Animal Sacrifice in Latter-day Temples

[jadams_4242]

Today our Gospel Doctrine class which my wife and I co-teach, we went over the first part of Ezekiel with Lesson 43: The Shepherds of Israel. Toward the end of the lesson we covered the prophecies of the restoration and the Book of Mormon found in Ezekiel 37, but also the promise of Latter-day Temples.

As we discussed verse 27 as it pertained to the tabernacle, I looked at the cross-reference to that verse found in D&C 124: 37-40 (particularly 39).

I posed a question to the class essentially asking them whether or not they knew that animal sacrifice would be performed in a Latter-day Temple(s) (presumably one of the 24 "temples" built in the plot outlined in Independence). Of the 95+ people in the class (half of our ward left for the holiday, so they combined everyone into mine), only THREE people had even heard of it, which included one member of our Bishopric. The rest of the class looked puzzled and a few hands went up eagerly wanting to tell me that I was wrong and misinterpreting LDS doctrine. I knew I'd opened up a can of worms.

One inquirer was adamant that I'd falsely interpreted the scripture, and since he'd never heard of it, with his logic it wasn't true (granted, this is a man who'd confessed to the class three weeks earlier that the only book of scripture he'd read in its entirety was the Book of Mormon). Regardless of what I had to say, the man kept badgering me that I'd gotten the interpretation wrong. Overall the lesson was great, save only the brief "theological scuffle" between myself and an inquiring but incredibly closed minded person.

I checked out what FAIR had written after I got home. Here's what I found:

While I noted to the class that the Atonement of Christ ended the sacrifice by the shedding of blood, it IS still a doctrinal stance that a sort of archetype of animal sacrifice will be performed during the millennium as a "memorial."

My only question is, will this be a literal spilling of blood through the death of the animal, or will it be a sort of symbolic gesture that imitates but does not actually involve the shedding of blood?

Since I'd like to clarify those things with the class next week, your answers will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Modern day prophets are human and have made misstakes just as each and every one of the ancient apostles and prophets... we all have our iniquties and weaknesses.. not even our prophets are subject to be absolutely infallible...

[Mike Reed]

Strangites offered animal sacrifice:

http://www.strangite.org/Offering.htm

[kamenraider]

I started a thread about this here a long time ago that prompted Chris to make that blog post. After MADB got rid of most of their old threads including that one, I made a post about it on my blog that has all my quotes from the original thread.

Here's another quote I found recently which I think is interesting because it mentions the authority of Elijah in connection with these sacrifices (which reminds me of how Joseph Smith said that "...the 144,000 sealed are the priests who are appointed to administer in the daily sacrifice."):

When all the ordained are rested [the] sons of Levi and Moses will offer an offering in righteousness. Elijah because he hold the authority of the ordinances of restoring all things in the kingdom of God. Sacrifice is again to be offered which was before the days Moses.

--"Journal of James Chaney Snow, 1817-1837," LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, UT (accessed on the Remembering Joseph .pdf, pg. 1499).

Certainly one aspect of restored sacrifices must have to do with those holding the fullness of the priesthood offering for themselves and looking forward to the redemption of their families, in addition to just being for memorials of the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Another interesting quote from the D&C that was mentioned by Chris on a thread about this subject on the mormondiscussions board is this:

D&C 84:31

Therefore, as I said concerning the sons of Moses-for the the sons of Moses and also the sons of Aaron shall offer an acceptable offering and sacrifice in the house of the Lord, which house shall be built unto the Lord in this generation, upon the consecrated spot as I have appointed.

This indicates to me that the LDS temple is considered the location for offering and sacrifice, rather than just a rebuilt Jewish temple where the law of Moses is observed.

I saw a Yahoo answers page about this topic and thought it was funny that a lady who is LDS gave this answer:

Good Heavens!!! It is a well-known fact that the atonement of Jesus Christ replaced the practice of ritual sacrifice--everyone knows that. Especially Latter Day Saints.

Joseph Smith himself was fond of animals. He had a dog named Major.

I myself am a Latter Day Saint, a temple patron, and I am a vegetarian--I would never be a part of a church that hurt animals.

That's probably the biggest lie I have ever heard about the church.

I also wanted to mention that I recently read on a Jewish website how it is considered legal for gentiles to offer animal sacrifices outside the temple due to the fact that this was practiced before the law was given to Moses.

[Obiwan]

Despite the wanderings & wonderings that have been stated in this thread, there will NOT be any "animal" sacrifice within any LDS Temple. The sacrifice is one of the heart, per the higher law that Christ established, not one of blood and animal. Yes, there will likely be something done related to the Levi's, but it won't be us, and it won't be within LDS Temples. Such is fully contrary to the New & Everlasting Covenant.

[volgadon]

Such is fully contrary to the New & Everlasting Covenant.

Why? The sacrifice by the sons of Levi, as I understand it, will be a final sacrifice, one they fulfil after being purified, one done with full understanding of the significance of this symbol and its relationship to the Saviour.

[kolipoki09]

It seems to me that the book of the Doctrine and Covenants makes it clear that the "Sons of Levi" are actually members of the church and the sacrifice to be offered happens in our temples routinely and is, therefore, already being fulfilled. I think the culmination of the prophecy will happen when Christ returns.

There are two contexts for actual "sons of Levi" set forth in scripture. There are those who are figuratively made sons of Levi through the reception of the Aaronic Priesthood (which is the context of D&C 84 in Kirtland in 1832) and there is a context referencing literal descendants of Levi (i.e. D&C 107 69-70, 76; 68: 15-16, 18-20) mentioned in 1835 and 1831 respectively.

Joseph Smith viewed the performance of these sacrifices as being in the imminent future, and "this generation" refers to the last dispensation, not necessarily in the 1830's.

There is indisputable evidence suggesting that the "memorials" by the Sons of Levi in at least one context, refers to a restoration of animal sacrifice during the millennium. Will it mean that literal blood will be spilled? Will it be a figurative gesture in honor of the atonement made by the Patriarchs? These are all questions that deserve answers, but they're answers we don't seem to have at the moment.

It is also evident that the Atonement of Christ ended the sacrifice by the shedding of blood, which is why I lean toward the notion that the sacrifice may be figurative and not kill any animals at all. However; both Brigham Young and Joseph Fielding Smith taught and believed that the sacrifice would be one of a literal nature.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

since it says specifically that the sons of Levi will be offering the sacrifice, why would it have to be in an LDS temple? Maybe the temple of Jerusalem will be rebuilt, or at least an altar?

I believe the sacrifice then will be a

[Macabus]

I view the offering mentioned in Doctrine & Covenants 148:24 to describe the offering of the Sons of Levi.

Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can abide the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner

[LeSellers]

I view the offering mentioned in Doctrine & Covenants 148:24 [sic to describe the offering of the Sons of Levi.

Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller

[DispensatorMysteriorum]

The implication is that, when they do make their offering, this Priesthood will be taken from the earth.

It has not been, therefor, I conclude that Levi's sons have not made that offering yet.

Lehi

I respect that viewpoint. I'm not sure I agree, however. I think "until" here could be taken in the sense of "to the end that" or "so that." It sounds archaic, but that is how Oliver Cowdery seemed to understand it.

But, dear brother, think, further think for a moment, what joy filled our hearts, and with what surprise we must have bowed, (for who would not have bowed the knee for such a blessing?) when we received under his hand the Holy Priesthood as he said,

[Macabus]

The implication is that, when they do make their offering, this Priesthood will be taken from the earth.

It has not been, therefor, I conclude that Levi's sons have not made that offering yet.

Lehi

Exodus 6 provides a definition for the phrase

[charity's child]

Joseph Fielding Smith notes that it was going to be performed during the millennium. I suppose it could refer to the literal Kohenim building a new temple in Jerusalem, but in order to do so they would have to destroy the Dome of the Rock....which would probably start World Wars 3, 4, and 5.

I think some people were hoping one of Saddam's missiles would take care of that.

Well, there's always a misplaced suicide bomber!

[MDalby]

...the offering of sacrifice, which also shall be continued at the last time; for all the ordinances and duties that ever have been required by the Priesthood, under the directions and commandments of the Almighty in any of the dispensations, shall all be had in the last dispensation, therefore all things had under the authority of the Priesthood at any former period, shall be had again, bringing to pass the restoration spoken of by the mouth of all the Holy Prophets. Then shall the sons of Levi offer an acceptable offering to the Lord. "And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord." (See Malachi 3:3.)...it is generally supposed that sacrifice was entirely done away when the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus was offered up, and that there will be no necessity for the ordinance of sacrifice in future. The offering of sacrifice has ever been connected and forms a part of the duties of the Priesthood. It began with the Priesthood, and will be continued until after the coming of Christ, from generation to generation.

(Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, P 171)

These sacrifices, as well as every ordinance belonging to the Priesthood, will, when the Temple of the Lord shall be built, and the sons of Levi be purified, be fully restored and attended to in all their powers, ramifications, and blessings. This ever did and ever will exist when the powers of the Melchizedek Priesthood are sufficiently manifest; else how can the restitution of all things spoken of by the Holy Prophets be brought to pass?

(Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, P 173)

At the close of the meeting...I remarked that the hundred and forty-four thousand sealed are the priests who should be anointed to administer in the daily sacrifice.

(Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 5:326)

[Robert F. Smith]

My view is that the Levites can only offer an offering in righteousness only after they have come unto Christ, not before. (Notice that biblical temple offerings do not have to be blood offerings. The most important offering in the Israelite view was the incense burnt on the golden altar before the veil of the Holy of Holies.) The return of the Jews to the Land as predicted in the BOM is described as coming after they come unto Christ (1 Ne 10.14; 1 Ne 15.14-15; 1 Ne 19.15; 2 Ne 6.8-11; 2 Ne 10.3-8; 3 Ne 5.23-26). Their offering will occur after that gathering. (The corollary of my interpretation is that the current state of Israel is not the gathering of the Jews predicted in the BOM, since they have not yet come unto Christ.)

Bill,

It may well be that this sacrificial offering by the sons of Levi will take place after they have recognized YHWH as Jesus the Messiah, but the texts that I read suggest that the Jews (and the Levites with them) will come to that realization as something of a surprise in the own due time of the Lord. I'm thinking of Zechariah 12:10 (and the parallel Qumran "Pierced Messiah" text), 13:6, and passim. I am also thinking of Ezekiel 36:17-38, esp. vs 22, "I do this not for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for my holy name's sake" (likewise vs 32). In other words, Israel does not earn the restoration, but is granted it by virtue of the unconditional covenant made long ago with Abraham, David, et al., and due to the end of the times of the gentiles. Paul certainly rejected supersession and considered that the promises to the Jews would eventually be kept in full (Romans 11), as we can also see from Jacob 5 - 6, and the other excellent Book of Mormon texts cited by you -- none of which require that the Jews turn to Christ before they gather.

Does this mean that the modern State of Israel is implicated in the prophesied gathering (qibbutz Israel)? It is hard for me to imagine that Joseph Smith sent Orson Hyde on a wild goose chase to the Holy Land in order to formally dedicate it to the final gathering, soon followed by a meaningless but ever increasing emigration of Jews (continuing to this day) from a vast array of countries of the Earth, followed in turn by the equally meaningless formal establishment of a Jewish state, and finally the utterly meaningless conquest of Old Jerusalem during that astonishing Six-Day War in 1967. That the Jews had taken their ancient city after almost 2 millennia may indeed be mere coincidence.

Be cautious, however, lest you, like Elijah, mislead yourself into thinking that the Lord does not possess a saving remnant who have not bowed the knee to Baal, or that he will not deal with his ancient covenant people the Jews in his own way and in his own time. We, as the Saints of the Last Days, may imagine that we have a full understanding of how all these events are to "play out." I recall my own surprise that morning in June 1967 when we suddenly began receiving incoming shells from the Jordan Legion. Only days later the Old City was in Jewish hands, and I remember the words of David the Kibbutz Electrician to me just outside the communal dining hall: "We thought there was no God. Perhaps we were wrong" (translated from Hebrew).

Bob

[Mike Reed]

Delete.

[Bill Hamblin]

I remember seeing in a bookstore in Israel a book they had on Passover in the temple era, but I was broke at the time. Oh well. That same year I think they ran into heavy protests by our local version of PETA.

The Temple Institute is following in the footsteps of the Vilna Gaon, the greatest spiritual giant in Judaism since the Talmudic era, even greater in status than Maimonides. Yes that is saying a lot. His preoccupation was with bringing about the redemption of the children of Israel. In order to bring about said redemption, there had to be an awakening below and an awakening above. In other words, human efforts bring about a divine response. The Gaon redacted the Sefer Yetzirah and attempted to create a golem. He also had a special, mystical arrangement of the Passover plate, solved the mathematical problems associated with Ezekiel description of the third temple, and encouraged one of his disciples to translate Euclid and Josephus into Hebrew. These were all in aid of understanding the scriptures and rabbinic teachings on the temple, in order for it to be built! His followers emigrated to Israel early in the 19th century, engaged in messianic agitation, yet when 1840, then 1845 came and went without the Messiah, they became deeply disillusioned, and now are representatives of the most trenchant, reactionary Judaism imaginable.

True, on the other hand, Sabbatai Tzvi, arguably the most important Jew (Or perhaps Moshe de Leon) between Maimonides and the Vilna Gaon, was proclaimed the Messiah promising to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This reflects the tension between the two views: Build the temple so the Messiah will return, or wait for the Messiah to return and build the temple (or bring down the temple in heaven).

In a sense the Book of Revelation reflects the later position, with the descent of Heavenly Jerusalem/Temple at the return/ second coming of the Messiah Jesus. Before that, the earthly temple is to be the of apostasy and murder of the prophets (Rev 11).

It is interesting to note that the Evangelical Third Temple movements want the temple in Jerusalem to be rebuilt so the Anti-Christ can profane it and the Messiah return. That is, they think the Third Temple will be the apostate temple described in Revelation.

Interesting book: Motti Inbari, Jewish Fundamentalism and the Temple Mount: Who Will Build the Third Temple? (2009)

[Bill Hamblin]

Paul certainly rejected supersession and considered that the promises to the Jews would eventually be kept in full (Romans 11), as we can also see from Jacob 5 - 6, and the other excellent Book of Mormon texts cited by you -- none of which require that the Jews turn to Christ before they gather.

Hi Bob,

It seems to me that 2 Ne 6.11 is very explicit that the Jews will come to Christ before their gathering.

Wherefore, after they are driven to and fro, for thus saith the angel, many shall be afflicted in the flesh, and shall not be suffered to perish, because of the prayers of the faithful; they shall be scattered, and smitten, and hated; nevertheless, the Lord will be merciful unto them, that when they shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer, they shall be gathered together again to the lands of their inheritance.

Likewise 2 Ne 10.7

But behold, thus saith the Lord God: When the day cometh that they shall believe in me, that I am Christ, then have I covenanted with their fathers that they shall be restored in the flesh, upon the earth, unto the lands of their inheritance.

And 3 Ne 5.26

And then shall they know their Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ, the Son of God; and then shall they be gathered in from the four quarters of the earth unto their own lands, from whence they have been dispersed; yea, as the Lord liveth so shall it be. Amen.

How this relates to the contemporary state of Israel can be debated. But it seems clear and explicit that the prophesied gathering of the Jews to Israel will occur after they accept Christ, not before. Hence, the state of Israel is not the prophesied gathering.

[Bill Hamblin]

It may well be that this sacrificial offering by the sons of Levi will take place after they have recognized YHWH as Jesus the Messiah, but the texts that I read suggest that the Jews (and the Levites with them) will come to that realization as something of a surprise in the own due time of the Lord. I'm thinking of Zechariah 12:10 (and the parallel Qumran "Pierced Messiah" text), 13:6, and passim. I am also thinking of Ezekiel 36:17-38, esp. vs 22, "I do this not for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for my holy name's sake" (likewise vs 32). In other words, Israel does not earn the restoration, but is granted it by virtue of the unconditional covenant made long ago with Abraham, David, et al., and due to the end of the times of the gentiles.

I agree. However, this does not imply that Third Temple movements and projected restoration of sacrifices (as interpreted by the Rabbis) will fulfill the prophecy of the Sons of Levi offering an offering in righteousness.

The two questions are:

1- Must the "offering in righteousness" be offered by Levites who have accepted Christ, or can the "offering in righteousness" be offered by Rabbinic Levites

2- Is the "offering in righteousness" to be made in a Third Jewish temple at Jerusalem run by Jewish Levites; a Third Jerusalem Temple run by the Restored Priesthood and Levites who have come unto Christ, or at another (any?) LDS temple by LDS priesthood who are the "sons of Levi"?

[LeSellers]

If Oliver Cowdery's rendition is to believed, the Aaronic priesthood was restored in part so that the sons of Levi may yet offer an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.

I considered pointing out Brother Oliver's statement, but didn't see its giving a different, or even complementary PoV.

If the Aaronic Priesthood was restored so the Sons of Levi could make that offering, it is not reasonable to believe that the Priesthood would be taken from the earth until after then had done so. As the Priesthood is still here, it seems that offering is not yet complete.

Let's recall that the Aaronic (and Levitical) Priesthood is an appendage of the Melchizedek Priesthood. We Saints could very easily do all we are called to do without the Preparatory Priesthood. But we still have the Lesser Priesthood among us. That means, to me, at least, that the Offering predicted in Doc&Cov 13 has not been made.

Lehi

[J Green]

How this relates to the contemporary state of Israel can be debated. But it seems clear and explicit that the prophesied gathering of the Jews to Israel will occur after they accept Christ, not before. Hence, the state of Israel is not the prophesied gathering.

Bill,

I had to laugh, as this sounds exactly like many conversations I've had with my dad.

Arnold H. Green,

[blackstrap]

If animal sacrifice is ever done again I doubt it will be on the scale of Old Testament times. Modern sensibilities

would not permit it.PITA would not approve. The accompanying smell and noise would turn away most current saints.

Rather I think it will be a "one-off" type of sacrifice to represent for all.

[Bill Hamblin]

Bill,

I had to laugh, as this sounds exactly like many conversations I've had with my dad.

Arnold H. Green,

[kolipoki09]

If animal sacrifice is ever done again I doubt it will be on the scale of Old Testament times. Modern sensibilities

would not permit it.PITA would not approve. The accompanying smell and noise would turn away most current saints.

Rather I think it will be a "one-off" type of sacrifice to represent for all.

PETA doesn't approve of lots of things. I don't approve of PETA's methods either. I don't think it will ever be on the same scale as what was seen in First and Second Temple Judaism, but I do see it still happening.

The smell is fantastic! Haven't you ever been to a barbecue? You know who would make a really good Levitical Priest? David Bokovoy. I hear he makes some mean barbecue, though I think its more of the "pork" variety, which wouldn't really work.

One of the major elements of the ancient temple was that it appealed so much to the senses. The smell of cooking meat was meant to be pleasing to the Lord. Who on this board hasn't walked out of their home in the summer to find the incredible smell of cooking burgers, ribs, or other AWESOME food roasting on their neighbor's grill? I've always imagined it that way. Everyone prepping for that heavenly barbecue! The good news...we're allowed to have leftovers!

The incense burning on the altar before the veil of the holy of holies would have been a distinct, powerful smell in addition to the sounds of instruments being played to invoke the presence of the Lord.

[blackstrap]

I've spent some time in a slaughterhouse and participated in butchering.The smell of blood(and other excretions) is not pleasant.Incense would definitely be required.Also the musical instruments would be needed to cover the sound of the cattle and sheep and fowls protesting.If you have seen ancient sacrificial altars you will note the groove around the base.It wasn't for barbecue sauce .

As for PETA (aka PITA ),enough said.

[volgadon]

True, on the other hand, Sabbatai Tzvi, arguably the most important Jew (Or perhaps Moshe de Leon) between Maimonides and the Vilna Gaon, was proclaimed the Messiah promising to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This reflects the tension between the two views: Build the temple so the Messiah will return, or wait for the Messiah to return and build the temple (or bring down the temple in heaven).

Of course there were differing viewpoints. The interesting thing is that the Vilna Gaon and his followers were heavily influenced by Sabbatian teachings, particularly those of Heshil Tzoref of Vilna, and also of those like R. Hayyim Mosho Luzatto who were themselves influenced by moderate Sabbatianism.