WARNING: This post contains some information about sacred LDS temple ceremonies and ordinances. I feel I'm alright discussing them, since you can find this information in other parts of the interwebs. Please be advised and, as always, these are my thoughts and opinions only. Get your own! :)
So, I've been thinking a lot about the temple thing and I must say, the thought of not being part of an organized religion really made me feel free. It made me think: "Alright. I know Jesus Christ is my savior and that he died for my sins. That's all I need to know."
But then, I had to give the temple ceremony a second looksie. I had to know the whys. As much as it is advised, I don't just go with the flow when it comes to religion. I need to know why I'm doing something.
Anyway, I think I'm coming around. The oath of vengeance was instated by Brigham Young shortly after Joseph Smith's death. The mormons were mad. He was just being politically correct at the time. Of course I don't think he was inspired by any higher power on this one. God wouldn't want us to pray for vengeance! The thought alone is ridiculous to me. This was all going to happen, and God knew it would happen.
Which leads me to my next point. My problem of God not being all-knowing in that script. It's a script, I need to get over myself. People are fallible - people wrote that script, probably not even concerned that someone would knit-pick it.
I learned who Michael was. Phew! It is a new thing to me, so I'm going to have to let this sink in.
The prayer circle, as it turns out, is something that was practiced by protestants and freemasonry. It is still a tad strange to me, but I can handle it. It's just another tradition from the 1840's.
The penalty gesture has been taken out completely, which is a huge relief.
I'm still weary of a couple of things. I don't want to touch anyone and I don't want anyone to touch me. This is a problem, since there is quite a bit of platonic touching involved. I don't know how much stock I take in the parts that require touching. So...maybe give me awhile to sort this one out.
But! I'm getting there, and that's what matters. I just need to know, and I'm really happy that I can look into it. Thank you, wiki and anti-mormons! You've helped me become a better mormon!
I came across many questions similar to the ones you're asking while I served a mission. Many answers are scriptural, and some concerns just need a simple explanation. I got hit with a lot of interesting things in the last 2 years, and I've been able to find reasons behind most every answer. Not trying to put myself on a pedestal; just want to see if I can answer any questions.
ReplyDeleteFor example, Jehovah's Witnesses believe Michael, the archangel talked about in the scriptures, to be Jesus. We know from Bible verses and modern revelation that Michael is Adam (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/gs/michael).
That's interesting, thank you. Yeah, Steve told me that he is Adam, so that was a surprise and it was new. Which is kind of embarrassing being a lifetime member and not knowing that. Just makes me wonder what else I must be missing from the gospel meat.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I'm not the only one who has questions sometimes. It just seems like everyone knows or pretends to know everything. It's difficult to feel like questions are okay, but they've only ever strengthened my testimonies in the end. And no worries on the pedestal thing. I appreciate your offer and your comment. :)