The Mormon Church

The Mormon Church

 Philadelphia, PA

 July 2016

A new Mormon church was opening in Philadelphia. The church council decided to offer tours of their new facility. The public was allowed in until the first prayer was said. Then this church was going to be closed to anyone who was not a practicing Mormon. A group of my friends decided to take advantage of this opportunity and tour the facility.

We started with the viewing of their video which was so well-done and so compelling that any lost soul would be drawn to this church. None of the doctrine was explained. But a sense of fellowship, belonging and companionship dominated the message.

We were then issues disposable white booties to put over our shoes. Every effort was being made not to scuff the brand-new, spanking clean floors. A guide was assigned to each group of 20 guests and we were led from one room to another. In each room, we were greeted by a Mormon host who delivered a canned speech to us. We were not allowed ask questions to keep the tour flowing. Thousands of people were coming through this temple every day. There was no time for questions. We were told we could ask questions in the lobby. And when I raised my hand in every room, I was personally told just speak to somebody in the lobby. Instead I spoke to my guide on the side line. With hesitation and in trepidation he answered my questions as best he could. But he seemed uncomfortable in doing so.

We saw the baptism room where not only can individuals be baptized but their ancestors could be baptized through a symbolic ceremony. I had a lot of questions about that practice but didn’t get any answers.

We went to the marriage room where it was emphasized that marriage was between a man and woman. There were no exceptions. I had a lot of questions about the marriage ceremony but I didn’t get any answers. As a matter of fact, I asked one of the people in the lobby about the wedding ceremony and she told me she had never been to a ceremony. So, she couldn’t answer my questions.

I did find out that there were a lot of small chapels for the Mormons throughout Philadelphia. I made a comment about praying on Sundays and Sunday services but I was left with the impression that Sunday may not be the Sabbath. This new temple will only be used for ceremonies. We saw the baptism ceremony rooms and the marriage ceremony rooms. But nobody spoke to us about funerals. So, I don’t know what happens when somebody dies.

I left the temple dissatisfied with the tour. I wanted to know more about the religion rather than just have an opportunity to see this very new, expensive structure. I left with a sense that this was not worth my time and wondering what was the agenda of the church council. What were they hiding?  Why wouldn’t they want to give out more information? They seem defensive to me. It appeared as if they were trying to appeal only to the most vulnerable and that to me is a dangerous plan. Maybe I’m wrong in my take on this moment. I hope so. I hope I’m just being too jaded.