Mormon Garments: Explanation for Non-Mormon Friends

[ama49]

[guitarwizard]

man. I am the only member in my family and friday night my sister, out of nowhere, says "so what is with those mormon magic pants?!" And i freak out! I had no idea what to say. So, i opted out, tried to make it as quick and painless as possible and just said "they aren't magic, they are just a reminder for us to remain modest and really aren't that different from boxer briefs." I didn't go into endowments and certainly didn't talk about the protection they offer (that wouldn't go offer with this whole "magic pants" theory).

I have only been a member 8 months, so i haven't had the opportunity to go to the temple. I am 19 and with my parents for the summer. My favorite part of the conversation was when my mom said "Do you wear them?" and i was just thinking "Mom, you've seen my laundry."

Originally Posted by guitarwizard

man. I am the only member in my family and friday night my sister, out of nowhere, says "so what is with those mormon magic pants?!" And i freak out! I had no idea what to say. So, i opted out, tried to make it as quick and painless as possible and just said "they aren't magic, they are just a reminder for us to remain modest and really aren't that different from boxer briefs." I didn't go into endowments and certainly didn't talk about the protection they offer (that wouldn't go offer with this whole "magic pants" theory).

I have only been a member 8 months, so i haven't had the opportunity to go to the temple. I am 19 and with my parents for the summer. My favorite part of the conversation was when my mom said "Do you wear them?" and i was just thinking "Mom, you've seen my laundry."

Hi Guitarwizard. Wow. You're the lone LDS in your family and only 19? I'm impressed.
The best and simplest explanation I have is that MANY religions have religious clothing. Some wear hats/caps, some women only wear dresses, some wear robes, collars, jewelry, etc. So we're not that different. We just wear ours under our clothing, rather than in plain sight.

In many religions only the clergy, ie. the ministers, rabbis, priests, etc. wear special clothing to denote their position or authority. In our religion, once endowed, we ALL hold the same privilege of being set apart from the world. As far as the endowment, we are at the same level, so to speak, as our prophet.

So maybe it would help to just tell your family that just as Jewish men wear caps, some ministers wear collars, etc., we also have religious clothing that is sacred to us. It just comes in a different style.

[pam]

I appreciate the comments that have been made so far. The comments are in good taste. However, due to the sacredness of garments and previous threads that have gotten totally out of hand concerning this subject...I am closing this thread.