This Web Page is not officially associated,
in any way, with
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
(The Mormon Church).

"I think a full, free talk is frequently of great use; we want nothing secret nor underhanded, and I for one want no association with things that cannot be talked about and will not bear investigation."

---Mormon President John Taylor, Journal of Discourses, vol. 20, p. 264.

To the Reader

The purpose of this homepage is not to offend, but to inform.

This page discusses, in a frank manner, the temple ceremonies of the Latter-day Saint (Mormon) Church. These ceremonies are held sacred by members of the Church. Although I have printed the text of the entire Endowment Ceremony, I am told that the Ceremony is almost completely symbolic. The meaning of the symbolism is revealed through the "Spirit of God" which enables sincere patrons to understand the "mysteries of Godliness" as they regularly participate in the Ceremony.

Because I am not a Mormon, I cannot claim to completely understanding the ceremonies. I am only an interested (and hopefully fair-minded) observer, not a participant in these sacred mysteries.

Why this page exists: My "Close Encounter" with Mormonism.

In 1986, after taking the "Missionary discussions," several members of my family converted to Mormonism. The Mormon religion, with its wholesome, family-oriented image was very appealing to my parents, who had always tried to raise us responsibly. Allured by the Church's appearance, I was also almost converted, but decided to investigate the matter on a deeper level. I resolved to study several books pro et con and then weigh their arguments in the balance. On the "pro" side, I read all of the Mormon "Standard Works" (scriptures) in their original editions, and compared them with their modern counterparts, as well as several other "faith promoting" LDS books. I also read several historical works on Mormonism and its doctrines, and a few anti-Mormon books (for a suggestion of fascinating titles on Mormonism, see my recommended reading list).

After reading the Mormon scriptures, I put Mormonism to the test. I prayed several times to learn whether the Church was "true," and received no answer at all. The only "answer" that made any sense to me was that Mormonism--however appealing--was not what it represented itself to be.

My LDS family members have refused to listen to me and reconsider their position. The missionaries who taught my family insisted that the temple ceremonies were inspired by God, and that they contained great secrets which were necessary for "exaltation" in the "Celestial Kingdom." I do not believe this. Because there is so much rumour and speculation (and a share of lying) as to what really happens in a Mormon temple, I have decided to create a page with factual information on Mormon temple rites.

• Some preliminary Information on Mormon Doctrine
• Mormon Temple "Initiatory" Ceremonies
• The Endowment Ceremony: An Overview of the Ritual
• LDS Temple Marriage and Sealing Ceremony
• Penalties
• LDS Temple Recommends
• Temple Recommend questions
• The ceremony of the washing of the feet
• Lifting the Vail
• The Second Anointing
• The oath of vengeance
• The Adam-God doctrine
• Temple clothes
• Sample
• The Kirtland Endowment
• Descriptions of the Nauvoo Endowment
• Books to read
• Online information