D H: Exactly right. Building temples brings an incredible opportunity for the construction workers in an area. I remember on worker on the Dallas temple (if I remember that right) who was a Baptist and said that the temple was his Masterpiece, the project he is most proud of.
I think one thing that we can’t forget is the potential to change lives. A man I taught on my mission once said “The Freemasons make good men great but the Mormons make good men Saints.” That happens lately in the temple, and those Saints make promises to live better lives and build a better world.
Rosalie Erekson StoneAugust 19, 2023
When my husband and I saw the magnificent carved woodwork in the temple in Cochabamba, Bolivia, my first thoughts were similar to those you described when you wrote, "the temples of the Church may well be the most beautiful buildings [the local members] are ever permitted to enter—and, yes, a harbinger of the blessings awaiting the faithful in the world to come."
Cindy AtkinAugust 4, 2023
The temple is a symbol of the love we have for God and the love He has for us. Why would we want to give anything less than our best? God gave us His best. What an honor for every person that gets to express their talents in its construction and beauty. When I walk around its gardens and through its halls, every part of it seems to be singing praises to God. No matter our economic circumstances, I cant imagine wanting anything less.
MaryannAugust 4, 2023
Our temples glorify God and our Savior, Jesus Christ. The bottom line for me on this subject is that temples are built under the direction of our Prophet. I am not going to put myself in a position to second guess him about WHERE they should be built, or HOW they should be built. Questions by people who are troubled with doubt about various issues could be easily solved through trusting our divinely appointed leaders. This is not blind faith. It is an opportunity for us to humble ourselves and acknowledge the Lord's hand guiding the building of these sacred edifices, and directing the affairs of HIS church.
Claudia Henderson SmithAugust 4, 2023
I don't think our temples are more lavish that the Catholic and Episcopal temples I've seen around the world. Our temples have beautiful stained glass, furnishings, and chandeliers; but that is because it's the House of the Lord. We would want it to be special. As the writer said, it's like being in a realm where God and Jesus are available and we may feel serene. I love our temples!!
Debbie McClureAugust 4, 2023
This is a well thought out commentary on the beauty and design of temples. My thought is that the temple provides to the world patrons who have covenanted to sacrifice and consecrate. Indeed, a royal army leaves the temple with covenants to serve the Lord and fellow man. The value of eager and willing saints to give because they have been given much, have a sincere love of Christ, and are under covenant to represent Him, to me, cannot be calculated. This is higher and holier than throwing money to the poor.
BarbaraAugust 3, 2023
I served as a temple missionary in the Dominican Republic. One of the other senior missionaries wondered how we could build such a lavish building when there were so many poor in the country. I computed that if all of the poor of that country were given an equal portion of the cost of the temple, they would each receive approximately $5 each. If they received a portion of what it cost to maintain the temple, they would each receive maybe $.50/month. In other words, hardly enough to make any difference at all in their lives. On the other hand, the poorest of the poor of that country could enter that temple and be treated as honored guests of God on high. That inevitably did immeasurable good towards telling them that they are persons of great value.
D H HamillAugust 3, 2023
When I hear complaints about the monies spent building temples, or other buildings for that matter, I think that the laborers, manufacturers, earth movers, machinists, architects, engineering, and numerous others involved in the construction process. They are grateful for the work and income earned in order to help support their families. They, in turn, can use their earnings to purchase goods & services that benefit others. Thus, many people are provided the means of preventing poverty.
HelenCAugust 3, 2023
I heard this objection from a co-worker after she toured the Portland, Oregon Temple during its open house. I thought it strange coming from a Catholic and having seen their beautiful and, no doubt to some, extravagantly adorned cathedrals.
MaryAugust 3, 2023
What a beautiful insight … I love serving in the temple and appreciate the inspiration to seek for holiness while there.
Comments | Return to Story
Jacob CrapoAugust 23, 2023
D H: Exactly right. Building temples brings an incredible opportunity for the construction workers in an area. I remember on worker on the Dallas temple (if I remember that right) who was a Baptist and said that the temple was his Masterpiece, the project he is most proud of. I think one thing that we can’t forget is the potential to change lives. A man I taught on my mission once said “The Freemasons make good men great but the Mormons make good men Saints.” That happens lately in the temple, and those Saints make promises to live better lives and build a better world.
Rosalie Erekson StoneAugust 19, 2023
When my husband and I saw the magnificent carved woodwork in the temple in Cochabamba, Bolivia, my first thoughts were similar to those you described when you wrote, "the temples of the Church may well be the most beautiful buildings [the local members] are ever permitted to enter—and, yes, a harbinger of the blessings awaiting the faithful in the world to come."
Cindy AtkinAugust 4, 2023
The temple is a symbol of the love we have for God and the love He has for us. Why would we want to give anything less than our best? God gave us His best. What an honor for every person that gets to express their talents in its construction and beauty. When I walk around its gardens and through its halls, every part of it seems to be singing praises to God. No matter our economic circumstances, I cant imagine wanting anything less.
MaryannAugust 4, 2023
Our temples glorify God and our Savior, Jesus Christ. The bottom line for me on this subject is that temples are built under the direction of our Prophet. I am not going to put myself in a position to second guess him about WHERE they should be built, or HOW they should be built. Questions by people who are troubled with doubt about various issues could be easily solved through trusting our divinely appointed leaders. This is not blind faith. It is an opportunity for us to humble ourselves and acknowledge the Lord's hand guiding the building of these sacred edifices, and directing the affairs of HIS church.
Claudia Henderson SmithAugust 4, 2023
I don't think our temples are more lavish that the Catholic and Episcopal temples I've seen around the world. Our temples have beautiful stained glass, furnishings, and chandeliers; but that is because it's the House of the Lord. We would want it to be special. As the writer said, it's like being in a realm where God and Jesus are available and we may feel serene. I love our temples!!
Debbie McClureAugust 4, 2023
This is a well thought out commentary on the beauty and design of temples. My thought is that the temple provides to the world patrons who have covenanted to sacrifice and consecrate. Indeed, a royal army leaves the temple with covenants to serve the Lord and fellow man. The value of eager and willing saints to give because they have been given much, have a sincere love of Christ, and are under covenant to represent Him, to me, cannot be calculated. This is higher and holier than throwing money to the poor.
BarbaraAugust 3, 2023
I served as a temple missionary in the Dominican Republic. One of the other senior missionaries wondered how we could build such a lavish building when there were so many poor in the country. I computed that if all of the poor of that country were given an equal portion of the cost of the temple, they would each receive approximately $5 each. If they received a portion of what it cost to maintain the temple, they would each receive maybe $.50/month. In other words, hardly enough to make any difference at all in their lives. On the other hand, the poorest of the poor of that country could enter that temple and be treated as honored guests of God on high. That inevitably did immeasurable good towards telling them that they are persons of great value.
D H HamillAugust 3, 2023
When I hear complaints about the monies spent building temples, or other buildings for that matter, I think that the laborers, manufacturers, earth movers, machinists, architects, engineering, and numerous others involved in the construction process. They are grateful for the work and income earned in order to help support their families. They, in turn, can use their earnings to purchase goods & services that benefit others. Thus, many people are provided the means of preventing poverty.
HelenCAugust 3, 2023
I heard this objection from a co-worker after she toured the Portland, Oregon Temple during its open house. I thought it strange coming from a Catholic and having seen their beautiful and, no doubt to some, extravagantly adorned cathedrals.
MaryAugust 3, 2023
What a beautiful insight … I love serving in the temple and appreciate the inspiration to seek for holiness while there.
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