LDS Temple FAQ

Temples are the most visible features of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Typically built near well-traveled highways or atop highly visible locations, these architectural behemoths trumpet LDS presence in the community. As such, they generate a lot of questions among born-again Christians. Below, I will answer 9 of the most common that we receive.

But first, a disclaimer — I am not a member of the LDS Church and answer as an outsider. If I misrepresent any facts regarding LDS Temples, I can assure it would be unintentional. I welcome any feedback helping me better understand the details.

What happens inside LDS Temples?

In short, LDS Church members “can participate in the most exalted of the redeeming ordinances that have been revealed to mankind.”¹ Ordinances include marriage, family sealings, endowments for the dead, endowment “with power from on high” (a preparatory ordinance), and more. The contents of the ceremonies just mentioned are sacred and not to be discussed by LDS Church members outside the Temple.

Are LDS Temples open to the public?

Yes and no. The areas surrounding the Temple are typically open to the public and many Temples have visitor centers. The interior rooms of a sealed Temple, however, are open only to church members with a current Temple Recommend, a card that demonstrates one’s worthiness to enter (the LDS Church recently began using digital cards through the “Members Tools” app).

If I visit an LDS Temple, what should I expect?

The LDS Church is remarkably open to visitors of all types so long as the guest remains respectful throughout their stay. Visitors are allowed to take pictures inside the buildings and out; missionaries are often available to answer questions about the LDS faith, the history of the buildings, and much more.

I’d like to give credit where it’s due. I have been taking visitors to Temple Square for years and have experienced nothing but openness from the staff and missionaries. I’ve seen their security team deal with unruly people and, frankly, have no problems with the way they’ve handled challenging situations. My advice is to show the same respect at an LDS Temple that you would expect from an LDS visitor who visits your church’s worship service.

Is the Salt Lake City Temple the most important Temple?

Again, yes and no. Although the endowments performed inside are not superior to endowments performed in other LDS Temples, the SLC Temple has special, if somewhat unofficial, prominence. First, its proximity to LDS Church Headquarters and the Conference Center gives it a unique distinction. Second, it is the most recognizable LDS building and holds a special place in LDS history. Last, the SLC Temple has a circular, domed room called, “The Holy of Holies,” a place of utmost sacredness in the LDS faith.

Should I accept an invitation to an LDS Temple Open House?

Prior to a Temple’s sealing, the LDS Church holds an “open house” when the LDS Church provides tours of the interior. The LDS Church uses these occasions for evangelism and encourages its members to invite non-LDS friends. Should you accept their invitation?

If the Lord withholds liberty of conscience, then, decline the invitation (1 Corinthians 8:1-13). But if the Lord grants you freedom, I think you should prayerfully consider taking up the offer so long as your friend agrees ahead of time to a follow-up conversation where you can share a Biblical perspective.

What’s the difference between Temples and all the LDS church buildings that I see?

The church buildings are called “meetinghouses” or “chapels” and are locations of weekly worship, instruction, and activity in the LDS faith. In Utah, multiple wards share one meetinghouse, so wards typically rotate the starting time for “sacrament meeting,” with Sunday School to follow. Visitors are welcome to attend these weekly gatherings. Temples, on the other hand, are closed to the public. It’s inside Temples where saving ordinances are acquired.

Why is there so much LDS Temple art?

Two reasons. First, LDS prophets like Heber J. Grant and Spencer W. Kimball have strongly encouraged both the production of LDS art and displaying it in one’s home. Second, the Temple is highly symbolic – it’s where ceremonies seal marriages and families for “time and eternity.” As such, the Temple symbolizes the very essence of LDS family yearnings. When an LDS person displays Temple art in their home, they’re picturing the source of an eternal, familial bond.

My friend is serving a mission at an LDS Temple – What does that mean?

Although the person serving could be a young, college-aged lady, Temple missionaries are most often retired or semi-retired husband/wife teams. These Senior Missionaries can serve far from home for extended periods of time or part-time at Temple locations closer to home. These missionaries maintain the Temples, assist with ceremonies, offer information to guests in the public areas, and much more. I would strongly encourage you to ask your friend all sorts of questions about their upcoming mission as an avenue to introduce the true gospel.

What are some Biblical talking points I can use to turn the conversation to the true gospel of Jesus Christ?

Here are some questions I have personally used to turn the conversation to the Bible and the gospel it teaches:

• Why was it so important that the veil of the Temple during Jesus’s day was torn in two upon his death (see Matthew 27:50-51, Mark 15:37-38, and Luke 23:45-46)? Is it good to reinstall what God ripped up?
• Did you feel worthy the last time you went into the Temple? How do we ultimately become worthy (see 2 Thessalonians 1:11)?
• Biblically speaking, what makes a Temple significant and not just another building (see 1 Kings 8:10-11)?

Conclusion

If you have other questions, I’d encourage you to reach out to an LDS friend. Simply asking questions about LDS Temples can give you a better understanding of Mormonism and provide opportunities to talk about the Bible. May the Lord bless your efforts to minister the true gospel to your LDS friends.