Then we talked a little about the Book of Mormon. The way that E explained the Book of Mormon was very interesting. 

When you think about the Bible, one thing that E pointed out was how many times and how many different ways it has been translated. For example, youth groups often print their own versions of the Bible like “The Way” (my Mom’s hippie bible), or, my personal favorite, “God’s Game Plan” – the version of the Bible that was used by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes when I was in high school. Because it has been translated so many times and ways, you can look at many copies of the Bible and read the same verse different ways in each version. 

E explained that it was like someone took (brace yourself, if you care for the Bible, this image is a little controversial) a nail and drove it through the book. Each time someone came along and adapted it according to their beliefs, it was like they spun it around that nail. The result is that by the time it gets to you, it could be completely upside down.

But, if you place The Book of Mormon alongside the Bible, there isn’t much room for the Bible to be twisted. And that’s what the Latter-Day Saints believe – that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It belongs alongside the Bible.

I was very surprised that the Elders were so laid-back and easy to talk to. I expected that there would be a great deal of pressure to commit, pressure to accept and believe. After all, they are missionaries and their purpose is essentially to convert people. But they were just really casual and friendly. It was mostly like having one of those really late night deep conversations with friends – and I know you know what I mean, we’ve all had them.

So all in all, it was a pretty good visit. I feel like I learned a lot, and I’m looking forward to our next meeting. But before that, I’m visiting their church on Sunday. It should be really interesting, and I will definitely be posting about that. I can definitely respect a church that doesn’t start their service until 12:30.

Kelly asked me to ask about a few questions she’s been curious about – How are members approved to get into the Temple? And what is the deal with the “special underwear” some members wear?

As Kelly pointed out, members of the LDS Church need special permission to visit the Temple. The worthy members receive what is called a Temple Recommend. The Elders summarized it for me, but I thought I would go to a Church publication for a more thorough explanation:

Because a temple is sacred, the Lord asks that it be protected from desecration. Anyone may enter who is willing to prepare well for that privilege. The concept of preparation prevails in other fields of endeavor. I remember when I was but a young boy, I told my parents I wanted to attend the university. They said I could, but only if I worked hard in preliminary schooling and met all the requirements for admission to the university. Similarly, we must qualify for admission to the temple. We prepare physically, intellectually, and spiritually. Eligibility is determined individually for each person applying for a recommend.

Judges in Israel who hold keys of priesthood authority and responsibility help us prepare by conducting temple recommend interviews. These leaders care for us and help us determine if we are ready to attend the temple. They also love the Lord and ensure “that no unclean thing shall be permitted to come into [His] house.” 12 Thus, these interviews are conducted in a spirit of accountability.

How do you prepare for a temple recommend? You may consult with your bishopric, as well as your parents, family, stake presidency, teacher, or quorum adviser. The requirements are simple. Succinctly stated, an individual is required to keep the commandments of Him whose house it is. He has set the standards. We enter the temple as His guests.

President Hinckley said, “I urge our people everywhere, with all of the persuasiveness of which I am capable, to live worthy to hold a temple recommend, to secure one and regard it as a precious asset, and to make a greater effort to go to the house of the Lord and partake of the spirit and the blessings to be had therein.” 13

The Lord would be pleased if every adult member would be worthy of—and carry—a current temple recommend. “Interviews … for temple recommends, with your bishop and members of your stake presidency are precious experiences. And, in a way, they could be considered meaningful ‘dress rehearsals’ for that grand colloquy when you will stand before the Great Judge.” 14 – The Ensign, March 2002

If you would like to know why what happens inside the Temple is so special, Jenna gives an explanation of how Church members think about the ordinances that are performed there. She even has some pictures for you. And you can read the whole article I quoted above.

For the next question I deferred to the explanation given by That Wife Jenna, and I’m going to pass on her plea: Let her explanations be enough. There are many people who strongly dislike the LDS Church and publish information on the internet that isn’t true or nice. So please be respectful that she was so nice to talk about a tough subject and don’t go looking for other information.

About the “special underwear.” This is called a Temple Garment. Jenna’s explanation is very thorough. I couldn’t bring myself to ask the missionaries about their underwear, it just seemed like the wrong thing to do given that they already had to have a chaperone for their visit. If they had been female I would probably have just asked, but I didn’t want to make the boys uncomfortable.

Now I have all of tomorrow free. Maybe I should visit the library and get that overdue book turned in. Oops.