Deseret News | New LDS temple unlike others in the area

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New LDS temple unlike others in the area

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Jean Luc | 8:50 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Paris would not be the same without Notre-Dame, London without Westminster abbey and St Paul cathedral, Vaticano without Saint Peter, Rome without the Latran, Moscow without St Basil, Istambul without St Sophia and the Meteora without the Orthodox monastery of Rousanou, Tibet without it's Deprung monatery, Bangkok without the Choti-Naram, The Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) in Kyoto and Salt lake without it's Mormon temple...

Gifts of time, talent and money--among others things--by beleivers as act of faith and devotion to God. A testament of what they perceived as being essential to good living, a needed part of human inner growth.

I so glad that Draper has joined the great historic community of temple builders. God bless them and all those that comes within.

Pauline | 8:53 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Re: Still a member,
I agree with you. You made an excellent comment.

To Catholic | 8:59 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Thank you. I have visited the Cathedral in Salt Lake City, and it is a beautiful building with a peaceful feeling inside. I have attended meetings with friends in other faiths and have appreciated the different styles of buildings, but always the same friendly loving greeting from the members of those faiths.

As a European who emigrated to the US I had many occasions to visit some beautiful Cathedrals in England, France, Germany etc., and loved the architecture, the art contained inside, the reverence displayed, and would always reflect on the hundreds of years of faithful worship by so many thousands of people. I attended christenings, weddings and funerals of family and friends in many Churches, and always respected that I was in a place sacred to those of different religions to mine.

I hope that if you attend an open house of a temple, you will also appreciate the beauty, the workmanship, and that others less tolerant or understanding as you, will see it is a place for people to practice their faith, as they believe, just as it would be for those of any other religion to practice in their buildings.

Comments continue below

arizona native | 9:06 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I can't understand all of the negitivity towards the church in Utah. If some people aren't happy with the state they should move and live somewhere else or learn to live in peace with everyone. Aren't we all striving to live in a more peaceful world? Hasn't Christ said to love thy neighbor as thyself? If anyone is truly a Christian believer then you shouldn't be acting this way!

VBC in Draper | 9:06 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

The Savior said "Love one another" What simple but meaningful counsel whether you are a believer in Christ or not. There is good in all people. We all need to do away with mean spirited ways of any kind. Ignore those that say such things. Do not allow it to cause you to lash out, we know better than that. We need to put our arm around all people. The Temple is a place of love for all, it's the Lords house and he welcomes ALL to come and visit.

J | 9:13 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I would love to be able to go to this open house. Although I will be able to attend the temple when I do come to Utah, an open house is also wonderful. The Lord will continue to bless the faithful. And he continues to love the unfaithful.

Question | 9:12 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Are all Mormons as naive as the ones who are posting here?

ds | 9:22 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I've lived in Utah for several years and understand the hostility. I've been told that if I'm not LDS that I shouldn't live here, that I shouldn't drink coffee or wine, had people simply turn away from me when they found out that I wasn't LDS.

The response to these is 'people are not perfect but the church is'. But every person is a missionary and if a person treats me badly w/r to religion then I assume that represents the church's mission.

I know lots of wonderful people that are LDS. There are also lots of wonderful people in Utah that are not LDS. It's unfortunate that one negative comment harms the opinion of the whole group but that's human nature.

Not Surprised | 9:25 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Re: Please Explain

There have been temples and work done in them from the times of Christ and by those who belonged to the Church of Christ so if this is not that very same Church and Gospel restored in latter days as members believe it to be, please point us all in the direction of that Church that exists today that does have the same temples that do the same work as in the time of Chirst. Oh and that Church must also have a Prophet and 12 Apostles just as in the time of Christ. For the Anti's and their negative sentiments that they post, please don't be so jaded from whatever experience you've had with whichever members you've had them with. The members are not perfect but the Church itself IS and trust me that the sooner you figure that out and stop speaking evil of it, the better it will be for everyone involved and especially for you.

Mona | 9:31 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

As I have traveled to some of the great cities of the world, I have enjoyed visiting places of worship, most of which belong to other faiths (I'm LDS). How great it is to be in places such as Cologne Cathedral, Umayyad Mosque, etc. and experience the devotion of people who believe differently from me.

I hope that even those who have made caustic comments on this board will visit the new temple during the open house, and instead of 'throwing darts' will be glad that there are beautiful places of worship that inspire people to be better, even if those people believe differently from themselves.

Re: Still a Member | 9:30 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

You know, unlike the charity orgs. like Red Cross, the Church gives 100% of its money to charity. Other charity orgs. pay for the transportation, the staff salaries, and a bunch of other nonsense before giving it to those in need. So really, you are paying someone else to give them your money.

Yes and No | 9:30 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Beautiful building...yes
Should be respected ...yes
Uplifting to LDS...Yes
Copy of what Jesus did when he was on the earth...I don't think so.
HE spent His time with the poor, the afflicted, healing and teaching...not building multi-million $ temples all over the place.

Ruel | 9:31 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

People tend to be down on what they are not up on.

Anonymous | 9:34 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

There are countless architectural wonders by the earlier mormons, but somehwere along the line quantity usurped quality. I can't think of an LDS structure in recent past that has an original timeless look. All wardhouses have the same vibe as a Walmart- bigbox construction and a sea of asphalt. All recent temples look the same to me (howevr this one has more of a Stalinist/prison vibe than most.) The church has an endless cash supply, why not really build something beautiful for the Lords house? He already has one like the Draper temple. We know you can do it- Salt Lake, Logan, San Diego are proof.

NSS | 9:37 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Thanks you Des-News for letting outsiders comment on this post, I enjoy reading the different opinions of others on here. It's not just one sided LDS, and that makes it more interesting. I like knowing what others are thinking about us, it toughens us up just a bit to know.

I'm not sure yet that we will have a chance to view the open house on the new temple, but we certainly hope to do so.

Seminary Teacher | 9:42 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

We live 6 hrs from the Salt Lake Valley and can hardly wait to bring a car-full of youth to go through the temple. These kids are clean and pure and strive to live God's commandments and are anxious to do temple work for our kindred dead and all others. There is such a feeling of peace and joy in the temple that can not be achieved outside the temple. I am very thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a place where we can come closer to diety.
We would gladly drive 12 hours to visit the temple. I would hope more youth could become worthy to attend the temple and strive for high and noble things. Yes, you have to be worthy and have a recommendation to attend the temple, other than the openhouse.
I see a major difference in the youth who hold on to those values as opposed to those who give in to their physical appetites. They are truly the youth who will be our righteous leaders of tomorrow.

Re: Re: Still a Member | | 9:51 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

NONSENSE RE: "the Church gives 100% of its money to charity. Other charity orgs. pay for the transportation, the staff salaries, and a bunch of other nonsense before giving it to those in need."

And just who do you suppose pays the salaries of the General Authorities? (Yes, Virginia, they ARE paid, unlike bishops and stake presidents.)

Who pays all their travel and administrative expenses? Who pays for the flowers and the pretty lights on Temple Square?

The LDS church is no different from other charitable organizations when it comes to expenses.

Anonymous | 9:58 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I am thrilled with the completion of another beautiful LDS Temple. These sacred buildings are a great blessing to all who enter. Thanks to all who make such blessings possible.

@who knew | 9:59 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Mormons believe that God listens to everyone no matter how they're dressed, or where they are.

We also believe that not everyone listens to God and that those who do - mormons included, don't listen often enough.

Special clothes and special buildings help us focus our attention on the divine. It's TOTALLY worth the trouble.

Want to attend | 10:12 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

The temples have always intrigued me, tho I honestly do not conceive the necessity.

Will they show any of the Masonic rituals?

Why are the temple marriages so restrictive on who can attend? It seems to be anti-family to not allow non-member family and friends to attend.

re; savant | 10:18 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

the temple rituals are masonic rituals, that is where Joseph Smith got them.

kathyn | 10:33 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I am so grateful for the new temples in the valley. I am sure they will be a great blessing to us. Our family was privileged to be able to contribute to the building of the Jordan River Temple. It wasn't very much, just what each family was asked to donate. But it has always been my favorite temple and I am grateful that I was able to help with it.

Each month I contribute a little to the Temple fund with my other donations. This is the Lord's work and it's a privilege to be a part of it.

The beauty of the temples is found in the work, not the edifice. The temples have a beautiful simplicity to them. To me, each one is glorious for the feelings I get when I am in them.

This is not naivete. I have studied things in my own mind and heart for years. I have questioned many things and have found the truth for myself.

JJ | 10:32 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I'm sure it is a beautiful building inside. I prefer to get my beauty from nature, you know, the places that God created, not man. Places like the red rock desert, etc. The places that the republicans all want to destroy and exploit for money, and whom all the mormons in Utah support. So you want to destroy God's beauty while simultaneously reveling in man's beauty. Think about it for a second.

re: freethinker | 10:36 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I don't see how you think the Church is different unless you are looking at things such as its growth. The Prophet Joseph Smith said it would fill the world. That doesn't mean everybody will join it, but that it will be a world wide Church, and that it will have millions join it.

Glenn | 10:43 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Joseph Smith worship is truly a disturbimg item for Christians. Christians only want to help mormons and we hold our hand out to you in friendship and hope that you see were you have been led astray.

John | 10:50 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Anti-Mormon literature and comments is the work of satan to try to slow down the building up of the Kingdom of God. I pray for those who mock The Church of Jesus Christ for they mock GOD!

Shangri-la in Utah? | 10:52 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

People living in Pittsburgh have to drive 4-5 hrs to the Washington D.C. temple. Were there long waits at the Jordan Temple/Salt Lake Temples? Seems like there are many areas in the world/country where members have to drive extraordinary distances to attend a temple.

Where Have You Been? | 10:54 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

God is dead. It was on the cover of Time magazine back in the 1960s. Mocking "God" is no different than mocking Hercules, Zeus or Apollo. Or a fence post for that matter.

Where's Johnny? | 10:57 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Where is that gas bag John Pack Lambert? Why haven't we heard him pontificate and share his delusions of grandeur with us on this matter?

Ray | 10:58 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Re: Savant said, "Temple rituals are Masonic rituals, that is where Joseph Smith got them."

Well, sort of. The Masons got them from Kabala (sp?) - go check it out and you'll find it all over the internet with tons of sources.

Kabala is a branch of the Judaism, which continued the temple rituals through the ages.

This is pretty simple stuff.

Alma | 10:58 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

How interesting it is to see how Joseph Smith, a successful religious entrprenure, with a few elite conspiritors build a religios ruling class that continues on into today's modern times still duping more followes into subjugation and exploitation. We need to look for God in ourselves; not in the suduction of the ruling class.

Oh, John | 11:03 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

You are ANTI human. So quit griping! I mock your stupidly and not the church itself.

Ignorance is bliss | 11:12 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I invite you all on both sides of the argument to go to the Church's website and divide the total amount spent on humanitarian aid over the last 22 years by the number of church members. The amount per member per year is shockinging low.

RE: Want to attend | 11:13 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

To those who like assert that Joseph Smith "stole" the temple ceremonies from the Masons, I would ask whether you are qualified to make such a claim. It seems to me that the only people who can legitimately make such a claim would be those who are very familiar with both LDS temple ceremonies and masonic rituals. I'm LDS, but I am not a Mason, so I can't say for sure how similar temple rituals are to masonic rituals.

For more information regarding the supposed connection between LDS temples and Masonry, Jeff Lindsay has an excellent article on his website under his FAQ section. The article does not show any disrespect to LDS ceremonies. Among many other sources, the article references current LDS members who are also Masons. The article also references early members of the church who were Masons, who later turned against the church.

A warning: Jeff Lindsay is LDS, so if you are inclined to disbelieve anything ever said, written or implied by a Mormon, don't bother looking at his site - you are already happy with your beliefs and any evidence that might contradict what you "know" to be true would probably just make you unhappy.

Comrade Dissident | 11:15 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Whatever it is, that is one UGLY building. Looks like Lenin's tomb with a plastic Moroni on top. Seriously, did they hire unemployed ex-Soviet architects? That ugly thing belongs in in Moscow.

John | 11:21 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I CAN SEE IGNORANCE IS BLISS!

RE: ALMA | 11:18 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Just because you are an APOSTATE Mormon doesn't make you an expert on how to treat or judge others, or whatever they may believe in. I think you need to do some repenting and some deep soul searching. I'm sure your slate has dirt all over it.

Blake | 11:22 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

You would think that prophecies being fullfilled would send the message to one and all. Oh well, you guys are so anti and full of hate that you cannot even get over yourself to realize this if the One true and living church. Nice try anti's but you better get you facts straight and know a little bit about Jesus Christ before you attempt to tear down his Church. Your efforts are for not as even you recognize the growth of the church.

Still a member | 11:21 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I would love to answer the comments to my original post, but the DN will not let my posts through. My comments are not obscene, vulgar, off-topic, or misrepresentative. Why am I not allowed to answer your responses and participate in the discussion?

RE: Ignorance is bliss | 11:32 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Why don't you just tell us what the average amount per member is? Is it because you don't know? Is it because you never actually went to the Church's website, got the necessary information, and calculated it? If you didn't, you are a liar. If you did, then congratulations on wasting your time trying to prove that Mormons aren't donating enough, and then not actually giving any concrete results to show for it.

Maybe you could tell us how much you have donated on average over the last 22 years.

Maybe if you did tell us, we wouldn't care anyway. Some of us like to keep our nose out of other people's business.

Re- John | 11:35 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Toughen up! The ignorance you see is your own.

Marcus Hansen | 11:37 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Joseph Smith worship does not constitute Christianity. When will you ever get that?

Re: Alma | 11:49 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

You are one twisted feller.

My $.02 | 11:57 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Still a member - I agree very much with you, and I believe you are sincere in your comments. I am also a member, but find myself becoming disaffected with the church.

To church members - please try to be a little less reactionary. I am not an 'anti.' Satan does not 'rage in my heart.' If you judge me to be 'swine', well, good for you. I love the teachings of Jesus and desire to do good.

I have tried to make comments on this forum as well that have not been allowed to post, and so I may be typing in vain.

I have never been comfortable in the temple. I am happy for you that have wonderful spiritual experiences there, but that has never been the case for me. The rituals and watching the same film over and over and over again just is not uplifting and I find it to be a frivolous exercise. I am sorry if this offends, but I am just trying to be honest.

I feel the spirit much more strongly when I am simply (of my own volition) helping a friend in need.

Positive Thinker | 11:55 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

It amazes me how anti Mormons go out of their way to attack our church. I thought the purpose of belonging to a church was to work to be a better person. As a Christian, isn't it your goal to love everyone, even if you don't agree with them? Why go out of your way to attack my beliefs? I don't attack yours. As for baptisms for the dead - IF our church isn't true, what difference does it make?

Heath | 11:59 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Light noise, car noise, car traffic, foot traffic. It is a bad location with inadequate public infrastructure and purely a choice to project power strength and growth. It is clear the LDS Church is no more environmentally friendly then the developers who chose to take away some of the last open space in the slc valley. It is a little sad.

Bill | 11:59 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does not worship any of its prior Presidents or the current President of the Church. In every thing we do is in reverence to the Lord Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. The Book of Mormon another testament of Jesus Christ testifies along with the Bible the divinity of Jesus Christ and his mission here on earth.

Temples are where spiritual healing, learning and life saving ordinances take place. They are beautiful to the eye. THe Church reaches out to others all around the world. We were the first ones to assist with the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast after Katrina. We were the first with aid and assistance to the Tsuami affected countries. We have assist in riding Africa of a measles epidemic. We are working consistantly in trying to solve the poverty of Africa through constant aid. You don't see us jumping up and down telling the world what we are doing because it is nobody's business. We assist our own who are homeless and in need every time it comes up.

The Bible says you will know them by their works. Look at the Church as a whole.

BJ | 12:19 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

To "Z" Thank you for the excellent quote from Brother Maxwell. I would appreciate the reference for that quote.

Anonymous | 12:21 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

LDS worship Jesus the Christ, and God the Eternal Father. We revere Joseph Smith, Jr. for the wonderful restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as it was established by Jesus Christ and the original Twelve Apostles. ( Orthodox Christians follow the teachings of a committee organized by a non-Christian (Constantine) who just wanted to end the squabbles over the various church leaders in the 4th century AD.)

We revere Joseph Smith as a true prophet, not as a god. There is a huge difference. It is not worship. We do not pray to him, nor Mary. We pray to our Father in Heaven, through his anointed Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is our Intercessor with the Father. And I'm grateful every day of my life for the Atonement. I'm grateful for the added blessings of the Temple.

Tim | 12:23 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I want to know more about the rituals? If they are masonic rituals, and everyone who is knows of them, ...then what's the big secret?

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