In an article posted on Meridian Magazine online, Dr. D. Kelly Ogden offered some answers to Jewish questions regarding Mormonism — the doctrines and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Read the full article.) This is a summary of those questions and answers.
The Jews had only one temple, in Jerusalem. Why do Mormons have many temples?
The Jews actually had more than one temple. There was a temple on the island of Elephantine in Egypt, and an Israelite temple has been found in Arad of the Negev Desert. Other holy spots served for places of animal sacrifice (the main purpose of Old Testament temples), such as “Gideon’s shrine in the eastern Jezreel Valley (Judges 6:24–26); Solomon’s high place at Gibeon (1 Kings 3:2–5); and Elijah’s altar on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:30; cf. Judges 19:18). Most of these were in the small country of Israel, where once most Israelites were found. Josephus surmised that King Melchizedek of Salem also built a temple. LDS Scholar Hugh Nibley wrote that ancient believers in the One God always built temples.
Most Mormons are descendents of Ephraim and are of the House of Israel. They live all over the world, and it is the desire of the First Presidency of the Church that Mormons should not have to travel for more than a few hours to reach a temple.
Why are there no animal sacrifices or sin atonements in Mormon temples?
Animal sacrifice was always meant to be a similitude of the Messiah to come, who would offer Himself for the salvation of Mankind. This started with Adam. In the Pearl of Great Price it says:
And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord, and they heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him not; for they were shut out from his presence.
And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.
And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me. And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth (Moses 5:4-7).
Jesus Christ offered Himself as the last great sacrifice:
“Therefore, it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice, and then shall there be . . . a stop to the shedding of blood; then shall the law of Moses be fulfilled . . . And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal” (Book of Mormon, Alma 34:13-14).
Instead of the shedding of blood, the Lord demands of us a changed heart:
And ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings.
And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost (3 Nephi 9:19-20).
This message is echoed in Psalm 51.
Why do Mormons approach their temples with confidence and a feeling of worthiness?
The Israelites rededicated and cleansed themselves before going up to the temple. Their repentance was symbolized by the transfer of their sins to the slain beast on the altar. Mormons repent daily, that they may ever be worthy to enter the house of the Lord. Since Jesus Christ enacted the great and last sacrifice, He mediates between us and God. We do our best to be worthy to enter His presence, and He does the rest. Through repentance, and His acceptance of our efforts, we can stand with confidence before Him. This does not mean we are not humble. Humility and teachable-ness are mandatory to gain favor with God.
Mormons are from all the tribes of Israel. Why don’t they have to be Levites to officiate in Mormon temples?
Those who officiate in Mormon ordinances must be “called of God, as was Aaron” (Hebrews 5:4). The temples of old were places for Aaronic priesthood functions, but Christ brought with Him the higher priesthood, called the Melchizedek Priesthood. Those who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood may officiate in any of the lower priesthood ordinances.
Why are ordinances for the dead practiced in Mormon temples, but they were not in the Jewish temple?
Ordinances for the dead could not be practiced until after the death of Jesus Christ. Christ initiated the teaching of the gospel in the spirit world (afterlife), while His body lay in the tomb.