The HBO series Big Love will show "sacred ceremonies" conducted by the LDS church, and Mormons are upset.
While they say that anyone can view their temples during open houses and that information about their ceremonies are available through various sources, Mormons do not like the television show's portrayal of their sacred practices.
Mormon Temples.
The following videos were obviously produced by the Latter Day Saints, but they provide an interesting history of Mormon temple construction and show what the interior of the temples look like.
Here's the description provided with the videos:
This video begins by discussing the rebuilding of the Nauvoo temple a few years ago.
In addition to regular Sunday worship, Latter-days Saints also follow the biblical practice of worshipping in temples. The Church operates 125+ temples throughout the world. By comparison, there are over 17,000 chapels for Sunday worship services. Latter-day Saints believe that temples are the most sacred places on earth — sanctuaries from the distractions and commotion of life. The temple is a place where the most cherished of human relationships are made eternal. Accordingly, it is only fitting and appropriate that the lives of those who worship there reflect that sacredness. Thus, unlike regular Sunday worship, to which all are invited, temple worship is set aside for Latter-day Saints who observe the basic principles of the faith.
Because temples are architecturally beautiful and often prominently placed, many inquire about visiting them and are disappointed to find out that only Church members in good standing may enter. It is noteworthy, however, that the general public is invited to participate in educational tours of the interior of temples after their construction is complete but before they are officially dedicated and opened.
To account for the diversity of religious experience, many religions have traditionally made space in their worship practices for the public and the private, the common and the sacred, the routine and the exceptional, the wide and the narrow. These sanctuaries serve a much different purpose than regular worship services intended for larger audiences. It is no different with the Latter-day Saints.
Former Prophet and President of the Church, Gordon B. Hinckley, said:
"Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred covenants with God. Temples are places of learning. Their principal purpose is to provide ordinances necessary for the children of God to enable them to return to dwell with Him. Temple ordinances lead to the greatest blessings available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. In addition to being a place where sacred priesthood ordinances are performed, the temple is a place of peace and revelation. It is a place where spiritual guidance can be received for crucial decisions or concerns."
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Tom Hanks puts this brouhaha into perspective (and waxes prophetic) at the 3rd season premiere of Big Love:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7JgK_mmEBk
"There's gonna be lies, and secrets, and discoveries, and problems. Television!"
Good video, Chino. I think they're making too much of this. It is only television.
Look at the Catholics, after all, and the countless movies made about their traditions (fictional and factual).