "similar to" because these are not underwear, they are sacred vestments.
I would also caution members this has not now opened the door for more casual or explicit discussion of these things. Look at the video and see how much effort was put in to prepare the viewers mind with context for the very brief view of the items. Note how circumspect the discussion was. I believe it remains most appropriate to point the curious to this resource and use it as a guide in answering questions.
Thanks again for a great article on the member response.
This to me shows were culture and doctrine get confused. So many have said, "I was always taught this about the temple" But was it doctrine or culture that was taught? I remember being taught that you take the sacrament with the right hand, that the priests are the last to take the sacrament and so on. The same was with garments. Culture dictated that you never take them off so people would bath while having the garment draped over their foot as to never take them off. None of those are doctrine, they are culture. I have never been taught that no one should she the temple robes outside the temple. I was taught that they shouldn't be worn all together outside the temple though. Now lets talk about LDS funerals. In the west we bury our members dressed in their robes, cap and all. I assume that is a culture thing. So I saw the temples garments on people quite a few times before I wore them myself.
ReplyDeleteMy other view is that the cloths themselves are not what is sacred. It's what they mean, and what we do (make covenants) while wearing them. Much the same way we take bread and water for the sacrament. The materials we take aren't as important as the covenant we make when we take them. If in a bind we can substitute something else.
So as the video says, it is an outward expression of our inward faith. It is a physical way to remind us, and help us understand the spiritual and symbolic aspects of the temple.
To often do we as members get so hung up in the culture, the programs, the procedures and so on that we forget the doctrine. The doctrine of Christ and the atonement. Why we are really here. So when the culture and program get changed people think it is the doctrine that gets changed and shakes their testimony. That, in my personal opinion, says they have a testimony of the culture, and program, not of the gospel. Because if they honestly stepped back and looked they would see the doctrine didn't change.
Beautifully expressed Kade, thanks for sharing. I feel the same way.
DeleteI think we are so worried about saying too much that we've conditioned ourselves to say nothing. This video is a great example of the many things we can talk about.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to see the church providing more learning tools for members and non-members alike. I had no idea what the temple clothes were for before I went to the temple and they freaked me out a little bit the first time I went through. I think being exposed to them, or even the idea of them, earlier would have helped. It's also good to see this posted by a legitimate source rather than by yet another anti-Mormon site. When God decides it's time for things to happen, they happen.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very personal story that I have never felt right about sharing until now on this very page. I had a lot of frustration before entering the temple because I knew there were things people were not telling me, but that I had heard about from unfriendly sources, and I was begging for clarification, but not getting any. In my prayers, Heavenly Father just kept telling me to keep moving, don't stop. Satan took great advantage of my emotions and really tried to instill extreme negative emotions for the temple. Some people liked to take advantage of my not-knowing and tease me, which I did not find funny, and only made my inner battle worse. I knew there was nothing "new" to the temple experience, as far as doctrines and teachings and what we make covenants about. My understandings on the covenants and such were fine. I was appreciative of keeping those things sacred. I was told and knew that it was all stuff I was aware of, and I knew I would simply be learning more about it in a way that expands your spiritual knowledge that can only be achieved in such holy places. But I was getting mixed messages of some things in the temple being "secret" or "sacred", especially on the clothing. In hindsight, it really wasn't that big of a deal. But Satan sure took advantage of my one question and let all hell loose on me. The confusing messages I was receiving were not helping my confusing struggle with Satan. Holy cow that was a long, hard, scary battle with Satan. He did NOT want ME to make any covenants or do anything good, so he was trying to throw everything and anything at me. I was under attack. I could tell that is what he was doing, and that is literally what I was dealing with. I didn't understand it, his weapons made absolutely no logical sense, but Satan is ruthless and will not give up on anybody. To this day I still don't understand it completely. All I understand is that he wanted me OUT of the temple. I don't understand his logic though. I was able to see through it. But I still had to trudge through it. He couldn't get me away from the temple through the WoW, he couldn't get me through breaking chastity with my then fiance, he couldn't weaken my testimony, so this was all he had. And now it's over and I won. I guess that's what matters. I love the temple and it is the happiest place on Earth for me.
ReplyDeleteAnd this video shocked me at first. But now after pondering on it, I am so, SO glad it is out. I wish it had come out a year ago as I was going through all of this. What this video shows is EXACTLY what I wanted to know that nobody, NOBODY would tell me. I knew I could learn more online if I really WANTED to. I knew it was not a safe place to learn though. I had never been shown the temple clothing in an appropriate manner. I didn't even know it existed until I had inappropriate exposures by ex-mormons online. I have no doubt that added to the fuel Satan was trying to burn in me. I'm the kind of person who likes to be prepared. Had I been able to have this video, it would have saved me a lot of frustration. It also would have been a tool for me to rub in his face and go "SEE! You can't attack me with this bitty piece of knowledge any more! Leave me alone you jerk!"
This video I think really draws a FAR more definitive line on what the meaning of "sacred not secret" means. I have no doubt this will help people in the future who are like me. I have never heard of anyone else having the same struggle I had, but I doubt I'm the first OR the last. I hope and pray this video helps people with any kind of nerves or battle against Satan while preparing to receive their endowment. This video was well done.
I still probably will not share it on my facebook wall for personal reasons, but I will not hesitate to show it to anyone I am talking with on the subject. Or to the young women I teach. Or to my future children. It's a great tool Christ has given us.
Laura, thank you so much for sharing your personal story. To me, this is evidence that our prophets are inspired. The Lord is so mindful of each and every one of us and the spiritual challenges that we have. Isn't it wonderful that He allowed you an experience that would allow you now to bear a strong testimony of the reason this disclosure is so important. It's not just about those not of our faith. We as members greatly benefit with greater understanding and the ability to teach with greater power those things we hold sacred. :)
DeleteI am Catholic. I see a ton of references to our faith. Our Holly Eucharistic and Mass is sacred. Many times people who do not know or make assumptions about our faith are misinformed or have to "guess" - this video makes sense to me. I see now why LDS have this sacred ritual and I appreciate knowing vs. hearing other version from nonLDS. I think it's very positive for your faith as those who understand the holiness of certain items within our own faith can certainly honor your beliefs as well.
ReplyDelete