The Power of Garments

[Mahone]

Originally Posted by Prodigal_Son

That's not the fault of the individual who experienced the miracle. That's the result of people playing spiritual telephone and attempting to sensationalize the event.

Yes of course. But in order to curb these common side effects stories like this have, it makes sense to clarify that it isn't doctrine.

Originally Posted by Prodigal_Son

And without you knowing the context of HOW it will be used, what's your concern?

See above.

Originally Posted by Prodigal_Son

Show me where it is taught that they're a "spiritual protection only".

Prehaps I should clarify my statement by changing it to "it is only taught that they are a spiritual protection". There has been no mention to my knowledge of a physical protection, my apologies if there is, but I'm not aware of one.

I do not see any harm in pointing this out. Anyone reading this can then take both points of view and form their own opinions. At least now non-members reading this will know that garments being a physical protection is not church doctrine.

[Hemidakota]

To answer the question, what was said in the temple 'washing and anointing'?

I do not disbelieve anyone who believes their temple garments are not only spiritual protection but added physical protection. There are too many accounts in different wars where garments had a major play in protecting the righteous Saints.

[Mahone]

Originally Posted by Hemidakota

To answer the question, what was said in the temple 'washing and anointing'?

There is no mention of physical protection in there. My impression of the words spoken in the section of the initiatory relating to the garment is that they are referring to spiritual protection.

I myself am very skeptical about the potential for physical protection provided by the garment. There is a lot of folklore spreading around the church and has been for years - I tend to take most of these stories with a pinch of salt, and out of the very few stories that have a notable and verifiable source, the majority of them can likely be explained logically without having to conclude that there was divine intervention. But that's not to say it can't happen - I have no proof either way.

[Prodigal_Son]

Originally Posted by Mahone

...There is a lot of folklore spreading around the church and has been for years - I tend to take most of these stories with a pinch of salt, and out of the very few stories that have a notable and verifiable source, the majority of them can likely be explained logically without having to conclude that there was divine intervention. But that's not to say it can't happen - I have no proof either way.

Well, in my conversation with the Three Nephites (after having concluded our discussion on the Adam-God Theory), they pointed out to me that "all good things come of God". Perhaps you should give credit where credit's due? Perhaps learn a lesson from the Apostle Thomas?

[Mahone]

In my job field, the first thing I learnt when I started was that it's better to be too skeptical than gullible. I am the first to admit that I would have reacted exactly how Thomas did in the same situation and I see nothing wrong with it.

My issue is not so much whether all good things come from God (that's for another time) but whether the sole presence of LDS temple garments induced what happened, that would not have happened if the individual was not wearing LDS temple garments.

[MormonMama]

I remember reading a talk by someone (can't remember if he was a GA or not) who spoke of being in a car accident. His car caught fire and he was badly burned on his legs, but the burns stopped exactly where the hem of his garment came to. Could it be a coincidence? Sure, it could be. Could it be divine protection? Yes, I think it could be that, too.

So do I believe that garments can provide physical protection from harm? I sure do. But I agree with what was said by a previous poster, that it has much more to do with the faith and obedience of the individual wearing the garment than with the cloth itself.

[Hemidakota]

Originally Posted by Mahone

There is no mention of physical protection in there. My impression of the words spoken in the section of the initiatory relating to the garment is that they are referring to spiritual protection.

I myself am very skeptical about the potential for physical protection provided by the garment. There is a lot of folklore spreading around the church and has been for years - I tend to take most of these stories with a pinch of salt, and out of the very few stories that have a notable and verifiable source, the majority of them can likely be explained logically without having to conclude that there was divine intervention. But that's not to say it can't happen - I have no proof either way.

Listen to the last statement made when the initiatory work places the garments on you. It never stated for spiritual only but a shield and protection while on this earth for the faithful Saint.

[WillowTheWhisp]

We had a letter read out in our sacrament meeting a while ago telling people to stop spreading tales of the physically protective qualities of garments. We were told then that they are a spiritual protection and a reminder of our covenants.

[OneEternalSonata]

Could it be that the garment being protective physically isn't taught because the impossibility thereof, but the important knowledge is its spiritual attributes? Surely, the garment saving a life would be important, however, the simple act of wearing it doesn't grant even spiritual protection without faith. When we teach priests about the key of the ministering of angels we don't tell them every possibility this authority holds. Some may have sufficient faith and expedience to see the physical manifestation of angelic hosts, while others may not, even though they be encircled round about. Personal revelation can teach us doctrine that isn't mainstream, yet the exception doesn't refute the rule. Although, exceptions will never break eternal law as much as it may bend policy.

[MormonMama]

An excellent post, OneEternalSonata.