Temple Garments: What Are They, And Why Do Mormons Wear Them?

From ancient times, men and women have embraced sacred music, different forms of prayer, religious vestments full of symbolism, gestures and rituals to express their innermost feelings of devotion to God.

The variety of these forms of expression is as wide and diverse as the human family.

Yet all have the same ultimate purpose: to connect the believer with the object of their devotion in the most personal way—to draw close to God.


To those outside a particular faith, the rituals and clothing may seem unfamiliar. But for the participants they can stir the deepest feelings of the soul, motivate them to do good, even shape the course of a whole life of service.

The nun’s habit. The priest’s cassock. The Jewish prayer shawl. The Muslim’s skullcap. The saffron robes of the Buddhist monk. All are part of a rich tapestry of human devotion to God.

Not all such religious vestments are on public display. Some are seen only in places of worship. Temple robes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known as the robes of the holy priesthood, are worn only inside Mormon temples and reserved for the highest sacraments of the faith. White symbolizes purity. There is no insignia or rank. The most senior apostle and the newest member are indistinguishable when dressed in the same way. Men and women wear similar clothing. The simple vestments combine religious symbolism with echoes of antiquity reflected in ancient writings from the book of Exodus.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there are no outer religious vestments in ordinary worship services.

However, many faithful Latter-day Saints wear a garment under their clothing that has deep religious significance. Similar in design to ordinary modest underclothing, it comes in two pieces and is usually referred to as the “temple garment.”

Some people incorrectly refer to temple garments as magical or “magic underwear.” These words are not only inaccurate but also offensive to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is nothing magical or mystical about temple garments, and Church members ask for the same degree of respect and sensitivity that would be afforded to any other faith by people of goodwill.

Temple garments are worn by adult members of the Church who have made sacred promises of fidelity to God’s commandments and the gospel of Jesus Christ in temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

To Church members, the modest temple garment, worn under normal clothing, along with the symbolic vestments worn during temple worship, represent the sacred and personal aspect of their relationship with God and their commitment to live good, honorable lives.

The Historical Background of Temple Garments
Biblical scripture contains many references to the wearing of special garments. In the Old Testament the Israelites are specifically instructed to turn their garments into personal reminders of their covenants with God (see Numbers 15:37-41). Indeed, for some, religious clothing has always been an important part of integrating worship with daily living. Such practices resonate with Latter-day Saints today.

How should media report on temple garments?
Because of the personal and religious nature of the temple garment, the Church asks all media to report on the subject with respect, treating Latter-day Saint temple garments as they would religious vestments of other faiths. Ridiculing or making light of sacred clothing is highly offensive to Latter-day Saints.

Missionary Monday: Sister Christensen Serving In Lisbon, Portugal

Here is a recent letter from Sister Christensen:

Olá todos,

This week we had transfers, and I.... am staying in Évora for 6 more weeks and finishing up the training with Sister Brothersen! I am soo excited! I will have officially served the maximum that is allowed in an area in our mission (4 transfers, almost 6 months of my mission). WOOHOO! 

This week I got sick for the first time in my mission. However, we saw a huge miracle because of it. Tuesday I really just wanted to get out and work, but was bed-ridden with the flu. That night at about 6:30 I was feeling a little bit better and so we left and got to work. We left praying, "please, help us find a family tonight." So, we knocked a lot of doors and really no one listened. With 20 more minutes, we knocked on the door of a family. They were SUPER receptive and literally the mom said, " I just would like to know which church is true. There are so many churches." I love it when they say this! 

Long-story-short this family is super special. They all went to church yesterday, are reading the Book of Mormon, and we have a Family Night with them tonight in a member´s home (with our convert, Sandro as well). The really cool part of this experience - when we got home that night I immediately felt sick again. I was up all night sick and slept the next day. Miracles happen (I was able to stay healthy for the day)! I felt incredible when we were knocking doors! 

Anyway, Jessica from our family will be baptized this weekend along with another 10-year-old who´s family we are teaching. He´s already been to church a lot and loves it, so his mom gave him permission to be baptized. I love this work. It is seriously so special and great to see the differences in the lives of people.

Loved this quote of the week: "The way you feel in the temple is a pattern for how you want to feel in your life." - Elder Andersen, Maio 2014. 

I know this work is real. I know we can always do this work every day of our lives, whether we have a nametag or not! I am so grateful for the gospel and how happiness in this life is truly dependent on our personal obedience to the commandments. 

Love you all and have the BEST week of your entire lives! :)

Sister Christensen

 

Sister Christensen is serving from the Saddle Ranch Ward. You can visit her blog by clicking HERE.

Last Day To Register For Mini-MTC

Stake Mini-MTC DEADLINE for Registration is Today! SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26TH

Please click HERE to register.

Sunday's Pinnable Quote

New Stake Presidency Members

Brothers and Sisters,

We realize that due to Fall Break, many families were unable to attend stake conference this past weekend. On Sunday October 19th in the general session of stake conference, Robert R. Hammond and Steven M. Grover were released from the stake presidency. President Brandon K. Wilcox of the Westridge Ward was called as the new first counselor in the stake presidency and President Christopher L. Thomas of the Saddle Ranch Ward was called as the new second counselor in the stake presidency. President Wilcox will now take over the assignments that President Grover had, and President Thomas will take over the assignments that President Hammond had.

Thank you for your sustaining vote and for your prayers on behalf of the leaders of our stake.

Sincerely,

President Ralph L. Walker

Fort Collins Temple Progress

It is incredibly exciting to have a new temple being built in Colorado!

To see the progress of the Ft. Collins Temple, you can go to a live feed of the temple by clicking HERE.

For more information in regards to the construction of the temple, click HERE.

Here is an artist rendition of the temple:

Westridge Relief Society Halloween Crafting

Recently the women of the Westridge Ward made beautiful Halloween crafts. And who doesn't love a great Halloween craft???

Missionary Monday: Prominent Figures Gather For "Meet the Mormons" Movie Premiere

 If you are doubting the impact of Meet the Mormons, just read this article (the original article is posted HERE.):

Salt Lake City — 

More than 500 invited guests gathered in Utah this week for the premiere of “Meet the Mormons,” a feature-length documentary produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The crowd at the "Meet the Mormons" movie premiere.
They included well-known Latter-day Saint and community figures, including business leaders, educators, artists, performers, filmmakers, sports figures and politicians.

The cast of "Meet the Mormons."
The cast of the movie was on hand at the Megaplex Theatres on 7 October 2014 in Sandy, Utah, to greet the guests and watch the much anticipated movie that has been in the making for three years.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles greet the movie audience.
The festivities included a reception and a welcome from Elders Jeffrey R. Holland and David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who have asked moviegoers to share their impressions of the film on social media channels.

The Sullivans with Neon Trees drummer Elaine Bradley and bassist Branden Campbell.
Many of the attendees captured photos with the six Mormon families who were showcased in the 70-minute production, ranging from a humanitarian to a football coach to a missionary mom.

Some of the children in the cast enjoy time together at the movie premiere.
The inspirational movie takes viewers on location around the world to introduce them to diverse families in Costa Rica, Nepal and four cities in the United States. The families featured in the film say it has been a positive experience. In fact, friendships have been formed between the cast and crew members.

Singer Marie Osmond, former presidential candidate Mitt Romney and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland attend the "Meet the Mormons" premiere.
Producers hope the documentary will change negative stereotypes people may have about Latter-day Saints. The film was designed to show the audience that Mormons are Christians who lead normal lives.

The Halvorsens at the "Meet the Mormons" movie premiere.
Col. Gail Halvorsen is celebrating his 94th birthday as the film debuts. Halvorsen was known as “the candy bomber” during the Berlin Airlift in the 1940s. He brought his wife to the premiere.

Humanitarian Bishnu Adhikari and his family meet artist David Archuleta at the movie premiere.
Engineer and humanitarian Bishnu Adhikari, originally from Nepal, attended the Utah event with his wife and children. The family of Ken Niumatalolo participated in Tuesday’s premiere. He’s the head football coach of the U.S. Naval Academy.

Kickboxer Carolina Muñoz Marin attends the movie premiere with her husband.
Carolina Muñoz Marin, an amateur kickboxing champion from Costa Rica, runs a charity with her husband. They traveled to Utah for the movie’s opening.

The Sullivan family attended the movie premiere with their sons.
The movie features a Mormon bishop and his family from Atlanta, Georgia. That bishop and now stake president, Jermaine, and his wife, Kembe, were in Utah with their boys to see the movie.

The Armstrong family poses with Dan Reynolds, singer of Imagine Dragons, at the "Meet the Mormons" premiere.
Utah missionary mom Dawn Armstrong, her husband, and their children also enjoyed meeting those who attended the premiere.

The crowd inside the theater at the "Meet the Mormons" movie premiere in Utah.
“Meet the Mormons” is being shown in more than 300 theaters across the United States beginning Friday, 10 October. Visit the website to find viewing locations.

Table decorations at the movie premiere in Sandy, Utah.
Proceeds from the film will benefit the American Red Cross.

Sunday's Pinnable Quote: Elder Perry

General Women's Meeting Photos