According to wikipedia:
(A) temple (from the Latin word templum) is a structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities, such as prayer and sacrifice, or analogous rites. A templum constituted a sacred precinct as defined by a priest, or augur.[1] It has the same root as the word "template," a plan in preparation of the building that was marked out on the ground by the augur. Templa also became associated with the dwelling places of a god or gods. Despite the specific set of meanings associated with the religion of the ancient Rome, the word has now become quite widely used to describe a house of worship for any number of religions and is even used for time periods prior to the Romans.
(see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple)
Throughout the ages people of many different religions have built temples as sacred structures where they could meet and worship their God.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I have had the privilege of visiting and worshiping in many of our Church's 141 operating temples around the world. We believe that temples are the most sacred place on earth-a place where earth and heaven meet and where we feel close to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. In the temple we are taught principles of the Lord's gospel, we make sacred covenants, we are promised blessings, and we receive ordinances that enable us to return to live in the presence of God. We gain a glimpse of what life after death can be like. In the temples husbands and wives are sealed to each other in an eternal marriage, and children are sealed to their parents in eternal families. In addition to receiving these blessings and ordinances for ourselves, we can receive them for our deceased ancestors. (see http://www.lds.org/church/temples/why-we-build-temples?lang=eng and http://www.lds.org/church/temples/why-we-build-temples/what-happens-in-temples?lang=eng)
“I think there is no place in the world where I feel closer to the Lord than in one of His holy temples.”
—President Thomas S. Monson
Current President, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Here are just a few of the beautiful temples that I have had the blessing of visiting throughout my life:
Washington DC LDS Temple
Chicago, IL LDS Temple
Portland, OR LDS Temple
Salt Lake City, UT LDS Temple
Los Angeles, CA LDS Temple
"I am satisfied that if our people would attend the temple more, there would be less selfishness in their lives. There would be less absence of love in their relationships. There would be more fidelity on the part of husbands and wives. There would be more love and peace and happiness in the homes of our people . . ."
---President Gordon B Hinckley
Former President, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
For more information on LDS Temples, feel free to visit http://www.lds.org/church/temples?lang=eng
Love the temple! --I've been to ones in California (4), Hawaii, Canada, and maybe if I think harder another one or two more ..but I don't want to think so hard right now! :D
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit the Hawaii and Canadian temples. Hopefully someday. I used to know people who had plans to visit every temple, back before there were so very many. It would be almost impossible now for most people.
DeleteI have liked this month's visiting teaching message about temples and temple covenants. I find President Monson's words powerful and inspiring:
ReplyDelete“The saving ordinances received in the temple that permit us to someday return to our Heavenly Father in an eternal family relationship and to be endowed with blessings and power from on high are worth every sacrifice and every effort. ... As we remember the covenants we make within [the temple], we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation.”
Aren't those beautiful promises and blessings? Maybe we an go together this summer.
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