This post is me just sharing some about "Mormon" temples, as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints like myself (nicknamed "Mormon"). I totally acknowledge if that's not your thing, I'm just sharing something special to me and maybe dispelling some misconceptions. It's prompted in part by the current open house of the Washington DC temple ( Open House Begins for Washington D.C. Temple ), which I'll talk more about later.
I'm actually going start this off by talking the difference between a local chapel and temple. My local chapel is where Sunday services are each morning -- my chapel is just a mile down the road. At the local chapel we gather together weekly, partake of the Lord's Supper, sing hymns, have sermons, scripture study classes, etc. During the week there's potlucks, basketball games, youth activities, etc. It's also where baptisms occur for believers. Everyone is welcome & it can be a bustling place. You can also come to just hang out-- during my college days the local chapel was my "rest" place to go amongst all the craziness of the university life. I liked the quiet library while others liked the ping-pong table.
In contrast to the chapel a mile down the road, my nearest temple is about a 1-2 hour drive away. The temple does not host weekly services, nor potlucks, nor basketball games, nor Sunday School. You don't go there just to hang out.
Rather, a believing person enters a temple because they are here to make promises with the Lord, a one of His priests/priestesses. It's a place of participation in faith, not of spectating. You go first for yourself, dedicating your heart/mind/might/soul to Him. Rituals focused on God's great Plan of Salvation: the creation, fall, and salvation of men through faith in Christ. Being washed cleaned and sanctified. Sacramental marriages also happen here. Once you go through for yourself, you may also go through on behalf of deceased family members, in hopes that their departed spirits will embrace Christ (that could be a post itself).
Here's another informative link with photos: What Happens in Latter-day Saint Temples? | ComeUntoChrist
I'm actually going start this off by talking the difference between a local chapel and temple. My local chapel is where Sunday services are each morning -- my chapel is just a mile down the road. At the local chapel we gather together weekly, partake of the Lord's Supper, sing hymns, have sermons, scripture study classes, etc. During the week there's potlucks, basketball games, youth activities, etc. It's also where baptisms occur for believers. Everyone is welcome & it can be a bustling place. You can also come to just hang out-- during my college days the local chapel was my "rest" place to go amongst all the craziness of the university life. I liked the quiet library while others liked the ping-pong table.
In contrast to the chapel a mile down the road, my nearest temple is about a 1-2 hour drive away. The temple does not host weekly services, nor potlucks, nor basketball games, nor Sunday School. You don't go there just to hang out.
Rather, a believing person enters a temple because they are here to make promises with the Lord, a one of His priests/priestesses. It's a place of participation in faith, not of spectating. You go first for yourself, dedicating your heart/mind/might/soul to Him. Rituals focused on God's great Plan of Salvation: the creation, fall, and salvation of men through faith in Christ. Being washed cleaned and sanctified. Sacramental marriages also happen here. Once you go through for yourself, you may also go through on behalf of deceased family members, in hopes that their departed spirits will embrace Christ (that could be a post itself).
Here's another informative link with photos: What Happens in Latter-day Saint Temples? | ComeUntoChrist