Today we’re looking at the wording used in the LDS temple ceremonies.
Every Mormon I’ve met has always told me their temple ceremonies are sacred, not secret so in light of that, I have a question.
In this part of the temple ceremony we’re looking at today Mormons are instructed on how to mimic hand gestures of ‘signs and tokens’ and then promise to keep the secrets the temple holds behind its heavy 12’ doors.
For the sake of brevity, I’ve only listed a small portion of this endowment ceremony so if you’d like to skip all the formalities of what I did include, the last sentence is our main focus.
THE LONE AND DREARY WORLD: THE TELESTIAL KINGDOM;
“PETER: A couple will now come to the altar. [They kneel at the altar.]
With the robe on the left shoulder, you are prepared to officiate in the ordinances of the Aaronic priesthood. We will now give unto you the second token of the Aaronic priesthood with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty.
[Peter demonstrates the token. This Token is given by clasping the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb between the first and second knuckles of the hand, in this manner.]
PETER: We desire all to receive it. All arise.
[All initiates receive the token as various temple workers circulate about the room administering this token as they did the former.]
[Peter reveals the name, sign, and penalty for this token]
PETER: If any of you have not received this token, you will please raise your hand. The name of this token is your own first given name if you are going through the temple for your own Endowment, or, if you are going through for the dead, it is the first given name of the person for whom you are officiating.
PETER: The sign is made by bringing the right hand in front of you, with the hand in cupping shape, the right arm forming a square, and the left arm being raised to the square. This is the sign. (The officiator demonstrates.)
PETER: The Execution of the Penalty is represented by placing the right hand on the left breast, drawing the hand quickly across the body, and dropping the hands to the sides.
PETER: I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy which are associated with this token, its name, sign, and penalty, which you will be required to take upon yourselves…” [emphasis mine]
Question:
If the actual transcript says you, the Mormon, have an obligation of secrecy, how are the endowments not secret?
Reblogged this on Bitter June and commented:
John 18:20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
thanks for passing it along! And yes, that scripture is perfect isn’t it? Why do they go to so much trouble? I know why the leaders do, but the people…why?
John 18:20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
Ephesians 5:11-13
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Again, like I told June, this is a perfect verse for this situation! I just can’t imagine not questioning this stuff – even as a Mormon. It makes me sad for those who do question and feel trapped.