One big roof could make so many little roofs

[Anonymous]

On another thread Shawn wrote

Quote:

I am sorry to go negative here but I need to unload. I work in the heart of Utah County and the new Provo Temple has been all the buzz. Clients talk about it and I say, “Yep, it sure is a nice building.” I went through it during the open house and thought, “I wish I could have the money spent on just that door knob and those door hinges so I could fix my truck and pay off some credit card debt.” The opulence is disturbing. I don’t care about what the Old Testament says regarding all that was spent on building Solomon’s Temple.

“They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries… ” -2 Nephi 28:13

I so get this. I sense the need for both but do chafe against the over abundance in our buildings. (Don’t get me started on the mall).

One of my sources of my Christianity comes from old Hollywood Christmas Movies. My favorite being The Bishops Wife. In short David Niven, the Bishop wants to build a glorious cathedral, but it isn’t going well. He prays for help and an Angel, Cary Grant, arrives to help. However, the help doesn’t work as Niven (the Bishop wants.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7CXcuoKjxg” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7CXcuoKjxg

The movie closes with the Angel Dudley looking at a framed drawing of the Cathedral – as David Niven (the Bishop calls it) “This glorious edifice” he planned to build, pointing to the painting. Dudley, says, “Yes but times are lean, and that one big roof could make so many little roofs.” I think of it often when I see the edifices we create. We aren’t alone – Great and Glorious Cathedrals lie everywhere, and I love them, but those little roofs tug at me, too.

Niven’s final sermon shows a man who is converted. I’ll let you watch it for fun. In short Shawn, I do get the struggle. I hear you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzRUZYI8XdU” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzRUZYI8XdU

[Anonymous]

Totally aesthetic complaint, but I think that beautiful old building looks silly with a Moroni on top. 😆

[Anonymous]

Joni wrote:

Totally aesthetic complaint, but I think that beautiful old building looks silly with a Moroni on top. 😆

I think the angel Moroni at this point is about marketing and brand recognition.

I guess for me, I feel pretty distant to what the church does with its money (within reason). It is the church’s money and not mine. Expenses are rigorously audited to make sure that there is no funny business. (Unlike some of the financial corruption that is coming to light within the Catholic Church banking system). I also feel that almost all tithe paying members would support the expenses that go to build and maintain the temples.

Quote:

“They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries… ” -2 Nephi 28:13

Some could also counter that scripture…

Quote:

But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her. Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me.”

The members believe that they are building a “House of the Lord” and a place to do things of eternal significance.

I am not saying that I do not see your point. I am saying that there are reasonable positions on the opposite side as well. Balance and some level of moderation is probably the key.

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