conversation

Video: Mormon Temples – A Walkthrough Tour of LDS Temples

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The LDS Church Public Affairs has just published a fantastic video explaining what temples are all about to Mormons.  In it they have a conversation with Elder William R. Walker, Executive Director of the Church Temple Department.  Elder Walker gives a great walkthrough tour of LDS temples, somewhat like a video walking tour through many of the rooms and parts of modern day temples, very similar to what you might see during an open house of a new temple.  Some of the video shown of the interiors is some I’ve never seen before, including video of inside the Salt Lake Temple celestial room and baptistry.  It is gorgeous, in full 1080p Hi-Def resolution.

I’m very pleased and excited about this new video from the Church.  I’m glad that we are taking this opportunity now, with such a great spotlight on us as a people, to explain our beliefs, particularly about the temple, and have this kind of open “conversation.”  We too need to learn how to similarly converse with others about the temple.  There are so many misconceptions that abound, even still today, and it is great to see the Church use such innovative media to help explain things.  Some believe that by taking our temple practices out of context, in exposé fashion, they might do damage to us.  I have always felt that those who are honest in heart, who truly want to learn about something, will go to the source.

The video is unusually quite lengthy, at 15 minutes, which is great!  I hope that everyone that sees this video shares it, and helps pass it on to others.  I think things like this will go a long way in helping others learn what LDS beliefs truly are, and what the temple is all about.  Watch the video below.

Temple Prep Live Google Hangout Fireside Series

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Temple Prep Live Google Hangout

Temple Prep Live Google Hangout

I’m sure many of you are aware of the new Google+ Hangout feature, but let me explain briefly. Essentially it is a group video chat, where you can see video and hear audio from all the other participants in the chat. Google also provides a “On Air” feature which will broadcast the Hangout video and audio live on Google+, YouTube, and anywhere the video is embedded into a website. This provides the opportunity for live events to be broadcasted around the world quite easily, and for many people to participate in them, both by contributing directly with their webcam, or by just viewing the live broadcast, or viewing the recording later.

Some enterprising members, such as Sheila DuBois, have begun using Google Hangouts to broadcast live “firesides” on Sundays. I think this is an innovative use of the technology to help build up the kingdom, and allows members of the Church to connect in ways previously not possible.   [Read more…]

Hugh Nibley’s on Twitter! And has a Blog

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Hugh Nibley [off the record]

Hugh Nibley [off the record]

Well, not really.  But it sure seems so!  

Nibley’s family organization Hugh Nibley & Associates has organized a Twitter feed and a new blog, HughNibley.net, dedicated to Hugh Nibley’s work.  The Twitter feed includes quotes from Hugh at least once every day, as if he were tweeting, which I’m sure he would scoff at, but is fun nonetheless.  What would Nibley write in a 140-character sound bite?  You’d be surprised some of the concise, off-beat, meaningful, spot on, quirky, poignant, strange, and humorous things that have already been posted.

The HughNibley.net blog is meant to publish more of Hugh Nibley’s work, including ebooks, and new materials.  They explain:

[Read more…]

Mormon Thoughts on the Temple – Round #2

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A few days ago I posted a request for thoughts on the temple.  I’ve received a few messages from some readers, but not as many as I would like.  We’d really like to hear from more of you.  I think this could be a very powerful missionary tool for all of us.

What does the temple mean to you?  Why do you go to the temple?  Do you have a short experience you’d like to share?  Do you have a testimony of the temple you think others could benefit hearing?  Does the temple have an important place in your life?  What have you learned about the temple that you’d like to teach others about?  Is the temple a blessing to you?  How has the temple changed your life?  What is it that makes the temple different from the rest of ordinary life?  Have you been privileged to do temple work for your ancestors?  What was it like?  Are you grateful for the temple?  Why?  Has the temple brought you closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ?

Here is an excellent example from a convert who has been a member of the Church for 11 years, and who has a genuinely powerful testimony of the temple.  Press the play button below:

Thank you, brother, for sharing with us your witness and testimony of the temple and the Holy Ghost.  You’ve blessed my life today.

What could you share with us about the temple?

The method is the same.  Just click the “Call Me” button below, enter in your name (or “anonymous”), your phone number, select “keep number private,” and then click “Connect.”  You will receive a phone call and be connected straight to the TempleStudy.com voicemail where you can share with us your message (3 minute limit). In a few days I’ll select some to share with everyone.

Feel free to be a missionary today and share what the temple means to you.  It’s easy and you could make a positive difference in someone’s life by something you share.

Mormon Thoughts About the Temple Using Google Voice

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google-voiceSo, we’re going to try something a little different and creative, something that I haven’t seen done anywhere else on the internet, and certainly not in the Bloggernacle, so we’re setting a new precedent here.  You get to hear so much from me, but we don’t often get to hear from you, the readers, except very briefly in the comments or sometimes in private emails with me.  I’d like to hear more of your thoughts, insights, stories, feelings, testimonies, things you’ve learned, good books you’ve found, and experiences about the temple.  What does the temple mean to you?  I want to hear your voices!  You all have so many rich things to share that could add to our understanding of the temple, and I want to tap into that treasure-trove of faith and cumulative voice.  [Read more…]