My coworker Clem is getting married some time in the coming week or five. I have an invitation on my desk, though I’m too lazy to look it up. Not an invitation to the wedding, but something else.
Being a gentile in Deseret is inconvenient, but there are certainly some ways the Mormons are good about reaching out and weddings are one of them. More often then not (at least around the office) the weddings are in a Temple. According to religious tradition, of course, we’re not allowed in there (many Mormons aren’t, in fact, unless they’re in good standing). In fact, even families members aren’t allowed.
But they seem to work around it with very inclusive wedding parties. Inclusive enough that I’ve been invited to a couple despite not being in their social circles. It’s actually probably the perfect compromise. They get to maintain the integrity of their Temple and also share their matrimony with the rest of us.
So, as I complain about being excluded, I should make note of the places where it’s not so much the case.
There’s no way in heck I’m going, but that’s another story altogether.
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4 Responses to Mormon Marriage Parties
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again I must commend you on your fair respresentation of living in the Mormon belt… Only Mormons who hold a temple recommend may enter into the recesses of the temple… and for good reason… going to the temple without being prepared spiritually and emotionally for it, is like jumping from first grade to a master’s program…. too much too soon.
What’s in there that’s so complicated?
Barry, it’s not complicated, but it is very sensitive, and to Mormons very very sacred. Unlike meeting halls… we believe that the temple is the literal house of the Lord, that when the Savior comes to earth He comes to a temple. And, the Savior can not abide the least amount of filth. By requiring recommends it ensures that the level of reverence and respect that is necessary to perform the work is kept.
Beth, I do try to be fair, but I’m human and therefore will fall short of that. Do remember posts like this when I have one that’s a little less flattering to the Church.