I posted my thoughts a couple days ago as “Approaching the Temple” on the Mormon Apologetics & Discussion Board (MADB), which concerned what is appropriate to discuss and talk about with temple subjects, and what is not, and how we might find that voice. A reader responded:
You said, “The temple ceremonies and ordinances are sacred and secret. There is a level of secrecy connected with anything that is sacred … Christ once taught, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you (Matt. 7:6)”.
Why would temple-going Latter-day Saints view non-temple-going Latter-day Saints as swine and dogs?
This is how I responded:
The scripture was not used to show that temple-going LDS view non-temple-going LDS as swine and dogs. That is not what I meant, nor is it what Christ meant. The scripture tells us that sacred things cannot be given to just anyone. Sacred things are meant to be given to only certain people who have prepared themselves for them. When Christ spoke about “swine” and “dogs” he was referring to those that are in the world who utterly reject these things, not those that are in the Church who are working towards the temple. The Joseph Smith Translation helps to clarify:
Go ye into the world, saying unto all, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come nigh unto you.
And the mysteries of the kingdom ye shall keep within yourselves; for it is not meet to give that which is holy unto the dogs; neither cast ye your pearls unto swine, lest they trample them under their feet.
For the world cannot receive that which ye, yourselves, are not able to bear; wherefore ye shall not give your pearls unto them, lest they turn again and rend you. (JST Matt. 7:9-11)Those that are in the Church are much closer to receiving the mysteries of the kingdom than those that are in the world, and Christ certainly would not have referred to them as “swine” or “dogs.” Church members have accepted Christ’s gospel, been baptized into his Church, and are striving to obey his commandments. But even these must still prepare themselves and do what Christ has asked in order to receive the sacred mysteries. If members are not striving to become temple worthy and temple attenders, then they are not yet at-one with the Lord.
I would say Church members who aren’t yet Temple-goers would be “children”.
As in, “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” –Matthew 18:3-4
Or, “…men drink damnation to their own souls except they humble themselves and become as little children…For the natural man is an enemy to God…unless he …becometh as a child…” –Mosiah 3:18-19
Concerning members of the Church who are still working on being Temple-goers, Christ has said,
“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”
I agree…they are clearly not dogs and swine.
IMHO, the distinction between “us” and the “dogs and pigs” is not necessarily meant as an insult, but as a distinction is between the “holy” and the “unholy.”
Things that are holy are set-apart to God. They are above the world of the not saved, and the non atoned for. Dog and swine don’t care about holy things and they degrad them, not on purpose, but by nature. I love my dog, but he does not belong in the temple. He is not holy, and he can not understand holy things.
Many non-members have read the text of the temple, even scholars, but they can’t understand it. It is holy and only those seeking holiness can understand it, and it is only understood through revelation.
-David
I would go so far as to say that the demarcation of unholy, the saved, the holy, and the holy of holies, is a main function of the temple. So we should not be surprised that the non-holy are not invited. Egalitarianism should not be our goal, but holiness.
-David
Well said, David.
Nibly addresses this subject in “Return to the Temple”
“When the Lord speaks of giving precious things to the dogs and pearls to the swine, it is not with contempt for those creatures, but with the futility of such a thing for all concerned–the dogs would find no value in precious things, which would be thrown away into dirt and trodden under foot.” p65
Further:
“The constant concern is to keep Israel out of contact with the profane things of the world; the reason given is not absolute secrecy, but to keep these sacred things from becoming halal, that is vulgar, popular, the subject of everyday discussion, in a word, trivia. This is what is meant by blasphemy, which signifies not some awful and horrible commitment to evil but simply taking holy things lightly.” p65
The page references are from “Temple and Cosmos” CWHN: 12. The section of Return to the Temple titled “Secrecy” offers a good investigation on the subject.
Thanks guys. I am sure I absorbed that understanding from reading Nibley.
-David
The passage said, “For the world cannot receive that which ye, yourselves, are
not able to bear.”
What mysteries of the kingdom are the saints not able to bear?
Pete
In New Testament times and in what is recorded in the Book of Mormon, what
temple ordinances were the early disciples involved in in that Jesus told them
not to mention to “the world?”
What in the New Testament indicates that the context of what Jesus was talking
about referred to anything about the temple?
Pete
I don’t think it’s fair to link these comments of those working toward salvation as *only* pertaining to LDS church members; nor is it fair to link “dogs” and “swine” solely with non-members. I don’t think that’s what was meant, but just felt I needed to clarify.
First, there are plenty of individuals that are working toward a greater understanding of truth that have not had a chance to hear or understand the restored gospel. Indeed, I have many non-LDS friends that understand and emulate Jesus Christ better than some uncaring LDS members. Even remarks of the two churches in Nephi’s visions don’t support the idea that only those in the one true church (with priesthood authority) are in the church of the Lamb of God. The scriptures make it very clear that we are either influenced by good or by evil. We choose which “church” we belong to with our desires, intents, and actions.
You can’t judge someone’s spiritual depth and understanding by their religious affiliation, or by the ordinances they’ve received. How many endowed members of the LDS church have sought less understanding than, lets say, Martin Luther, for example? Even those affiliated with the restored gospel may not understand new or profound doctrine taught therein. In lacking this, aren’t they also acting as the “swine” mentioned above? I know astute youths that follow temple covenants more closely than some older endowed members, and probably understand the concepts better – whether or not they’ve been taught them in exactly the same way and place.
Bryce,
You said, “These are not to be regarded as dogs or swine either. As I said in
the original post, I think Christ was referring to those in the world that utterly
reject the teachings of the restored gospel.”
That’s a fair statement. I would consider these individuals as swine and dogs.
But I would consider partially rejecting the teachings of the restored gospel
the same as utterly (or wholly) rejecting them.
A context issue arises when it comes to how people define “utterly” rejecting
the teachings of the restored gospel. Does “utterly” mean 100%, 50%, or
20%, or some other value?
If it is a matter of “utterly” (or 100%) rejecting the teachings of the restored
gospel, then O (zero) people would be considered as swine and dogs because
no one on the planet knows what all the teachings of the restored gospel are.
So then who in “the world” was Jesus referring to?
There are people in the church who are really in the “world” (so to speak) so
we can’t totally separate them from the unholy members who are both ” in the
world” and not members of a church.
Then you said, “And there are many in the Church who do reject these things,
by not seeking understanding, not keeping their covenants, not attending the
temple, etc. ”
By the same token, I would consider these as swine and dogs too. You have
unholy members both in the church and without. As with the Law, breaking
one commandment is like breaking them all.
I believe members in the church are either pursing holiness or unholiness and
this is why I can consider some of the church members as dogs and swine.
Being “in the world” is not always synonymous with “not being a church-tithing
member.”
Thank you,
Pete
Hello,
I’m an evangelical christian and I have heard and seen a lot about temple ordinances from former Mormons who have posted stuff on the Internet. While I don’t agree with the temple ordinances, I respect the beliefs of its patrons … freedom of religion you know. I also don’t accept the LDS teachings about a Heavenly Mother and the restored gospel. I do believe in a great apostasy before Jesus defeats the man of sin at His Second Coming however (2 Thessalonians 2).
Since I do not trample LDS temple ordinances, can these “pearls” be cast before people like me?
Jeff
Thank you Bryce. You’ve explained it well.
Jeff
I am all for being good neighbors with other faiths or of no faith. All people are our brothers and sisters where ever they are in the world, they have rights from God, and we should respect each other, and not call each other names. Yes there are bad people in the LDS church. Let’s get past this pedestrian stumbling block and understand what is being taught.
It was Jesus who used the words dogs and swine, and I am not going to apologize for His words.
I would ask Heather; do you think there is salvation outside of the church? Do you believe people can reject any of the principle of the gospel/church (Christ, atonement, baptism, the temple) and still inherit the Celestial Kingdom?
Thanks Jeff for your friendly style of engaging LDS people.
By Jeff’s own admission he rejects the temple. Clearly there were doctrines that existed in the “original church” that were not available to everyone. Some call this the “mysteries” or the hidden things of God (biblical terms, not mine). Jesus was in effect saying that if people do not sanctify themselves to a certain level (through the atonement of course), and make themselves holy, they should not have these hidden things. If Jeff rejects certain principles and ordinances of the gospel, (atonement, baptism, priesthood, and restoration), it is precisely him that is excluded from further knowledge.
Those former member internet betrayers of their temple covenants are the ones Jesus said would turn back around and trample us. IMHO
-David
Jeff,
Here are some of my thoughts… The ordinances of the temple are sacred. Oftentimes when these ordinances and teachings are presented elsewhere, it is with a biased and incomplete view; sometimes not intended as such.
Because of their sacred nature, they are not as openly discussed. The things mentioned in the temple have their base in the scriptures. Individual ordinances, teachings of the atonement, and specific commandments of God found in the temple are replete in the Bible, and other LDS scriptures. These scriptures can and should be studied extensively. The temple ordinances are left to individuals largely to ponder with aid of prayer and scripture. It is a time that the Holy Ghost can teach each person individually. These ordinances and teachings should NOT be studied and discussed out of the temple. Even intelligent, well-meaning people like yourself should not be handed information on what happens in the temple, because of this need to prepare.
You mentioned yourself that based on the comments of prior LDS members and other resources, you disagree with the temple teachings. This is interesting to me because you probably don’t have a complete picture of the matters at hand, as mentioned in the first paragraph. You also find yourself outside the sphere of both step-by-step preparation to enter the temple, and the holy atmosphere in which those teachings should be received: ie, the temple is a place designated by God for these teachings to be shown. The Holy Ghost can testify there, and it is not fit that the teachings are shown elsewhere – especially without preparation!
So to sum up, although the temple ordinances and teachings are found in the scriptures, they are sacred. The atonement of Jesus Christ enables us to make covenants and repent. As we covenant to become more like Him, and work toward that with active faith, his divine grace aids us. The temple ordinances are just this serious and sacred. They may seem simple, but have profound and far-reaching significance. They must be prepared for, step by step.
You are NOT a ‘swine’ or a ‘dog’, any individual that is seeking for a righteous life in harmony with God’s teachings is exemplary. I have faith that His love for each son and daughter of His will guide them. It is those that do not seek to do His will that are compared to dogs and swine, and only because they make themselves as such. This is not to say they cannot change. God, sadly, cannot help if they don’t have faith in Christ, repentance, and an attitude of both faithful works and gratitude for enabling grace that we will never earn or deserve. These actions lead us to try to become more like Christ, hence leading to covenants. Hence, the need for the temple and priesthood authority from God that administers these saving and changing ordinances.
According to the May 1998 edition of the Ensign magazine, there are at least six different definitions for the word “salvation”.
The two main ones are: (1) The free gift of resurrection that Christ’s atonement provides to everyone (whether atheist, Christian, or Muslim, etc) so that they may have their spirits and bodies reunited to appear before God for judgment. (2) One’s exaltation to godhood (eternal life). This is the context of 2 Nephi 25:23 – For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.
Jeff
I agree with Bryce’s clarification of my comments.
On Jeff’s comment, when I use the word “salvation” I most often mean anyone who inherits one of the degrees of glory. I think this is the most common usage of “salvation” in LDS parlance.
-David
About Christ’s words to “give not that which is holy unto the dogs,” at what
point does an explanation of a temple ordinance (by a temple-participant to
a non-temple-going LDS member or to a non-LDS person) become a case of
giving something holy unto the dogs?
Would it be a case of if they trample you, then you gave something holy
to a dog and if they don’t trample you, then the recipient was not a dog at
all or what you told him was not holy?
Regards,
Pete
The terms swine, dogs, pearls are for comparison and to illustrate relationships rather than for derision and must be connected with the terms cast/give and the object of the gospel mysteries. The Lord is not embarrassed to be compared with animals such as a lamb or serpent (Numbers 21:5-9, Exodus 7:10-13).
In the relationship, the swine and dogs do not seek, knock, or ask for the pearls; they don’t value the pearls, or don’t even know they exist or should be valued. They are not thankful, nor would they appropriately use/treat the gift.
The mysteries are not to be cast (without restraint) toward or given haphazardly to one without action by the bestowed upon person.Those who do not seek, knock, or ask for gospel truths are therefore swine to those truths. One must truly receive and give heed and diligence to the gospel teachings. The mysteries are closely held; though all are invited to partake; “Come unto me all ye. . . and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28).
D&C 88:33 “For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.”
A sow does not rejoice in the casted gift of pearls.
Alma 12:9-11 Alma mentions the mysteries:
“9 And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.
10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.
11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.”
Nephi spoke of the Lord’s baptism and that we must be baptized in like manner. He then spoke of the Holy Ghost and next stated, “Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark.” (2Nephi 32:4). I include these people in the swine catagory.
Nephi continued “For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive [note the word receive as in D&C88:33] the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.” (v. 5).
-swine in too many ways, Ferriera
I have always found that the clearest yardstick on how much is appropriate to share about the temple with those who haven’t yet been, is to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. He has often “stopped my mouth” when in my ignorance I have been tempted to share something with someone who wouldn’t understand. I have also been counseled by leaders that when we share something of the temple with someone who might not understand, we can actually harm them, by letting them make light of something sacred. We then carry that burden. So, listen to that still small voice and he will tell you what is appropriate to share about the temple, and to whom.