Explain Temples, Please?

[rameumptom]

-Why are temples closed to the outside world?

Temples and sacred space has always been restricted by God. In Moses' day, the Tabernacle had different sections, which fewer and fewer people were able to access. The Holy of Holies was accessed only once a year by the chief high priest. It is because it is a sacred place, prepared for those willing to keep God's commandments and ordinances. If everyone was given access, it would no longer by holy and sacred, but be more like a baseball game or NASCAR race.

-In what way are the ordinances that are given inside help me grow spiritually?

The ordinances tie us to God and our families (both living and ancestors). As we serve in the temple, we serve God and are able to feel His holy presence in our lives.

--related to both: is it selfish, therefore, to restrict access to Mormons only if everyone ought to be saved?

Everyone ought to be saved, yes. But God has always given restrictions on salvation. Paul warned about people partaking of the communion unworthily. Moses' Law required people to be clean before entering the camp or Tabernacle (this could require a week of cleansing, or for lepers it could mean being unclean through mortality). Gentiles were not allowed into the Temple in Solomon or Jesus' time, unless they were first circumcised and embraced the Jewish religion.
Today, All people are invited to enter the temple - once they meet the criteria that God has set for entrance.


-I guess it's a sensitive subject, but could you please explain temple garments?

The garment is an undergarment worn as a reminder of our temple covenants, and to remind us to be in the world, but not of the world. It is similar to a Catholic nun's habit, a minister's robes, or a rabbi's side locks - they are all to set the person apart from the world and remind them to be holy.

-What is the function of temple presidents and matrons?

The temple president runs the temple and makes sure all things run properly. The matrons, as well as other workers assist him in maintaining the temple, tracking work, and performing ordinances.

-What is this "baptism for the dead" thing all about?

We believe baptism of water and Spirit are necessary to enter into God's kingdom (see John 3:5). We believe God allows us to baptize the dead by proxy as was done in Paul's day (see 1 Cor 15:29). In this way, all God's children can have the opportunity to receive this ordinance or reject it.

-How often to people usually visit the temple?

It depends on the distance one lives from a temple. In the United States, some live just blocks from the temple, while others live 6 hours or more away. Over seas, some people live days by bus from a temple. For those who live within a few hours, we are encouraged to attend as often as we can, and each person is encouraged to set his/her own attendance goals.

-If I were to convert to the LDS Church, how soon could I expect to begin visiting the temple?

People can attend the temple for baptisms for the dead almost immediately. For the other ordinances, as early as one year after baptism.

[mnn727]

Originally Posted by mhansen

I do. I'm not very far into it, though.

The Book of Mormon is great, its the keystone of our religion and ranks up there with the Bible, but if you really want to find out our beliefs read the Gospel Principles manual its like a Catechism (sp?) of our beliefs.

[scdoyle]

Originally Posted by rameumptom

-If I were to convert to the LDS Church, how soon could I expect to begin visiting the temple?

People can attend the temple for baptisms for the dead almost immediately. For the other ordinances, as early as one year after baptism.

Actually, it's one year after your confirmation, which may or may not be the same day as your baptism.

[rameumptom]

Confirmation is just another way of saying baptism of the Spirit, which is a necessary part of the baptism process.