# Myths of Joseph Smith **URL:** \ **Category:** Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports\ **Created:** [March 5, 2005, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/myths-of-joseph-smith/293102 "2005-03-05T17:43:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![FatBaldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecd19e/32.png) [@FatBaldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FatBaldGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2005, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/myths-of-joseph-smith/293102/21 "2005-03-07T23:01:46Z")
From the book, _Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple_, published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a course of study for those who are about to receive temple ordinances. > [@](#): > > The ordinances and ceremonies of the temple are simple. They are beautiful. They are sacred. They are kept confidential lest they be given to those who are unprepared. Curiosity is not a preparation. Deep interest itself is not a preparation. Preparation for the ordinances includes preliminary steps: faith, repentance, baptism, confirmation, worthiness, a maturity and dignity worthy of one who comes invited as a guest into the house of the Lord. > > We must be prepared before we go to the temple. We must be worthy before we go to the temple. There are restrictions and conditions set. They were established by the Lord and not by man. And, the Lord has every right and authority to direct that matters relating to the temple be kept sacred and confidential. > > All who are worthy and qualify in every way may enter the temple, there to be introduced to the sacred rites and ordinances. ---
**Author:** ![pendgwen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3da27b/32.png) [@pendgwen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pendgwen)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2005, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/myths-of-joseph-smith/293102/22 "2005-03-07T23:09:51Z")
> [@Red Stilettos](#): > > OK, maybe this will keep us on track… > > Can anyone shed some light on the advantage of the secrecy surrounding Mormon weddings? It seems contradictory to me to encourage people to join your religion, yet keep everything so secret. Generally, people don’t like stepping into a black box. Plus, keeping the rituals shuttered just encourages the rumors and misconceptions that swirl around Mormon rituals. So, why are these ceremonies so secretive? Explanations for this policy center on the extremely sacred nature of temple ceremonies. First that something so sacred shouldn’t be exposed to public criticism and ridicule. Second that unless one has reached certain level of religious education and spiritual preparedness you won’t be able to fully understand the ceremonies. Even within the church unless you have been involved in a some of the temple ceremonies you won’t know exactly what goes on. For example I was raised in the church and was a good Mormon girl up till the age of 17 or so I don’t know that much about it. I was told in sunday school that there is an altar and that you and your intended kneel across from each other. You make certain vows to your spouse and to God. And that’s pretty much what I know other than general doctrinal principles of why a temple marriage is important. If you’re preparing to get married in the temple or take out your endowments without getting married there’s a process of study and personal preparation that I believe includes getting some more information about the ceremonies but I never got that far. This secrecy makes it difficult to write a good article about temple ceremonies because a devout Mormon who’s been through it won’t give you lots of specifics. So for first hand accounts you typically have to ask ex-Mormons, many of whom have reasons to dislike the church and that tends to color their narratives. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/myths-of-joseph-smith/293102.md?page=1)