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I think the temple actually detracts from weekly worship activities. If the focus is to go to the temple you tend to diminish those activities that everyone can participate in. You set up a false us and them hierarchy within in the church. From a spiritual perspective I think attending meetings you at least have the chance to hear something profound or important to you. So yes I think attending meetings with your neighbors is much more fulfilling than attending the temple.
I am new here and I really appreciate the chance to hear how other people really feel, and being able to accept my own feelings and perceptions. For me, so many questions wind up in personal prayer—“What do you recommend, Father, about this, right now?” I did not grow up trusting my own perceptions, feelings, and opinions—I felt like if I got an Answer to prayer, it was subject to what a Bishop said or what my spouse said–years in 12-step groups (ACA & CODA) taught me that Heavenly Father was OK with my running things by Him personally—like when it is said in Church: “We want every family to_______” yet that may not be priority for MY family and I didn’t know that if I’m listening to Leaders for my Answers. How do I serve today? How do I take care of myself today? Maybe I’m too tired for 3 meetings. Maybe it’s’ OK to enjoy my granddaughter instead of going to the temple. Maybe my mental health needs to avoid a harsh teacher or leader at church. One of my main themes about church
is that Leaders need to be taught how to be emotionally safe people. Safety was a 12-step theme and it’s easy to teach if you prioritize it. It can be emphasized in training, interviews, talks, articles, and every other place we are influenced. If an individual’s opinions can be considered harmful to the testimonies of others, how about a Bishop’s or Stake President’s shaming or controlling habits? Seeking personal Healing & Safety & Peace prioritizes my own prayers and decisions so differently—and I don’t seek to fill many of my needs in church settings where that’s not possible–like being heard and validated by sharing in a class setting at church!!!! thanks for sharing here!
Quote:From a spiritual perspective I think attending meetings you at least have the chance to hear something profound or important to you.
That is exactly why many people love the temple – with differing ways they “hear something profound or important”. For me, it comes not from anything said in the actual ordinances but from being in a quiet, reverent, spiritual place where I can let my mind go and ponder whatever hits me. I’ve had a lot of personally important insights while in the temple over the years, and I don’t have that same sort of experience in regular Sunday meetings, although I appreciate what hits me in those meetings, as well.
Thus, I personally value both for different reasons.
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