A Mighty Fortress is Our God

If you follow this blog and you are not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint, you might be especially interested in this article, which is full of photos of one of the newest "Mormon" temples, soon to be dedicated. And, if you're in the area, you can take a tour, before the temple is dedicated.

Someone (can't remember if it was a member of our Church or not) once complained that our temples are too fortress-like in the architecture. I've only ever viewed them as lovely, sacred edifices filled with the influence of the Holy Ghost, surrounded by light, gorgeous landscaping, and made of the finest materials, as were ancient temples in Jerusalem. Frankly, I was slightly peeved at the complaint.

Upon further reflection, I have come to agree--not with the complaint, but with the observation. These temples do resemble a fortress. But then,

"A mighty fortress is our God,
A tower of strength ne’er failing.
A helper mighty is our God,
O’er ills of life prevailing.
He overcometh all.
He saveth from the Fall.
His might and pow’r are great.
He all things did create.
And he shall reign for evermore."

That hymn epitomizes much of the sacred work that goes on inside the walls of the temple: to enlighten, to redeem, to exalt, and to strengthen our Father in Heaven's children. Worship inside these holy temples answers the age old questions of where we came from before mortality, the purpose of mortality, and what will become of us after we die. We make covenants with an eye single to the glory of God. Latter-day Saints are a covenant people, as were the Ancient Israelites, though we strive to keep the higher law, introduced by the Savior Himself, when He ministered on the earth. Christ revered His Father's house, and so do we. The Spirit of God, manifested through the workings of the Holy Ghost provides a spiritual feast of light and truth. I never feel more peaceful, more cherished as a daughter of God, or more enlightened, than when I am "home" in my Father's sacred house. "Holiness to the Lord~The House of the Lord"

If you would like to know more about why our Church builds temples, please go here.