“Weird” Mormon Temple Rituals Explained

Introduction to common perceptions of Latter-day Saint temple rituals, including feelings of discomfort and the perception of cult-like elements.

Definition of a ritual: A culturally strategic way of acting in the world, a form of social activity.

Everyday actions can be rituals in specific contexts
- Eating a baguette and wine on a Sunday morning in a Catholic cathedral is participating in the Eucharist.
- Baptism is a ritual framed by the context of dunking someone in a pool.
Secular examples of rituals in sports:
- Rafael Nadal's arrangement of water bottles before matches.
- Michael Jordan's practice of wearing North Carolina shorts under his Bulls uniform.
- Patrick Mahomes’ pregame routines (avoiding lines, praying, running a specific route).
- Steph Curry’s sprinting routine before games.

Critique of Alyssa Grenfell, who has participated in secular rituals while criticizing Latter-day Saint rituals (e.g., graduation ceremony).

Catherine Bell’s definition of ritualization: A process that differentiates some acts from others through cultural significance.
Roy Rappaport’s definition: Ritual as the performance of invariant sequences of formal acts and utterances that have purposes beyond the actions themselves.

All cultures participate in rituals; Latter-day Saints are not alone in this practice.

LDS temple ceremonies begin with a reenactment of the creation and involve themes common in other religions.
- Example: Shabbako ceremonies in various traditions.
- Sacred spaces in numerous cultures (e.g., pilgrimage to Mecca, Indigenous sacred lands like Crater Lake and Rainbow Bridge).

Ritual motions and collective verbal repetitions common in religious practices (e.g., Hesychasm in Orthodox Christianity, Islamic prayers).

The use of ceremonial clothing is not unique to LDS Church rituals:
- British monarchy coronation involving special garments.
- Sikh ceremonial dress and its spiritual symbolism.

Sacred exclusivity is also found in various religious contexts.
- Examples: Entry restrictions in Jerusalem’s holy sites, ancient Jewish temples, Indigenous practices that restrict access to sacred places.

Michael Norton’s research supporting the psychological and relational benefits of rituals:
- Families with unique holiday rituals exhibit higher rates of satisfaction and unity.
- Couples who practice unique rituals report relationship satisfaction increases.

Importance of commensality (shared meals) known to increase feelings of closeness.
- Couples with shared rituals see enhanced cohesion and devotion.

The importance of rituals for reconciliation:
- Handshaking as a universal symbol of agreement, representing trust and intention.
- Examples like the meeting between Shinzo Abe and Xi Jinping reflect the significance of handshake rituals.

LDS temple ceremonies focusing on covenant love, trust, and collective unity through rituals that encourage a deeper relationship with God and the community.

Reflection on common critiques of LDS rituals compared to everyday rituals in other cultures.
Encouragement to experience and appreciate diverse ritual practices across cultures before making judgments.
Quote from Friedrich Nietzsche highlighting misunderstood perspectives on rituals: "Those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music."
Call to action for engagement in discussions about personal experiences related to ritual practices.