The temple is a topic around which many Latter-day Saints tiptoe, a complicated centerpiece of our religious practices. It is sacred, but also secret. It is of paramount importance, but participation in its ordinances requires a recommend not all members receive. It unites families, but can also divide them. In this second discussion, Cynthia and Susan unpack a few ideas and symbols from the temple, including the one way it impacts the lives of endowed members directly every day—garments.
Notes:
Your Imaginarium, by Richard Rohr, 9/2015
Kim
Before “hearken” the word was obey. I told my ‘almost’ husband that I would never obey him, that would not be part of our relationship, EVER regardless of that temple covenant. For years I have struggled with the temple procedures and supposed doctrines. The questions that changes raise are: Was it ever true then? Did I ever need to promise to obey my husband? Why was I instructed to wear the garment day and night and next to my skin? Was it ever true?
Angela Murrary
I was endowed in 1979 and obeyed what I was told regarding garments. I can’t tell you how many pairs of garments and pants I soiled during menstruation and breast feeding due to always wearing the garment against my skin. I was most recently told from the pulpit that I should fold my garments reverently before putting them in the laundry basket for washing later. Everything was done out of fear that I would be cast out of the church.