Returning to the Temple

I know the ceremony well enough at this point to not pay attention to the words and, instead, simply let my mind open up and contemplate whatever hits me in the stillness. Sometimes, I go with a specific question in mind and think about that question; sometimes, I have nothing pre-planned to consider and I just let my mind drift to whatever hits me at the time.

My only stipulation is that I make my time there positive, so I don’t let myself dwell on anything negative.

My only stipulation is that I make my time there positive, so I don’t let myself dwell on anything negative.

Ray makes a great point here – it’s a lot about attitude. To some extent we get what we expect out of any experience. If we go expecting a negative experience, that’s pretty much what we’ll get. This is not a carved in stone principle, it is very possible to have a negative experience when expecting a positive and vice versa, but our own attitude and willingness to put in some effort has much to do with it.

That said, I also haven’t been to the temple in some time and actually set that as a goal this year. I don’t have trepidation in going back since I’ve always seen most there as very symbolic and I like the symbolism. I like Ray’s idea of going in with an open mind.

I can’t remember ever having a bad or negative experience in the temple. My experiences have ranged from “neutral” (perhaps dare I say a little bored) to “wonderful” — I actually have grown to like the “predictableness” of the endowment ceremony — ironic because the “predictableness” of the Sunday block is driving me nuts! Go figure.

I also see it as symbolic, DarkJedi — and have never gotten hung up on any of the questions related to literal or figurative. I assume its all symbolic.

Ray, I like the “whatever hits me in the stillness” idea — there have been times that my mind has wandered and wondered — and I felt I was better for the experience.

Boredom shouldn’t be a problem — at least for a little while. Another new temple movie is being used beginning today — so that makes 2 new temple movies I haven’t yet seen, but will be seeing soon.

I’ve actually missed the temple. I like going alone (not on a ward night, not when temple-worker friends are working, etc.) when I know that the experience — for the most part — will be just me and God (when I can find Him there). I also like going with my wife, but it’s different than when I go completely alone.

Thanks for the responses.

LDSThomas

Apparently there’s a new film…

Yes, there are now 2 new films. The one that came out a few months ago (August, I believe) and a new, new one that they started showing yesterday.

LDSThomas

Any insights on how to best experience the temple when working through a faith transition? Any articles or resources you’d recommend?

I had a great experience one time when I simply cleared my mind of any expectation and tried to channel some of the attitudes and perspectives of the early saints in Nauvoo. It was really amazing, one of the peaks of my life. I feel like in that moment I came to understand the early saints in a way I never had. I don’t have any specific book to recommend, I would just say the more on that early period the better. But on the other hand this angle may not be for everyone.

The podcast with Greg Kearney may have been on my mind at the time: http://mormonstories.org/mormon-stories-podcast-005-masonry-and-mormonism-and-interview-with-greg-kearney/

Any insights on how to best experience the temple when working through a faith transition? Any articles or resources you’d recommend?

I had a great experience one time when I simply cleared my mind of any expectation and tried to channel some of the attitudes and perspectives of the early saints in Nauvoo. It was really amazing, one of the peaks of my life. I feel like in that moment I came to understand the early saints in a way I never had. I don’t have any specific book to recommend, I would just say the more on that early period the better. But on the other hand this angle may not be for everyone.

The podcast with Greg Kearney may have been on my mind at the time: http://mormonstories.org/mormon-stories-podcast-005-masonry-and-mormonism-and-interview-with-greg-kearney/

Orson:

Thanks for sharing that experience and for linking to that podcast. I’ll check it out.

LDSThomas

3. The January 2014 movie — Just released yesterday. My understanding is that this one is still English-only.

Whoa…this is the first I’m hearing of a new movie as of this month.

Footnote: There were 2 films produced in the 1990s. The “Michael Ballam as Satan” film is the one still in use. The other one (which was the 2nd one released in the 90s — the “Derryl Yeager as Satan” film — he was the George-Michael-with-blonde-hair Satan) was changed a few years ago to “photoshop” out the face of one of the apostles (John). (As a result of some real-life drama involving the actor portraying John). The photoshop job was amazing and I doubt most people noticed it. After using it for a while, however, temples discontinued using that version completely and the Michael Ballam film was the only one in use until August 2013.

Oh, I totally remember that. The actor in the original was almost middle eastern looking, and they photoshopped the face of a polynesian looking fellow. I remember being in the temple and he showed up and I almost said out loud “What the??? They’ve photoshopped a new head on John!”

Maybe they should mix them up. It would be good if one was doing two sessions in a row and didn’t have to watch the same film twice in a row. Might help keep it fresh.

Very interesting about Michael Ballam. I looked up his website. Why does he have a posh English accent in the film though?

I think the plan going forward is to use the 2 new movies (Summer 2013 and January 2014) equally. The April 1990 will be used only when language/translation is an issue. Eventually when all the translation work is done on the 2 new movies, April 1990 will be discontinued. Whether or not another new film comes into play remains to be seen.

LDSThomas