Why do Mormons?
Few religious buildings draw as much attention, curiosity, and sometimes criticism as Latter-day Saint temples. Their architecture is often striking, their interiors carefully crafted, and their construction costs frequently discussed in public conversations. For those unfamiliar with Latter-day Saint beliefs, a natural question arises: why would a church invest so much care, time, and money into building temples?
From the outside, temples may appear similar to cathedrals or monumental religious structures, leading some to assume they represent excess or misplaced priorities. From a Latter-day Saint perspective, however, temples are fundamentally different from ordinary church buildings. They are not designed for weekly worship services or public gatherings. Instead, they are considered the most sacred places of worship on earth.
Latter-day Saints believe temples are essential to God’s plan for humanity. The quality, beauty, and durability of temples are not expressions of luxury, but reflections of reverence. Building temples with care is seen as an act of devotion, sacrifice, and long-term faith. To understand why Mormons build what are often described as “expensive” temples, it is necessary to understand what temples represent, what happens inside them, and why they are central to Latter-day Saint theology.
Temples as the House of the Lord
Latter-day Saints believe temples are literally the “house of the Lord.” This belief shapes every aspect of how temples are designed, constructed, and maintained. Temples are set apart from ordinary life and ordinary worship spaces.
While regular church meetinghouses are used for weekly services, social gatherings, and teaching, temples are reserved for sacred ordinances and covenants. Because of this distinction, temples are approached with a level of care and reverence not typically associated with everyday religious buildings.
The goal of temple construction is not to impress or display wealth, but to create an environment that reflects holiness, order, and permanence.
Sacred Space
Temples are intentionally designed to feel different from the outside world. The architecture, landscaping, interior design, and atmosphere are all meant to invite reflection, peace, and reverence.
Latter-day Saints believe sacred space helps individuals focus on God and eternal realities. By setting temples apart from daily noise and distraction, the physical environment supports spiritual worship.
This separation from ordinary life is one reason temples are built with such care and attention to detail.
Offering the Best to God
Another reason temples are built with high-quality materials and craftsmanship is the belief that offering one’s best to God is an expression of faith and respect. Throughout scripture, sacred offerings were expected to meet high standards, not because God needed them, but because they reflected the devotion of the worshipper.
Latter-day Saints see temple construction as a modern expression of this principle. Durable materials, skilled craftsmanship, and thoughtful design are ways of honoring God and showing reverence for sacred ordinances.
Quality is not viewed as indulgence, but as devotion.
Purpose of Temple Ordinances
The most important reason Latter-day Saints invest heavily in temples is the purpose they serve. Temples are used for ordinances that members believe are essential for eternal salvation and family unity.
These ordinances include eternal marriage, covenants of commitment to God, and proxy ordinances performed on behalf of deceased ancestors. Unlike weekly worship, these ordinances can only be performed in temples.
Because these practices are central to Latter-day Saint theology, temples are considered among the most significant investments the Church can make.
Eternal Significance
Temple ordinances are believed to have eternal significance. They are not symbolic rituals meant only to inspire, but sacred acts believed to carry spiritual power that affects both mortal life and the afterlife.
Eternal marriage, for example, reflects the belief that family relationships can continue beyond death. Proxy ordinances for the dead reflect the belief that God provides opportunities for all people, living or deceased, to accept or reject sacred covenants.
Because these ordinances are believed to influence eternal destiny, the places where they are performed are treated with extraordinary care.
Focus on Salvation
From a Latter-day Saint perspective, temples directly support God’s plan of salvation. They are not peripheral to faith, but central to it.
Investing in temples is therefore seen as investing in eternal outcomes rather than temporary benefits. Members believe that no other use of resources has greater long-term spiritual impact.
This belief explains why temples receive such focused attention and funding.
Longevity and Stewardship
Temples are built with the expectation that they will serve for generations. Rather than constructing buildings meant to be replaced or renovated frequently, the Church builds temples to last for decades or even centuries.
Durable materials, careful engineering, and timeless design reduce long-term maintenance costs and ensure that temples remain functional and dignified over time.
From a Latter-day Saint perspective, building well initially is an act of wise stewardship.
Long-Term Vision
Temple construction reflects a long-term vision rather than short-term efficiency. Latter-day Saints believe they have a responsibility not only to current members, but to future generations.
A temple built today may serve grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have not yet been born. This future-oriented perspective influences decisions about materials, design, and location.
Rather than rebuilding repeatedly, the Church aims to build once and build well.
Consistency and Equality Worldwide
Latter-day Saint temples vary in size, but they are built to consistent standards of reverence and quality regardless of location. Whether a temple is located in a major metropolitan area or a small nation, it is designed to reflect the same spiritual importance.
This consistency reinforces the belief that all members, regardless of economic or geographic circumstances, deserve access to sacred ordinances in dignified spaces.
Temples are not built to reflect local wealth, but spiritual equality.
Equal Worth
Building temples with consistent care emphasizes that all members are equally valued. A member in a developing nation is not expected to worship in a lesser space simply because of economic conditions.
This principle of equal worth aligns with the belief that God does not value people based on wealth or status. Sacred spaces should reflect that belief.
Funding Through Sacred Donations
Temple construction is funded through voluntary donations, primarily tithing. Members give these donations willingly, believing they are contributing to eternal purposes.
No one is required to donate specifically for temple construction, and no admission fee exists to enter a temple. Access to temples is based on spiritual preparation, not financial contribution.
Members view their donations as sacred offerings rather than payments for services.
Voluntary Sacrifice
For many Latter-day Saints, contributing to temple construction is an act of personal sacrifice. Members from all economic backgrounds give according to their circumstances, united by shared belief.
This collective sacrifice strengthens community identity and reinforces the idea that temples belong to the faith as a whole, not to any individual or group.
Modesty Within Beauty
Although temples are carefully designed, they are not intended to display personal wealth or luxury. Design choices emphasize symbolism, sacred meaning, and simplicity rather than extravagance.
Temple interiors avoid excessive ornamentation and focus instead on harmony, light, and sacred symbolism. Every element is chosen for doctrinal or spiritual reasons rather than aesthetic indulgence.
Beauty is present, but it serves a purpose beyond visual appeal.
Symbolism Over Luxury
Many architectural and design elements in temples carry symbolic meaning tied to Latter-day Saint beliefs about creation, covenants, and eternal life.
This symbolism helps worshippers focus on spiritual truths rather than material display. The goal is to elevate thought and invite reflection, not to impress.
From this perspective, what may appear expensive is actually intentional and meaningful rather than luxurious.
Common Misunderstandings
One common misunderstanding is that the cost of temples reflects excess wealth or misplaced priorities. Latter-day Saints believe temples fulfill core religious purposes that cannot be replaced by other programs.
Another misunderstanding is that funds used for temples should instead be directed exclusively toward humanitarian aid. Members believe temples and humanitarian efforts are complementary, not competing, aspects of faith.
Temples address eternal needs, while humanitarian aid addresses immediate physical needs. Both are seen as essential expressions of religious commitment.
Some also assume temples are built to impress outsiders. In reality, temples are built for sacred use by believers, not as public attractions.
Why This Belief Matters
Building temples reflects some of the deepest beliefs of Latter-day Saints: belief in eternal families, sacred covenants, reverence for God, and long-term faith. Temples symbolize commitment, sacrifice, and continuity across generations.
For believers, temples are not expensive buildings. They are holy places where heaven and earth meet, where families are united, and where individuals make sacred commitments to God.
Understanding why Mormons build temples with such care helps clarify their priorities and values. It reveals a faith focused not on short-term gain, but on eternal purpose and devotion.
Sources
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Temples
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org
Church News – Temple Construction and Purpose
https://www.thechurchnews.com
Doctrine and Covenants Central – Temple Doctrine
https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org
Scripture Central
https://scripturecentral.org