Jaki jest cel istnienia świątyń?
Jak wygląda świątynia w środku?
Czy kiedykolwiek wnętrze świątyni jest dostępnę do obejrzenia dla wszystkich?
Jaka jest różnica między świątynią a domem spotkań?
Czy świątynia ma wpływ na wartość otaczających ją nieruchomości?
Czy bliskość świątyni może powodować utrudnienia w ruchu i problemy z parkowaniem?
Czy świątynia jest swego rodzaju centrum skąd Kościół próbuje rozpowszechniać swoje nauki?
For the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple is “The House of the Lord.” It is a sacred building, which, after it has been dedicated, can only be entered by faithful members of the Church. In the temple, the members learn more about the purpose of life and they make covenants to serve Jesus Christ and their fellow men. They also take part in religious ordinances which are of effect in the eternities too, such as vicarious baptism for deceased ancestors or marriage for eternity.
Many people think the inside of a Latter-day Saint temple is like a large hall or a cathedral. In reality there are many rooms in the temple, which fulfill specific functions – for marriages, baptisms or learning about the doctrines. Members of the Church put on simple white clothing in the temple before they begin to work. The white clothing symbolizes purity, respect and worship.
Yes. As soon as the construction of a temple is finished, there are (normally several) open days for the public. During these open days, we give information as to the purpose of the temple and what sacred ordinances are performed there, and we answer other questions. After the open days, the temple is dedicated. Thereafter, only worthy members of the Church may enter.
Latter-day Saint meeting houses are for normal Sunday services, religious education and social or sporting activities. In the temple, on the other hand, faithful members of the Church learn specific details about the purpose of life and their relationship to God. There they participate in sacred ordinances, both for themselves and also for deceased ancestors, which are all about the family. The sacred ordinance which can only be performed in the temple, make it possible for the individual to return to the presence of God and for the family to be united for eternity.
As a visible expression of reverence and respect for God, Latter-day Saint temples are only constructed using the best craftsmanship and the best materials. The grounds are also laid out and cared for accordingly. Overall, temples add to the beauty of the local scene and increase values in the area.
No. Temples are not intended to ever accommodate large groups of people at the same time. Since the work in the temple extends over the whole day the traffic needs are minimal. There are sufficient parking places on the temple grounds. At the ground breaking, on the open days and at the dedication, we work closely together with the local community to avoid traffic congestion and car-parking problems and ensure free access to apartments and businesses. In contrast to our meeting houses, temples are closed on Sundays.
No. Only sacred ordinances are performed in the temple. It is neither a meeting place for the local congregations nor a place for disseminating teachings.