March 13th, 2009 by Kateastrophe

My dear friend Keri sent me the link to a video produced by the LDS Church explaining why Mormons build temples.  As hard as I tried to be eloquent in my words yesterday, the video does a much better job. I attempted to post the actual video here, but apparently the computer is smarter than I am today so you’ll have to click on the link. If I figure out how to embed it I’ll update the post today.

Why Mormons Build Temples

March 11th, 2009 by Kateastrophe

I am not much of a pot-stirrer. In general, on topics of religion, sexuality, politics and the like, I keep to myself. I believe how and what I believe in what (I hope) is an informed, educated, respectful manner, and I expect the same from others. My beliefs are mine, your beliefs are yours and if we disagree, let’s do so kindly and without malice. Today, however, I have chosen to speak up and stir the pot a little bit.

It came to my attention this morning that the HBO series “Big Love” which portrays a fictional, non-Mormon polygamist family living outside of Salt Lake City, Utah (for those of you who incorrectly think the family portrayed is, in fact, Latter-Day Saints (also known as LDS or Mormon), they are not. The LDS Church does not allow polygamy. Those who practice most often belong to the Fundamentalist Latter-Day Saint religion, or FLDS.) will be airing an episode this Sunday which contains a very sacred LDS ceremony which we refer to as the endowment. The character having this ceremony performed is wearing sacred LDS temple clothing and the show has employed an ex-LDS individual to guarantee the accuracy of the ceremony.

When I saw this, my heart fell. As an active member of the LDS Church, I feel as though I’ve just been slapped in the face. The writers of this show, who, in my opinion were already treading a thin line when it comes to mocking what is most sacred to me, have officially crossed it. Some may ask why this is such a big deal or wonder why anyone really cares. I think those questions should answer themselves. The writers and the network are using what is most sacred to our religion as a trivial storyline for a fictional family. They are attempting to take the world inside the walls of our most sacred places. I want to know why they are going down that path.

Muslims do not allow non-Muslims inside the mosque at Mecca, or even inside the city itself. To them it is a sanctuary and a sacred place. The more strict factions of their religion require special attire and grooming standards, all symbolic of their commitment to their God. I would be very offended if someone were sneaking in to Mecca just for entertainment purposes.

In ancient Jerusalem only certain individuals were allowed into certain places inside the temple, the most sacred and most difficult to enter was the center, or the Holy of Holies. The Hasidic Jews wear special clothing and follow strict codes of conduct to show their faith in God.

The Eastern Orthodox Church has also adopted the concept of the Holy of Holies and have restrictions as to who may enter through certain doors and certain individuals will never be allowed.

I respect all religions. I take off my hat and walk clockwise when I enter a Tibetan temple. I do not take pictures in sacred Buddhist sanctuaries. I wouldn’t try to sneak onto the man’s side of the Western Wall or enter inside the walls of Mecca. I do not take communion in a Catholic church or mockingly wear the sacred apparel of any religion. If I have offended anyone based on religious views, it’s because of my own ignorance and not out of malice or the want to mock or trivialize.

The LDS faith does not allow those who are not members in good standing within the walls of our temples. You are required to answer a series of questions pertaining to your dedication, worthiness and faith before being allowed in the doors. Inside the temple sacred ordinances are performed which we believe allow us to take one step closer to being with God. We are asked to wear special garments under our clothes as a symbol of our dedication and promises to the Lord. It’s not a secret, it’s sacred. Pardon me if I expect in return the same respect I try to show other religions.

I think that everyone in this world has things that are sacred to them. Special moments, rituals or things that make them remember who they are and where they are going. Sometimes these things are out in the open for everyone to see. Other times these things are kept quiet and close to the heart of the individual to whom they mean the world. I realize that anyone who wants to know about what happens in the temple can find information on the internet. I realize that the writers of Big Love are “attempting to be accurate” in their portrayal of this situation, but I cannot help but feel immense sadness at the disrespect being shown by the writers, the actors and the network who is airing this episode. As I said before, what they are showing is not a secret, is it something that is most sacred to the members of our church. It is a special ordinance performed only inside our sacred temples and on those who are in good standing with the church. This isn’t like a baptism or a first communion. This is a ceremony which represents the most sacred and special covenants we make with our Father in Heaven. They are the core of our religion and what we hold most dear. We do not keep those who do not belong to our religion outside of the temples with any malice or prejudice. We believe a dedicated temple is a house for God to dwell and, like most religions, believe that one must be prepared to be in God’s presence. Therefore, only those who are worthy and willing to make sacred promises and covenants to God are given entry into an operating temple. I wish that the world understood and respected that.

I realize that I have no power over HBO and this little blog post will not convince them to take that episode of the show off the air. But what I can do is ask any of you who might watch the show or who might consider doing so, to please take a moment to think about the things that are most sacred to you. I ask that you ask yourself if YOU would be ok with those things being shown to the world for the sake of a mere hour of entertainment. I sincerely hope that your answer would match mine.

If you are curious about my beliefs and my religion, I encourage you to email me (kateastrophe(at)cox(dot)net)or visit our Church website at www.mormon.org . I am more than happy to try to answer any questions you might have. I welcome those who are sincere in their quest to learn more. I know that many of you have very different beliefs than I do, and many may disagree with me, but please, if you are planning to be rude and disrespectful, don’t bother.

To read the LDS Church’s official statement on the airing of the Big Love episode, please click here.

March 3rd, 2009 by Kateastrophe

In an attempt to jump-start a weight loss challenge my roomie and I have going, I headed out to Bikram Yoga yesterday.

It had been a very long time since my body had taken part in any yoga class, let alone the Bikram variety, but I have always remember my days of body contortion fondly.  I loved the deep breathing and the whole spiritual oneness of it all, plus the flexibility and weight loss that comes along with it are never bad.

I apparently forgot that back in those days I was dancing at least two hours a day and working out like a professional trainer.  I was buff and flexible to start, and that it was like TEN years ago and I have aged TEN years.  And gained about thirty pounds.  Oui.

I started my day confidently and ready to go.  I was going to kick Bikram Yoga’s ass.  I finished up my work right on time and packed up my computer and went to change my clothes in the company bathroom.  It was there I discovered that I had forgotten my flip-flops.  This meant that I had the pleasure of strutting out of my place of work wearing very short yoga shorts, a red tank top and OLIVE GREEN POINTY TOED STILLETOS.  I kid you not.  I’m sure the IT guys have it on camera if you want proof.  I then had the pleasure of parking my car in a very busy strip mall area and walking across the parking lot and in front of all the stores in the same get-up.  Let me tell you, I was h-a-w-t.

I made my way into the studio, paid for my class and left my shiny green shoes in the lobby.  I grabbed my towel and my yoga mat and strutted into the yoga room where I was met with a blast of steamy, blistering hot air.  105 degrees and 40% humidity to be exact.  OHHOLYCRAP I had forgotten how hot that felt and how quickly one begins to sweat like a hog in that environment.

I looked around and everyone seemed to be enjoying the heat and most were lying on their backs in what appeared to be a meditative state.  I figured I’d try it, so I joined them.  Pretty soon a giant bead of sweat was making it’s way down the side of my face and it became impossible to stay still because MAN did it itch.  So I gave up on the whole “meditation” thing and sat up and waited for class to start whilst wiping sweat from most of my already drenched body.

Class finally started and let me just tell you what — 90 minutes feels like an eternity when you’re attempting to pull your body into inhumane positions AND sweating as though you’re locked in Hell’s closet.  Have you ever tried to grab on to your sweaty big toe with your sweaty hand and hang on while touching your sweaty nose to your sweaty knee?  First of all, it’s hard to hold on and you drop your sweaty foot a lot.  Then you try to wipe off your sweaty hands on your shorts, only to find that they are ALSO completely soaked in sweat and then you have to try to come up with something else which involves either the nasty carpet or your soaked towel, neither of which seem like a good idea.  I’m not going to lie, I looked like a COMPLETE IDIOT the whole time.  I dropped both legs at least twice and I actually slipped out of one pose and almost landed right on my face.  I severely kinked my neck looking over one shoulder AND, thanks to the mass quantities of water my body was losing, I got light-headed no less than five times and was forced to sit down before I passed the hell out.

FINALLY, the 90 minutes were up and I hobbled out of class, soaked from head to toe and extremely humbled and light headed but determined to make it out the door, past the waiting next class before crying in shame in my car.  Of course, any last shred of dignity was thrown right out the window when, naturally,  I completely tipped over right in the middle of the crowded lobby while trying to put on my damn green heels.

I’m going back tomorrow.  Who needs dignity anyway?