Why do Mormons get married in temples?
The Mormon temple includes the pinnacle of all of the ordinances that are performed in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). One of these ordinances is temple marriage. Temple marriage is an ordinance, or a ceremony, that is performed by qualified officiators in the Mormon temple. It is similar to a wedding ceremony that is performed in a church, a synagogue, or even a Japanese shrine, with some notable exceptions. In the above ceremonies, the couple exchanges vows with one another, in the presence of witnesses and an officiator. In the Mormon temple, the couple also exchanges vows in the presence of an officiator, also known as a sealer, and two witnesses. However, Mormons also believe that God is party to these vows. These vows are known as covenants because of their sacred nature, and because they are a symbol of a relationship of commitment between God and the marriage partners. When performed by a sealer who possesses the authority, acting for and behalf of God, the marriage is perpetuated beyond the grave. This has reference to the sealing power that was given to Peter in the New Testament (Matt. 16: 19).
Tags: eternity, forever, life after death, Mormon Beliefs, Mormon temple, sealing, temple ceremony
This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 20th, 2008 at 8:16 am and is filed under Array. You can follow any responses to this entry through the /feed feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
March 6th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
Can I attend my Nephew’s wedding (strict Morman) that is being held in the Temple in Boston. I don’t want to put any relative on the spot by asking them. Thanks, Mary
Reply
terrie Reply:
March 8th, 2010 at 10:28 am
Only members who have earned a temple recommend by being a member in good standing for a year can go into the temple. However, most Mormons have a reception afterwards. These, of course, can be attended by anyone. They are often held in regular Mormon chapels, which anyone can enter. Your nephew won’t be offended if you ask him to help you understand this. Mormons are used to explaining it.
Reply