What is the difference between attending church and the temple?
We attend church each Sunday to worship God, to take the sacrament, and to be uplifted and strengthened by our brothers and sisters. Gospel principles are taught and discussed in the context of our lives. We invite the Spirit to teach us but also have a lot of interaction between members.
In contrast, our visits to the temple are less social and more personal. We go on our own schedule and not on Sundays. The temple is a calm, beautiful, quiet place where we set aside our worldly cares and think only of God. While there is some talking, conversation is limited. Instead, we ask questions in silent prayer and listen for answers from the still small voice. The temple is the house of the Lord, and we go there to be close to Him.
What goes on in Mormon Temples? Why is it such a big secret? Why are only Mormons allowed?
In our temples, we pray and receive gospel instruction. We also receive blessings by participating in ordinances and entering into covenants with God. Every aspect of temple worship is founded on faith in Jesus Christ, and the purpose of the temple is to prepare to live with Him in the eternities.
Temples are so sacred that we only talk about them reverently and without mentioning specifics except when we're inside, but the gospel is the same inside and out and it is no secret.
There’s nothing greater than receiving temple blessings and nothing worse than dishonoring them. We hold interviews and require recommendations for entering the temple to ensure that everyone there believes in Jesus Christ, understands the commitments they are making, and is living so that they will be able to uphold those commitments and enjoy the sweet blessings now and forever. We would be happy if everyone in the world prepared and entered the temple.
Why do Mormons perform proxy baptisms in their temples?
God loves all of His children and wants us all to return to Him after this life. In order to live with Him we must be clean in body and spirit, which makes baptism necessary.
Many people have died without being properly baptized. Their spirits are alive but unable to perform the ordinance without a body. They need someone alive to be baptized in their behalf. That is why we exert so much effort researching family history and other records of the deceased. After we have a deceased person’s name and other basic information, we can take their name to the temple and be baptized for them.
We usually do this for family members, but the plan is to eventually perform temple ordinances for every person who ever lived. That way all of God’s children can receive the blessings of baptism and live with Him if they desire it.
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