Why Mormons

Category: Temples and Ordinances

Temples and Ordinances: Covers the purpose of temples, sacred ordinances, covenants, and their significance in the spiritual life of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

  • Why Are Mormon Temples Closed to the Public?

    Why Are Mormon Temples Closed to the Public?

    When people first learn about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one of the most common questions they ask is why Mormon temples are closed to the public. The idea that a religious building is not freely open to everyone can feel unusual, especially in a world where churches, cathedrals, and chapels are often open for casual visits, tourism, and public worship.

    This question often leads to misunderstandings. Some assume temples are secretive, exclusive, or meant to separate members from the rest of society. Latter-day Saints, however, understand temple worship very differently. They believe temples are not closed because they are secret, but because they are sacred.

    For Latter-day Saints, temples are houses of the Lord—places set apart for the most sacred acts of worship, covenant making, and spiritual instruction. Limiting access is not meant to exclude others, but to preserve a reverent atmosphere where individuals can focus fully on commitments centered on Jesus Christ.

    To understand why Mormon temples are closed to the public after dedication, it is essential to understand how Latter-day Saints view sacred space, covenants, worship, authority, and reverence toward God.

    Temples Are Sacred, Not Secret

    One of the most important distinctions Latter-day Saints make is between something being secret and something being sacred. A secret is hidden to prevent others from knowing. Something sacred, by contrast, is set apart and treated with special care and respect.

    Latter-day Saints openly teach their beliefs about temples. Church websites, publications, missionaries, and leaders explain what temples are, why they exist, and what ordinances are performed there. There is no attempt to hide doctrine or theology.

    What is limited is participation, not information.

    Temple ordinances involve sacred covenants between individuals and God. Latter-day Saints believe these covenants deserve a setting free from distraction, casual observation, or misunderstanding. Restricting access helps preserve the spiritual focus and reverence these ordinances require.

    This approach is not unique to Latter-day Saints. Many religious traditions reserve certain rituals, spaces, or practices for initiated or prepared participants.

    Open Houses Before Dedication

    One important fact that is often overlooked is that Mormon temples are open to the public before they are dedicated. During this period, known as an open house, anyone may enter the temple, walk through its rooms, ask questions, and learn about its purpose and symbolism.

    These open houses can last several weeks or even months. Millions of people around the world—members and non-members alike—have toured temples during these periods.

    Visitors learn about:

    • The purpose of temples

    • The difference between temples and chapels

    • The symbolism of temple architecture

    • The focus on Jesus Christ and eternal families

    Invitation to Learn

    These open houses reflect transparency rather than secrecy. They demonstrate that Latter-day Saints are willing to explain their beliefs and invite others to learn.

    Once a temple is dedicated, it is formally set apart for sacred use. From that point forward, access is limited to those who participate in temple worship.

    The Purpose of Sacred Space

    Latter-day Saints believe sacred space plays an important role in spiritual life. While God can be worshipped anywhere, they believe certain places are set apart for deeper spiritual instruction and covenant making.

    Temples are designed to be places of peace, reflection, and holiness. Everything about their design—from architecture to interior decor—is intended to foster reverence and spiritual focus.

    By limiting access, temples remain places where worship is not interrupted by noise, tourism, photography, or curiosity-driven observation.

    This allows worshippers to focus fully on God rather than on being observed.

    Preparation and Worthiness

    Another key reason temples are closed to the public is the belief that temple ordinances involve sacred covenants. Latter-day Saints believe these covenants require spiritual preparation and personal commitment.

    Before entering a temple, members reflect on their faith, conduct, and devotion to Jesus Christ. They commit to living moral and spiritual standards such as honesty, fidelity, compassion, and reverence for God.

    This preparation is not about being perfect. Latter-day Saints openly acknowledge human weakness and the need for grace. Preparation is about sincerity, humility, and willingness to live according to Christ’s teachings.

    Personal Commitment, Not Social Status

    Temple access is not based on wealth, education, race, nationality, or social standing. Any member of the Church, anywhere in the world, who meets the spiritual requirements may enter.

    This reflects the belief that temple worship is about personal commitment rather than privilege.

    Biblical Patterns of Restricted Sacred Space

    Latter-day Saints often point to the Bible to explain why restricting access to sacred spaces is not unusual.

    In the Old Testament, God commanded the construction of the tabernacle and later the temple in Jerusalem. These structures included areas with varying levels of access. Some spaces were open to all worshippers, while others were reserved for priests, and the most sacred area—the Holy of Holies—was entered only under specific conditions.

    These restrictions were not meant to exclude people unfairly. They were meant to protect holiness and emphasize reverence.

    Reverence in Worship

    Latter-day Saints believe these biblical patterns show that God values reverence, preparation, and respect in worship. Limiting access to sacred spaces helps create an environment where worshippers can focus on God without distraction.

    Respect for God’s Presence

    Restricting access reflects respect for what Latter-day Saints believe are holy encounters with God. Just as ancient worshippers approached sacred spaces with preparation and reverence, modern temple worship is approached with care and devotion.

    Why Observation Is Different From Participation

    Another important concept is the difference between observing and participating.

    Many religious services are designed to be observed by anyone. Temple ordinances, however, are participatory. They involve personal commitments, reflection, and sacred promises.

    Latter-day Saints believe these experiences lose meaning if treated as performances or spectacles. Closing temples to casual visitors after dedication helps preserve the integrity of worship.

    It ensures that those present are there to worship, not to watch.

    Addressing the Idea of Exclusivity

    Some critics view closed temples as exclusionary. Latter-day Saints understand this concern, but they see the issue differently.

    They believe temples ultimately exist to bless all humanity, not just Church members. Many temple ordinances—such as baptisms for the dead—are performed on behalf of those who never belonged to the Church.

    Thus, while access is limited, the intended blessings are universal.

    The restriction is not about who matters, but about how sacred worship is protected.

    Temples and Agency

    Agency—the ability to choose—is central to Latter-day Saint belief. Temple worship is voluntary. No one is forced to attend or participate.

    Because temple ordinances involve agency, commitment, and accountability, they are reserved for those who choose to enter that covenant relationship.

    Closing temples to the public respects both the agency of participants and the seriousness of the commitments being made.

    The Atmosphere of Peace and Reflection

    Many Latter-day Saints describe temples as places of profound peace. This atmosphere is carefully preserved through quietness, order, and reverence.

    Limiting access helps ensure that temple worship is not disrupted by crowds, cameras, or casual tourism.

    In a noisy and fast-paced world, temples offer a rare space for stillness and spiritual focus.

    Common Misunderstandings

    One common misunderstanding is that temples are secretive. In reality, Latter-day Saints openly explain temple beliefs, publish educational materials, and invite questions.

    Another misunderstanding is that temples are elitist. Latter-day Saints believe temples are for everyone who desires to make covenants with God, regardless of background.

    Some assume curiosity is discouraged. On the contrary, Latter-day Saints encourage sincere questions and provide many opportunities to learn through open houses, missionaries, and official resources.

    Why This Practice Matters

    Keeping temples closed to the public after dedication helps preserve the sacred nature of temple worship. It allows individuals to focus on God rather than on being observed or misunderstood.

    This practice reinforces reverence, seriousness, and spiritual commitment.

    For Latter-day Saints, temples are not tourist attractions or social venues. They are places of worship, covenant making, and spiritual renewal.

    Temples as Houses of the Lord

    Ultimately, the reason Mormon temples are closed to the public is rooted in how Latter-day Saints view God. They believe temples are literally houses of the Lord—places where His presence is honored and His work carried out.

    Just as people behave differently in sacred moments than in casual settings, Latter-day Saints believe sacred places deserve special respect.

    Limiting access is a way of expressing devotion, not exclusion.

    Why This Belief Matters Spiritually

    Belief in sacred space shapes how Latter-day Saints approach worship. It teaches reverence, humility, and intentionality.

    Temples remind believers that some aspects of faith are meant to be lived quietly and deeply, rather than displayed publicly.

    This belief encourages inward devotion rather than outward performance.

    An Invitation

    Latter-day Saints invite everyone to learn about temples, attend open houses, ask sincere questions, and explore official resources.

    They believe understanding grows through respect, curiosity, and dialogue—and that God welcomes all who seek Him with sincerity.

    Sources

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Temples
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

    Gospel Topics Essays – Temples
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays

    Doctrine and Covenants Central
    https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org

    Scripture Central
    https://scripturecentral.org

  • Why Do Mormons Have Food Storage?

    Why Do Mormons Have Food Storage?

    One of the practices often associated with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is food storage. Many people have heard that “Mormons store food,” and this idea sometimes leads to misunderstandings. Some assume it is driven by fear, extreme survivalism, or expectations of imminent catastrophe. Others imagine basements filled with years of supplies stored in isolation from the rest of society.

    For Latter-day Saints, food storage is none of those things. It is not about panic, doomsday predictions, or withdrawing from the world. Instead, it is a practical expression of deeply held spiritual values: personal responsibility, self-reliance, stewardship, compassion, and trust in God.

    Food storage reflects the belief that God expects His children to prepare wisely for the future while also caring for others. It is a principle rooted in scripture, reinforced by modern prophetic counsel, and applied in balanced, reasonable ways according to individual circumstances.

    Understanding why Mormons have food storage requires looking beyond stereotypes and exploring how they understand preparation, faith, family responsibility, and service to others—all within the broader framework of Christian discipleship centered on Jesus Christ.

    Preparedness as a Principle of Faith

    Latter-day Saints believe faith and preparation go together. Trusting God does not mean ignoring reality or avoiding responsibility. Instead, faith motivates wise action.

    In their belief, God works through both spiritual guidance and practical effort. Preparing for the future is seen as a form of obedience and gratitude rather than fear. Food storage is one way members act on the belief that God expects them to use wisdom, foresight, and effort to care for themselves and their families.

    This approach reflects a balance between reliance on God and personal responsibility. Latter-day Saints believe God provides resources and guidance, but individuals are accountable for how they use those blessings.

    Biblical Foundations for Food Storage

    One of the most frequently cited biblical examples supporting food storage is the story of Joseph in Egypt. According to the Bible, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream as a warning that seven years of abundance would be followed by seven years of famine. Acting on divine inspiration, Joseph organized the storage of grain during times of plenty so the people could survive years of scarcity.

    Latter-day Saints view this story as a clear example of inspired preparation. Joseph did not act out of fear but out of wisdom. He did not hoard resources selfishly but organized storage to bless entire nations.

    This narrative reinforces the idea that preparation is not a lack of faith, but an expression of it.

    Wisdom and Stewardship

    Scripture often emphasizes stewardship—the responsibility to manage resources wisely. Latter-day Saints believe everything they have ultimately comes from God, including food, income, time, and abilities.

    Food storage is seen as part of responsible stewardship. Preparing for the future shows respect for God’s gifts and acknowledges that blessings should not be wasted or taken for granted.

    Learning From Scripture

    Beyond Joseph’s story, the Bible repeatedly teaches prudence, foresight, and care for one’s household. Proverbs praises the wise who prepare for the future, while cautioning against recklessness and complacency.

    Latter-day Saints believe these teachings apply not only spiritually but also practically.

    Modern Prophetic Counsel

    In addition to biblical foundations, food storage has been encouraged by modern leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over many decades, Church leaders have taught principles of self-reliance, preparedness, and emergency planning.

    This counsel has evolved with time. In earlier periods, members were encouraged to store larger quantities of food due to economic uncertainty and limited access to resources. In more recent years, leaders have emphasized balance, adaptability, and personal circumstances.

    The focus today is not on storing excessive amounts of food, but on being reasonably prepared for short-term disruptions and emergencies.

    Adapting to Modern Realities

    Church leaders recognize that not everyone has the same financial means, living space, or family size. Food storage is not presented as a rigid requirement but as a flexible guideline.

    Members are encouraged to do what they reasonably can, according to their situation. This might mean storing a few weeks or months of food, building supplies gradually, or focusing on water and basic necessities.

    Personal Responsibility

    Preparedness is framed as a personal responsibility rather than a comparison with others. There is no competition or judgment regarding how much food someone stores.

    The emphasis is on thoughtful planning rather than perfection.

    Self-Reliance and Independence

    A central reason Latter-day Saints value food storage is their belief in self-reliance. Self-reliance does not mean isolation or rejection of community support. Instead, it means being capable of caring for oneself and one’s family during temporary hardship.

    Food storage helps families remain stable during challenges such as job loss, illness, natural disasters, or supply disruptions. Having basic necessities on hand reduces stress and allows families to focus on problem-solving rather than panic.

    Self-reliance is viewed as empowering rather than fearful. It fosters confidence, resilience, and peace of mind.

    Strengthening Families

    Food storage is closely connected to family responsibility. Latter-day Saints believe parents have a duty to provide for and protect their families.

    Preparing food and basic supplies helps ensure that families can meet essential needs even when circumstances change suddenly. This preparation contributes to emotional security as well as physical well-being.

    Families who feel prepared often experience less anxiety during crises. Children learn valuable lessons about planning, responsibility, and gratitude.

    Food Storage and Emotional Peace

    One often overlooked benefit of food storage is emotional peace. Knowing that basic needs can be met during unexpected situations provides reassurance.

    Latter-day Saints believe preparedness helps replace fear with calm. Instead of worrying about what might happen, families can face uncertainty with greater confidence.

    This emotional stability is considered a blessing in itself.

    Helping Others in Times of Need

    Food storage is not only about self-preservation. One of its most important purposes is enabling service to others.

    Latter-day Saints believe preparation allows them to help neighbors, friends, and community members during emergencies rather than becoming a burden. When disasters occur, those who are prepared are better able to share resources, time, and support.

    This reflects the Christian commandment to love one’s neighbor.

    Community and Compassion

    Many members have stories of sharing food with others during crises—whether after natural disasters, economic downturns, or personal hardships.

    Food storage turns compassion into action. It allows members to respond quickly and generously when others are in need.

    This outward focus is a core reason food storage is encouraged.

    Church Welfare and Preparedness

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also operates extensive welfare and humanitarian programs. These efforts are supported by principles of self-reliance and preparedness at both individual and organizational levels.

    Food storage at the family level complements broader Church efforts to care for the poor and needy.

    Prepared individuals strengthen the entire community.

    What Food Storage Typically Includes

    Food storage does not mean storing unusual or unfamiliar foods. Latter-day Saints are encouraged to store items they already use regularly.

    This often includes staples such as grains, canned goods, dried foods, water, and basic household supplies. The goal is practicality, not novelty.

    Storing familiar foods ensures that supplies can be rotated and used without waste.

    Gradual Preparation

    A key principle emphasized by Church leaders is gradual preparation. Food storage is meant to be built over time, not through sudden or overwhelming purchases.

    Members are encouraged to start small and add items gradually as resources allow. This approach prevents financial strain and makes preparedness manageable.

    Avoiding Waste

    Wise food storage includes proper rotation and use. Latter-day Saints are taught to avoid waste by regularly consuming stored food and replacing it.

    This reinforces the principle of stewardship and respect for resources.

    Not Fear-Based or Apocalyptic

    One of the most common misunderstandings about food storage is that it reflects fear of the end of the world. Latter-day Saints strongly reject this idea.

    Food storage is not motivated by predictions of apocalypse. It is motivated by everyday realities such as storms, power outages, economic instability, and personal emergencies.

    Most emergencies are temporary and local. Food storage helps families weather these situations with dignity and stability.

    Balance and Reasonableness

    Church leaders consistently emphasize balance. Food storage should not become an obsession or source of anxiety.

    Preparedness is meant to simplify life, not complicate it. Members are encouraged to remain calm, flexible, and focused on spiritual priorities.

    Trust in God and Human Effort

    Food storage illustrates how Latter-day Saints combine trust in God with practical effort. They believe God expects His children to act wisely while trusting Him for ultimate outcomes.

    Preparation does not replace faith; it expresses faith.

    This balance reflects the belief that God often works through human planning and action.

    Teaching Children About Preparedness

    Food storage is often a teaching opportunity within families. Children learn lessons about planning, gratitude, and helping others.

    Parents may involve children in simple preparedness activities, such as organizing supplies or learning how to use stored food.

    These experiences teach responsibility without fear.

    Preparedness in a Modern World

    In an interconnected global economy, disruptions can happen quickly. Supply chains, natural disasters, and economic shifts can affect access to basic goods.

    Latter-day Saints believe reasonable preparedness is increasingly relevant in modern society. Food storage helps families adapt to temporary disruptions without panic.

    Preparedness and Dignity

    Being prepared allows families to maintain dignity during hardship. Rather than relying immediately on external assistance, they can draw on their own resources.

    This does not eliminate the need for community support, but it strengthens personal confidence and resilience.

    Common Misunderstandings

    Some believe food storage is mandatory or strictly enforced. In reality, it is encouraged, not policed.

    Others believe it requires large financial investment. Church teachings emphasize modest, gradual preparation.

    Some assume it leads to isolation. In practice, it often leads to greater community engagement and service.

    Why This Belief Matters

    Food storage matters because it reflects how Latter-day Saints view life: as something requiring both faith and responsibility.

    It reinforces principles of self-reliance, compassion, foresight, and trust in God. It prepares individuals not only to survive difficulties, but to serve others during them.

    For believers, food storage is a quiet expression of discipleship—lived out in practical, everyday choices.

    A Broader Christian Perspective

    Many Christian traditions value preparation, charity, and care for family. Latter-day Saints see food storage as consistent with these broader Christian values.

    They believe preparing for the future allows them to focus more fully on loving God and serving others.

    An Invitation

    Latter-day Saints invite others to understand food storage not as fear-driven behavior, but as thoughtful, faith-based preparation.

    They believe wise preparation brings peace rather than anxiety and enables people to face uncertainty with confidence and generosity.

    Sources

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Self-Reliance
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

    Church News – Preparedness and Self-Reliance
    https://www.thechurchnews.com

    Doctrine and Covenants Central
    https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org

    Scripture Central
    https://scripturecentral.org

  • History of Initiatory Ordinances

    History of Initiatory Ordinances

    Initiatory ordinances in Mormon temples come from ancient religious patterns that predate Christianity and reach back to the earliest biblical accounts. These rites involve washing, anointing, sacred clothing, and the giving of a new name. Latter-day Saints believe these practices were originally part of temple worship given to Adam and Eve and later preserved in Israelite priesthood rituals. Over time, many of these temple patterns were lost or altered. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that initiatory ordinances were restored through modern revelation, reconnecting contemporary worship with ancient covenant traditions centered on preparation to enter the presence of God.

    Doctrine Explained

    Latter-day Saints believe God has used temples and ritual worship consistently throughout human history. Initiatory ordinances are understood as part of that long pattern.

    In temple settings, initiatory ordinances historically marked transitions. They prepared individuals to move from one sacred state to another. In scripture, this transition is often described as approaching holy space or assuming priestly responsibility.

    Rather than seeing initiatory ordinances as symbolic inventions, Latter-day Saints view them as restored practices that once existed in earlier dispensations. They teach preparation, sanctification, and covenant identity using physical actions that reflect spiritual realities.

    The modern form of initiatory ordinances is believed to preserve essential elements while adapting to contemporary circumstances, consistent with how God has always revealed worship practices according to time and place.

    Scriptural and Official Sources

    The earliest scriptural foundation appears in the creation narrative. After the Fall, God clothed Adam and Eve before they entered the fallen world. Latter-day Saints interpret this act as covenantal and instructional rather than merely practical. This account is found in Genesis 3:21.

    In the law of Moses, priests were washed, anointed with oil, and clothed in sacred garments before serving in the tabernacle. These rites occurred at the entrance of the tabernacle, emphasizing preparation before approaching God. This pattern is described in Exodus 29 and Exodus 40.

    Later biblical accounts connect washing and anointing with divine authority and kingship, such as the anointing of David. These acts carried promised blessings that were fulfilled over time rather than immediately.

    Modern revelation affirms continuity with these ancient practices. Doctrine and Covenants 84:33 teaches that priesthood ordinances lead to sanctification and the renewal of the body through the Spirit.

    Official Church teaching explains that initiatory ordinances are part of the temple endowment and are preparatory in nature. This is outlined in the Church’s explanation of temple worship found in What Is the Temple Endowment?.

    Why Latter-day Saints Believe This

    Latter-day Saints believe religious truth has been revealed, lost, and restored at different times throughout history. They understand history in terms of dispensations, periods when God revealed His gospel and priesthood authority in fullness.

    From this perspective, initiatory ordinances are not borrowed or invented practices. They are seen as restored temple patterns that existed from the beginning and later survived in fragmented forms across cultures. Parallels found in Jewish and early Christian worship are viewed as remnants rather than sources.

    Joseph Smith taught that temple worship restores what God revealed to earlier prophets. Latter-day Saints therefore understand initiatory ordinances as part of that restoration, reconnecting modern worship with ancient covenant paths centered on Jesus Christ.

    Clarifying Common Misunderstandings

    This belief is sometimes misunderstood as claiming that modern temple ordinances are identical in every detail to ancient rituals. Latter-day Saints do not believe outward forms remained unchanged. They believe core purposes and covenant meanings persisted even as expressions varied.

    Initiatory ordinances are also sometimes described as secret practices. Latter-day Saints understand them as sacred, meaning they are reserved for temple settings, not hidden because of fear or exclusivity.

    Historical parallels are not viewed as proof by themselves. Latter-day Saints believe authority and restoration come through revelation, with history providing supporting context rather than ultimate validation.

    Faithful Affirmation

    Latter-day Saints affirm that initiatory ordinances reflect God’s long-established pattern of preparing His children to enter His presence. They believe these ordinances were restored by divine authority and testify of Jesus Christ, through whom all covenant promises are fulfilled.

    Sources

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Salvation for the Dead
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

    Doctrine and Covenants Central
    https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org

    Scripture Central
    https://scripturecentral.org

    Joseph Smith Papers
    https://www.josephsmithpapers.org