EllenMaksoud Posted August 18, 2013 Posted August 18, 2013 OK, so you can see things about our temples rather easily on youtube that I know I am not permitted to see. I won't be talking to anyone outside the church about what I have seen. What do I say if some non member asks me about it all? I saw nothing that surprised me, nor did it in any way undermine my faith. I am not sure what to do with what I saw. I will pray. The video I just saw has 50,000 views now. It seems that many non members will know more than I about the temple.
Duncan Posted August 19, 2013 Posted August 19, 2013 Tell them to meet with the missionaries to get baptized so they can experience God in the Temple 3
volgadon Posted August 19, 2013 Posted August 19, 2013 OK, so you can see things about our temples rather easily on youtube that I know I am not permitted to see. I won't be talking to anyone outside the church about what I have seen. What do I say if some non member asks me about it all? I saw nothing that surprised me, nor did it in any way undermine my faith. I am not sure what to do with what I saw. I will pray. The video I just saw has 50,000 views now. It seems that many non members will know more than I about the temple. Watching it outside of its specific setting misses the point. The way that knwoledge is transmitted is far more important in the case of the temple than the actual content. 3
Garden Girl Posted August 19, 2013 Posted August 19, 2013 OK, so you can see things about our temples rather easily on youtube that I know I am not permitted to see. I won't be talking to anyone outside the church about what I have seen. What do I say if some non member asks me about it all? I saw nothing that surprised me, nor did it in any way undermine my faith. I am not sure what to do with what I saw. I will pray. The video I just saw has 50,000 views now. It seems that many non members will know more than I about the temple. Ellen...I'm assuming from this post that you have watched the youtube info on temples... What do you say if asked? Simply that we as Latter Day Saints do not discuss our temple ceremonies outside of the temple... because they are sacred to us...You really don't need to say anything other than that... if pressed about youtube, etc., you can say that you understand there have been postings that contain these things that are available for anyone to see... if they choose to do so. You don't owe it to anyone to discuss our temple ceremonies... period... just because someone's idle curiosity prompts them. Perhaps they are not aware that we don't discuss these things, therefore, you can tell them so. GG 2
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted August 19, 2013 Posted August 19, 2013 OK, so you can see things about our temples rather easily on youtube that I know I am not permitted to see. I won't be talking to anyone outside the church about what I have seen. What do I say if some non member asks me about it all? I saw nothing that surprised me, nor did it in any way undermine my faith. I am not sure what to do with what I saw. I will pray. The video I just saw has 50,000 views now. It seems that many non members will know more than I about the temple.Those who are not spiritually prepared and have things explained (which they are prior to going through a session) will not and cannot understand, no more than I can understand all the mysteries of God in mortality. If you have watched it, you can understand all the covenants we take, as they are all in scripture. A read of Genesis 1&2 will tell you 90% of all that is said. My advice have people speak to missionaries and learn the basic of faith and the commandments of God, which include sacrifice, obedience, tithing, loving thy negibor, service and complete faith I. God through faith in The Lord Jesus Christ. Not only believing in Christ and believing Christ.
Calm Posted August 19, 2013 Posted August 19, 2013 OK, so you can see things about our temples rather easily on youtube that I know I am not permitted to see. I won't be talking to anyone outside the church about what I have seen. What do I say if some non member asks me about it all? Would you like a link to a faithful website or two or three that teaches about the temple? One that is great for those preparing to go? Or do you want a nonLDS one as a reference to send nonmembers to (the BBC has a decent one, imo, without anything disrespectful). It seems that many non members will know more than I about the temple. There is knowledge and then there is wisdom. The first is not always beneficial to the possessor, the second always is. It is well worth being patient and taking one's time to prepare oneself by laying a good groundwork through study and spiritual growth rather than in gaining a superficial experience simply because one was curious. 1
EllenMaksoud Posted August 19, 2013 Author Posted August 19, 2013 Would you like a link to a faithful website or two or three that teaches about the temple? One that is great for those preparing to go? Or do you want a nonLDS one as a reference to send nonmembers to (the BBC has a decent one, imo, without anything disrespectful). There is knowledge and then there is wisdom. The first is not always beneficial to the possessor, the second always is. It is well worth being patient and taking one's time to prepare oneself by laying a good groundwork through study and spiritual growth rather than in gaining a superficial experience simply because one was curious.I'm sorry. Of course I did not intend anything disrespectful.
strappinglad Posted August 19, 2013 Posted August 19, 2013 I wonder what would result if an infidel were to slip into the Kaaba at Mecca and videoed the proceedings and then posted it on youtube.
Calm Posted August 19, 2013 Posted August 19, 2013 (edited) I'm sorry. Of course I did not intend anything disrespectful.Didn't think so, just wanted to make a point that seeing something doesn't always equate to understanding something and thus there is no reason for any member to feel like a nonmember might know more about temple things than they do simply because they haven't been to the temple yet. Would you like some links? There are some very helpful websites out there. Edited August 19, 2013 by calmoriah
EllenMaksoud Posted August 19, 2013 Author Posted August 19, 2013 Didn't think so, just wanted to make a point that seeing something doesn't always equate to understanding something and thus there is no reason for any member to feel like a nonmember might know more about temple things than they do simply because they haven't been to the temple yet. Would you like some links? There are some very helpful websites out there.Yes, I very much would like to see the links. Heavenly Father has given me peace about the Temple Recommend matter and I always want to remain open to what he wants me to learn.
rameumptom Posted August 19, 2013 Posted August 19, 2013 Explain that for you it is a spiritual event that you reverence and only speak of in detail within the temple. There may be some things you may speak of: especially regarding things that are taught in the scriptures (Creation, Fall, Redemption through Christ, chastity, sacrifice, consecration, etc), however it is a special experience that loses much context outside the temple walls, where covenant and personal revelation intertwine and bind us to God.
Calm Posted August 19, 2013 Posted August 19, 2013 Here's one to start...remind me later if I haven't posted more...I need to get off the computer and go get something to eat... http://www.mormonmonastery.org/category/home-page/
Damien the Leper Posted August 19, 2013 Posted August 19, 2013 Since Calmoriah is probably Heavenly Mother here on earth...I will refrain from discussing temple content. I love my Mormons too much to talk about that sacred building.
Garden Girl Posted August 19, 2013 Posted August 19, 2013 Since Calmoriah is probably Heavenly Mother here on earth...I will refrain from discussing temple content. I love my Mormons too much to talk about that sacred building.I am glad Valentinus... I am glad... GG
ERMD Posted August 20, 2013 Posted August 20, 2013 Here's my analogy-- Online temple videos : The real temple experiencePornography : Intimacy between husband and wife It isn't what you see; it's what it really means that is significant.
thesometimesaint Posted August 20, 2013 Posted August 20, 2013 OK, so you can see things about our temples rather easily on youtube that I know I am not permitted to see. I won't be talking to anyone outside the church about what I have seen. What do I say if some non member asks me about it all? I saw nothing that surprised me, nor did it in any way undermine my faith. I am not sure what to do with what I saw. I will pray. The video I just saw has 50,000 views now. It seems that many non members will know more than I about the temple. Devoid of context anything can be made to appear to be weired, unattractive, and even salacious. We have no responsibility to appeal to the voyeuristic, and crass. The Temple is really pretty simple to understand. We make covenants with God to be good wholesome people, to repent of sin, to make ourselves ready to meet God. If anyone has a problem with that it is their problem and not ours. 1
EllenMaksoud Posted August 21, 2013 Author Posted August 21, 2013 Devoid of context anything can be made to appear to be weired, unattractive, and even salacious. We have no responsibility to appeal to the voyeuristic, and crass. The Temple is really pretty simple to understand. We make covenants with God to be good wholesome people, to repent of sin, to make ourselves ready to meet God. If anyone has a problem with that it is their problem and not ours.I did not feel it was weird, only that I do not have the instruction to know what it means.
Tacenda Posted August 21, 2013 Posted August 21, 2013 I did not feel it was weird, only that I do not have the instruction to know what it means.It seemed weird to me looking at a youtube of it. Especially when it is meant to be sacred, not for the whole world to view and judge.
EllenMaksoud Posted August 21, 2013 Author Posted August 21, 2013 It seemed weird to me looking at a youtube of it. Especially when it is meant to be sacred, not for the whole world to view and judge.I will freely admit that there are many things that I do not understand. I intended no harm. I watched part of the video and kept getting the uncomfortable feeling that I was in a room that I had not been given permission to enter. If everyone wants to chew me out for being curious, you probably have the right. No harm was intended.
Tacenda Posted August 21, 2013 Posted August 21, 2013 I will freely admit that there are many things that I do not understand. I intended no harm. I watched part of the video and kept getting the uncomfortable feeling that I was in a room that I had not been given permission to enter. If everyone wants to chew me out for being curious, you probably have the right. No harm was intended.It was human of you Ellen, and I know some on this forum watched it to see what it was all about.
EllenMaksoud Posted August 21, 2013 Author Posted August 21, 2013 It was human of you Ellen, and I know some on this forum watched it to see what it was all about.You'd think the watchers would have better things to do. For me religion is a great adventure that often touches my heart. Sure, I make mistakes, but yesterday I also discovered The King Follet Discourse, and for me after I listened to it, a light came on. Why did the missionaries not teach this? If Mormons are paranoid enough to be watching, ready to condemn me for asking questions, I ask my self, what am I doing? I happen to believe that my faith will withstand my questionings and if it is true, it will grow.
thesometimesaint Posted August 21, 2013 Posted August 21, 2013 I will freely admit that there are many things that I do not understand. I intended no harm. I watched part of the video and kept getting the uncomfortable feeling that I was in a room that I had not been given permission to enter. If everyone wants to chew me out for being curious, you probably have the right. No harm was intended. No problem. We all get curious about stuff we don't know. While the ceremony isn't directly in one place in the Scriptures, You can pick it out by knowing where to look in the Scriptures.
cinepro Posted August 21, 2013 Posted August 21, 2013 OK, so you can see things about our temples rather easily on youtube that I know I am not permitted to see. I won't be talking to anyone outside the church about what I have seen. What do I say if some non member asks me about it all? I saw nothing that surprised me, nor did it in any way undermine my faith. I am not sure what to do with what I saw. I will pray. The video I just saw has 50,000 views now. It seems that many non members will know more than I about the temple. What kind of questions do you think a non-member would ask? Other than confirming that the video is legit, and explaining that many LDS find it to be a very spiritually uplifting experience filled with symbolism (and that we promise not to discuss the specific signs and covenants outside of the Temple), there's not much more to say.
Stargazer Posted August 28, 2013 Posted August 28, 2013 You'd think the watchers would have better things to do. For me religion is a great adventure that often touches my heart. Sure, I make mistakes, but yesterday I also discovered The King Follet Discourse, and for me after I listened to it, a light came on. Why did the missionaries not teach this? If Mormons are paranoid enough to be watching, ready to condemn me for asking questions, I ask my self, what am I doing? I happen to believe that my faith will withstand my questionings and if it is true, it will grow. Who has condemned you? I had not noticed this. Anyway, for a supposed Latter-day Saint to sneak a video camera into the temple, record the endowment, and then publish it on YouTube is a clear violation of covenants, and shows a clear disrespect to God. And if the video has been posted, then those who view it will understand from the video itself that the one who does so is a disrespector of Diety, "for God will not be mocked." But on the bright side, those who come to the video expecting a salacious experience (because if you must keep it secret then it really must be wicked!) will get, unexpectedly, a gospel message. They will not understand the significance of much of it, but they will at least learn that we do nothing in that sacred building that is blameworthy. As to the missionaries not teaching the King Follett Discourse ... The KFD comes under the heading of meat, whereas the missionaries teach milk. That's their job, not to turn prospects into theologians. Besides, the KFD has not been formally accepted by the Church as doctrine, even though Joseph Smith did teach true doctrines in that address. It is not part and parcel with the scriptures, for example. Actually, reading D&C 76 is a big huge trip, very much superior to the KFD in my opinion. It is probably my favorite single chapter in all the scriptures. Many years ago I went camping solo into the Mt. Rainier National Park, and found a small peak to sit upon and read that section aloud upon. Not that I hadn't read it before, but to hear those verses rolling over one, with all their power, is majestic, and fit the venue -- this huge quiet volcano sitting off to my left. The majesty of God's power being heard in a place where God's power.was made manifest.
EllenMaksoud Posted August 28, 2013 Author Posted August 28, 2013 (edited) Who has condemned you? I had not noticed this. Anyway, for a supposed Latter-day Saint to sneak a video camera into the temple, record the endowment, and then publish it on YouTube is a clear violation of covenants, and shows a clear disrespect to God. And if the video has been posted, then those who view it will understand from the video itself that the one who does so is a disrespector of Diety, "for God will not be mocked." But on the bright side, those who come to the video expecting a salacious experience (because if you must keep it secret then it really must be wicked!) will get, unexpectedly, a gospel message. They will not understand the significance of much of it, but they will at least learn that we do nothing in that sacred building that is blameworthy. As to the missionaries not teaching the King Follett Discourse ... The KFD comes under the heading of meat, whereas the missionaries teach milk. That's their job, not to turn prospects into theologians. Besides, the KFD has not been formally accepted by the Church as doctrine, even though Joseph Smith did teach true doctrines in that address. It is not part and parcel with the scriptures, for example. Actually, reading D&C 76 is a big huge trip, very much superior to the KFD in my opinion. It is probably my favorite single chapter in all the scriptures. Many years ago I went camping solo into the Mt. Rainier National Park, and found a small peak to sit upon and read that section aloud upon. Not that I hadn't read it before, but to hear those verses rolling over one, with all their power, is majestic, and fit the venue -- this huge quiet volcano sitting off to my left. The majesty of God's power being heard in a place where God's power.was made manifest.Well, upon giving the matter much thought, I knew that viewing the video would be forbidden, haraam, or what ever. I was just curious, and that underlines to me the fact that I have the same weakness that Eve had. I am feeling rather contrite right now, and will think twice about just giving my curiousity free reign. Most of the time, my investigations of Biblical matters helps to deepen my faith. In the matter of the temple video, when I spoke of it to a sister where I volunteer, she simply said to me, "Now you know that we do not sacrifice babies". I'm wiser now, but wish I had waited to have my own experience in the Temple, though I fear I never will. Edited August 28, 2013 by EllenMaksoud
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