@robertsrandoms
robert.taylor34@gmail.com

The idea behind Robert's Random is for me to write about whatever I'm thinking about whenever I'm thinking it. I try to write 3-5 times a week, but sometimes real work gets in the way of that. Sometimes I'll share whatever random thought I might have that day but most of the time, I like to write about things going on in the news. I'm a total news junkie, I spend a lot of time online at various news sites. If I find a story where someone does something totally stupid or I wonder "what were they thinking?" I don't mind pointing it out incase others missed it or taking my best guess at what they were thinking. I like to laugh, I like to make others laugh. There's so much serious and wrong stuff going on in the news that when I find an unusual or light story, I like to use it. And while real life news events might be the focus of many of my blogs, I'm just trying to entertain you, make you laugh and maybe even think about something you didn't know before reading. I'm not trying to break any serious news or deliver any hard-hitting coverage. You'll have to read a paper or watch one of the network shows for that.

Someone let me into the Mormon temple.

Posted Thursday, July 24, 2008, at 5:51 PM

I've been intrigued by the Latter-Day Saint religion since I was nine.

My family had just moved to Mountain Home from Ohio and my sisters and I were staying with a family friend while my mom went on a year-long remote tour to Greece. The lady we were staying with had a sister and a niece who were visiting when we arrived and a few days later, the niece came in crying, saying one of the neighborhood kids had called her a Mormon.

"What's a Mormon?" I wanted to know.

I was told it's a religion that a lot of people in Idaho practice. I didn't understand at the time why someone would call someone else a member of a religion as an insult, and I still don't.

I didn't think much about this conversation again until I got to high school, where I noticed a lot of my friends were members of the church and spent a lot of time in the Seminary building.

One of my good buddies, who would later live with my family for about six months, started dating a girl who was a Mormon. A short time later, he converted to the religion and I began to eat lunch in the Seminary building myself and attend stake dances with him and his girlfriend. (The two would later break up for reasons I've since forgotten and a short time later, a friend of mine asked me for his number. I called him the next day to tell him I had passed his number to her and wanted to make sure that was OK. He told me she had called him the night before and the two spent the entire night talking and had plans for that night. It turns out he had liked her in high school (he had graduated the previous year) but didn't think she liked him. The two have been married now for six years and have two kids.)

While I was deployed to Iraq, I got to know a pretty cool guy, who happened to be Mormon. Though he made me fast forward through the two sex scenes in "The Notebook," we quickly became good friends and in fact, it was from him I learned people actually go to college to become journalist (though I didn't major in journalism in college, he was the first person to teach me about news style).

Earlier this year, he met a girl he decided he wanted to spend the rest of his life with (good call by the way buddy) and asked me to be the best man at his reception. Since I'm not a Mormon myself, I was not allowed to witness the sealing (marriage) ceremony held inside the temple. I instead spent the ceremony in the waiting room trying to figure out the secret hand sake and walking around the building.

I had ridden to the temple with his new wife's brother and cousin. As we walked back to the car, her cousin told me the Twin Falls temple hadn't been dedicated yet so therefore, riffraff like me (my words, not his) were able to tour the temple and asked if I was interested.

I immediately said I was. I've always wondered what they do in there and what it looks like. Plus, if you tell someone they aren't allowed to go somewhere, it only makes them want to go there more.

I exchanged numbers with a different new cousin-in-law (the first cousin's sister if you're keeping track) and we worked out the details and last night, I was able to take a tour of the Twin Falls temple.

Members of the church believe the temple is the holiest place on earth, a place they can go to be close to God. As a result of this belief, they spare no expenses when it comes to building a new one. The building is extremely nice, like five-star hotel quality nice. I don't really know if I'm allowed to say much more than that. You weren't allowed to bring cameras, cell phones and things like that into the temple so I don't want to say anything that will offend church members. Everyone there was really nice and I fear if I upset them, they might attempt to hug me to death.

Because I have spent a lot of time around church members and have come about as close to the religion you can come without having to touch it, I had a fairly long list of questions about things I don't understand about it. I attempted to unload most of my questions on my new friend but she suggested I, and encouraged me to, talk to a missionary. I deflected all of her request to meet with one or leave my number to be reached by one.

While she was answering one of my questions as we sat around a table in the nearby stake center, a female missionary walked by our table and eventually joined us and my questions were passed on to her. She had to no doubt feel like she got hit by the question bus as I fired question after question at her.

Religion interest me because there are so many different ones out there and only one thing is going to happen to us when we die. Every religion thinks they know what that thing is. At the end of the day, there are going to be a lot of disappointed people in the next life as not everyone can be right.

When it comes to religion, I'm not a 100 percent sure what I believe yet. I have an idea, but exploring different religions and nailing it down is on my life to do list (it's number three, right after learning how to swing dance and figuring out what I'm going to do with the rest of my life, and yes, in that order). My plan is to not die until I figure it out first.

I enjoyed the experience. I think anytime you can sit down and have a serious discussion with someone who believes something different than you, it's is a good experience.

I'm fairly certain that the LDS faith isn't for me, but after last night, I have a clearer understanding of the religion. I may not agree with all of their practices, but hearing about the doctrine and beliefs behind some of them was a positive experience.

I'm not saying I'm an expert on the religion now or that I know everything about it all of a sudden, but it's astonishing what you can learn if you keep an open mind.

Comments

View 13 comments

Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. Please note that those who post comments on this website may do so using a screen name, which may or may not reflect a website user's actual name. Readers should be careful not to assign comments to real people who may have names similar to screen names. Refrain from obscenity in your comments, and to keep discussions civil, don't say anything in a way your grandmother would be ashamed to read.

be prepared Robert. you may have just opened a real big can of worms.

Enjoy.

-- Posted by Beau on Fri, Jul 25, 2008, at 2:05 AM
I couldn't agree with you more Beau. Having grown up mormon myself and even having gone through all the temple ceremonies and even spending two summers working on a temple (my dad and grandpa built the Las Vegas temple) I think I know a bit about them. I have long since moved on from mormonism, and christianity in general, but all of my family is mormon and I still have a deep respect for the few mormons I have known over the years who truly practice what they preach and live their faith, as opposed to the majority I have known who say one thing and do another.

I think you hit the nail on the head with the following comment: "Religion interest me because there are so many different ones out there and only one thing is going to happen to us when we die." I myself enjoy learning about as many different faiths as I can and the more I learn the more respect I have for their origins. For the past couple of years I have been studying paganism and wicca, for example.

My own personal beliefs are sort of a melting pot of various bits and pieces of different paths and I strongly believe in the concept that the pathway to heaven is not a narrow one. I believe that heaven, or whatever you prefer to call it, is like the top of a mountain. There are numerous different paths and trails to get up that mountain. Some are longer and more difficult than others and some take longer than others, but ultimately they all lead to the top eventually. Sometimes we make it up in a single lifetime. Other times it takes several lifetimes. But eventually we will all find our way.

I love to discuss religion and religious beliefs and I am not one to attack anyone. I certainly hope my comments here did not offend anyone either. But I just wanted to share my thoughts on this.

And I will tell you that the sealing ceremony is a beautiful ceremony and is very powerful stuff.

-- Posted by mattnielsen on Fri, Jul 25, 2008, at 10:07 AM
Robert,

I glad you are searching for answers and are asking stumping questions.

Don't you think it's odd that the girl couldn't explain her beliefs enough and had to refer you to a specialist? If God's message is for everyone, why wouldn't everyone be able to understand and explain it?

Also, if this building and ceremony is so beautiful and sacred, why wouldn't a God who welcomes all to come explore Him openly invite you in "His" house? When was the last time you went to a friend's house, stood at the door and walked around outside while he and his family ate dinner? What kind of Godly treatment is that?

Robert, these are some very honest questions from a fellow journalist with a curious mind. When I began asking questions, I didn't encounter a series of consultations from experts trying to convince me, I encountered the God of all creation with open arms, understanding arms who displayed irrestible grace. And I realized I couldn't run from Jesus Christ any more.

My advice to you is RUN DUDE! Run from man-made religion, especially what you've recently encountered, and run to Jesus.

-- Posted by rundude on Fri, Jul 25, 2008, at 11:16 AM
mattnielson, i too looked into Wicca for a few years an what i decided is i view all religions in this way, imagine a 3D octogon , the octogon itself is the one diety way to salvation enlightenment reincarnation whatever your particular religion calls it. and all the facets of the 3D octogon are different religions. essentialy that theyrre all the same thing but some people cannot accept one so another religion is given to them so they can still get to where theyre going. that didnt quite explain the idea i have in my head but that about as close as i can get to it .

-- Posted by just1 on Fri, Jul 25, 2008, at 11:20 AM
one last thought, i think theres a little bit that can be learned from most maybe all religions. just because a person doesnt agree with the whole thing doesnt mean they cant take away a part of it that connects within them and use that to enrich their lives.

-- Posted by just1 on Fri, Jul 25, 2008, at 11:23 AM
Thanks for sharing your sincere thoughts, Robert. It's always interesting to hear the perspective of an informed outsider.

For me, my Mormon faith has been the single most valuable thing in helping me find truth and purpose in life. Nothing I have encountered has brought be greater happiness. Nothing has guided me to Jesus Christ with greater power or authenticity.

The thing that I cherish about Mormonism, which I think is unique, is the way the faith encourages seekers to find out truth for themselves: You don't have to rely upon either my testimony or rundude's testimony. You can take your case directly to God and receive spiritual direction from him by way of the Holy Ghost. Once you have received such an encounter with the divine, nobody can take it from you. It belongs to you, and you know for yourself -- despite what anyone else may say.

Through such experience, I know the following:

I know that there is a God that loves us, as a father loves his children. I know that there is a very real spiritual dimension and an afterlife. I know that some of the greatest joy we can find is within loving family relationships that endure forever. I know that what the world commonly teaches as being fulfilling (i.e. self-indulgence) is a lie. I know that Jesus Christ has overcome the world, and that he will heal and redeem us if we come to him -- he is our only hope. I testify of his saving power.

I wish you well in your spiritual journey. May God bless you, and guide you, as you seek him.

Love,

A.W.

-- Posted by alienatedwannabe on Fri, Jul 25, 2008, at 2:54 PM
Learn more about temples from the official site: http://www.lds.org/temples

-- Posted by AdamW on Fri, Jul 25, 2008, at 3:56 PM
Loved the write up... I've heard of Trevor Rapp actually and thank you for your service to our country.

I'm a member of the Mormon faith also. The way I came to know of the truth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was when I decided to really dig in and genuinely read The Book of Mormon (ancient scripture written by prophets of God in the ancient Americas) to find out if it was true. After reading and sincerely seeking for divine guidance I came to know that these things are true.

Here are some official sources to learn more about the official doctrines and beliefs:

http://jesuschrist.lds.org/

http://mormon.org/

Thanks again for your service to our country.

-- Posted by systemlevel on Fri, Jul 25, 2008, at 7:09 PM
Keep on sincerely searching for the truth, Robert, and you will find it. Like you said, there's only one right answer out there. To the good people who believe that many different paths lead to heaven, remember the words of Christ Himself: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Salvation comes only in and through our Savior, Jesus Christ. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). To those who think that a belief in Christ alone is sufficient to receive a fullness of God's blessings, I urge you to consider the necessity of acting on this belief to tap into the infinite power of the Atonement that ultimately saves us: "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). Also do not forget the fact that Christ truly did organize one true church when He lived on the earth--"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers" (Ephesians 4:11)--and the need of proper authority from God, not man, to preach and administer necessary ordinances like baptism--"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit" (John 15:16). If there is one God, then He should have one true church, and only this church would have the authority and power necessary to teach correct principles from heaven and perform ordinances required for salvation.

I agree with "rundude" 100% when he says, "Run from man-made religion." Run from man-made religion, everyone, and run to God-made religion. Run to Jesus Christ and His one true church. How can one find this church, you might ask? Well, do what A.W. suggests--find out for yourself through study, pondering, and prayer. Do all that's in your power, and then ask God, and He will help you find the way.

As for why a religion wouldn't open all of their doors to absolutely everyone, well, why did Christ so often speak in cryptic parables? Wouldn't a loving Son of God want everyone to understand what He was teaching? Of course He would love it if everyone were ready to hear His teachings, but unfortunately some people weren't, and some people today aren't ready to participate in sacred and important teachings and covenants that take place in temples. As we can see in the unfounded and often ridiculous attacks against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, some people have no shame when it comes to attempting to tear down a religion that brings true happiness and joy to millions of people throughout the world. Why would a church want to open their doors to the most sacred ceremonies that exist for certain people who aren't ready for them and who will do nothing but ridicule? Temple worship is a lot older than any of us, and we would do well to try to understand and prepare for it instead of question why a loving God would ask something of His children in order to participate.

-- Posted by Jeff16 on Fri, Jul 25, 2008, at 8:18 PM
Jeff16, those are your words from your god written in your book for your church. Of course they are going to point you toward him. It takes more than words in a book to convince me of things.

-- Posted by mattnielsen on Fri, Jul 25, 2008, at 10:31 PM
What a wonderful article! Just focus on numbers one and two, and three will come. You've already found the truth though...

-- Posted by Joe Coffey on Sat, Jul 26, 2008, at 12:52 AM
Actually, I wouldn't really call him "my" God, since He's the God of us all, and the words I quoted are written in the Bible, a book that millions of people worldwide believe in and have received a witness of. But you're right, Matt: it does take a lot more than words to convince anyone of anything. We could read a book that some consider to be scripture all day, every day, and still not know whether or not it's true. That is why thinking about these things, discussing them with others, praying about them, and trying out the principles for ourselves are so important. Without prayer, without direct communication from God that often comes through our thoughts and feelings, there is no way we could learn spiritual truths for ourselves and with certainty. But if there is a God, and if He does love us, then why would He not want us to approach Him and ask for knowledge about who He truly is, who we are, and why we are here in this life? Such a loving Heavenly Father does exist, and He's willing to bless us with eternal truth that doesn't change if we will but do what He asks to obtain this knowledge. Sincerely seek, and it will be given to you.

-- Posted by Jeff16 on Sat, Jul 26, 2008, at 4:57 PM
I'm totally agreeing with what Beau said. I grew up Mormon, in fact, I was one of the Mormons you knew in high school. I no longer consider myself Mormon, becuase I believe it is a false religion. I'm glad you have decided not to join. Here are a few sites for people inquiring...

www.JosephLied.com

http://www.carm.org/mormon.htm

http://www.mrm.org/

-- Posted by Nictip on Thu, Jul 31, 2008, at 1:11 AM

Respond to this blog

Posting a comment requires free registration:

If you already have an account, follow this link to login
Otherwise, follow this link to register