Mormon Temples and "Secrecy"

Mormon temples are not open to the general public after their dedication. This may seem strange to some, but a careful reading of the scriptures reveals that the Lord did not tell all things to all people.

Ceremonies in Mormon temples are not something that the Church tries to limit to a restricted number of people. On the contrary, Church’s leaders would love to see all people going through the temple. However, to be allowed such a privilege people need to qualify and prepare. Everyone who comes within the influence of the gospel is urged to prepare to go to the temple and participate fully in the sacred ordinances which are available there.

The reluctance of Mormons to speak of the sacred temple ordinances is not in any way an attempt to make them seem more mysterious or to encourage an improper curiosity about them. The ordinances and ceremonies of the temple are simple, beautiful, and sacred. They are kept confidential lest they be given to those who are unprepared, since simple curiosity is not a preparation. Even a deep interest itself is not a preparation. The necessary preparation for temple ordinances includes preliminary steps such as: faith, repentance, baptism, confirmation, and worthiness. We need to consider that entering a Mormon temple is like being invited as a guest into the house of the Lord.

Let us explore why the Lord direct us to refrain from talking about them outside of that sacred building. The main reason is that we need to be prepared to enter Mormon temples and there are restrictions and conditions set. Those restrictions and conditions were not established by men, but by the Lord Himself.

Most educational programs require the completion of basic or prerequisite courses before one can register for advanced courses. At a university you cannot register for a graduate course in physics until completing the basic or elementary courses. This principle of prerequisites is well understood in everyday life and it should not surprise anyone when it is applied to the ordinances of the gospel.

It should not seem unusual, then, that the Lord has decreed in His church that admission to the temple comes only after certain prerequisites have been filled. It should not seem unusual that certain preparation and worthiness should be established before these privileges are given.

There are some blessings which can be bestowed only in the Lord’s temple, and we do not talk of them outside the temple. But all who are worthy and qualify in every way may enter the temple, there to be introduced to the sacred rites and ordinances. This is not the secrecy of restrictiveness. Rather it is the sacredness required for covenants offered to all of God’s children in His way. Clearly there is much difference between treating something as sacred and keeping something secret.

It is not unusual that the Lord told Joseph Smith, "Make not thy gift known unto any save it be those who are of thy faith. Trifle not with sacred things" (D&C 6:12).

The Lord has every right and authority to direct that matters relating to the temple be kept sacred and confidential.

Questions about the temple ceremony usually meet with the response, "We are not free to discuss the temple ordinances and ceremonies." Those who have not been to the temple sometimes ask, "Why is it so secret?"

If "secret" means that others are permanently prevented from knowing of them, then secret is the wrong word. It was never intended that knowledge of these Mormon temple ceremonies would be limited to a select few who would be obliged to ensure that others never learn of them. It is quite the opposite, in fact. Those who have been to the temple have been taught an ideal. Someday every living soul and every soul who has ever lived shall have the opportunity to hear the gospel and to accept or reject what the temple offers. If this opportunity is rejected, the rejection must be on the part of the individual himself.

More information about Mormon Temples

Mormon Church Temples
LDS (Mormon) Temple Resources
Teachings About Temples - Lightplanet
BBC Religion & Ethics - Mormon Temples
Temple: Information from Answers.com
History of Mormon Temples - Lightplanet.com