The Holy Temple

     For many South Floridians who frequent I-75, a new construction site has popped up between Post Road and Griffin. It's kind of a peculiar design. The construction site was even featured in a contest of a local magazine asking reader's what was being built on this site.

Photo Credit: Derek Hernandez 6.23.12

     Behind the gray Ford and white crane is the said construction site. Well the site is one for a Mormon Temple. Now why would I be writing about a new Church building, like who cares? There's Jewish Temples on every other street corner, so what's the big deal about a new Mormon one? Well our Temples aren't exactly the same as standard meetinghouses. Perhaps you've heard of Mormon Temples and their personification as places of mystery where only Mormons are allowed and secret activities take place. Well the cloud of mystery surrounding these buildings is often misguided. Let me explain. 

     In the Temple, only faithful Church members are allowed. This is because Temples are a holy place, free from the bad influences that tempt us in daily life, so thus any that enter must be clean and worthy to come in. However, in the event of a new Temple, such as the one mentioned in South Florida, there is an opportunity for anyone to enter inside and tour the building. Upon the completion of the Temple, which is anticipated in 2014, there is an open house where anyone can enter and view the building. After that, the Temple is dedicated and used for normal use. 

     The Temple is not a place of mystery, but rather a holy place where people make covenants with God and come closer to Him. One of the covenants made in the temple is the marriage. 

     One of the most holy rooms in the Temple is the Celestial Room, it is a place meant to direct people towards God by evoking the nature of Heaven. It was described by William R. Walker, who oversees the Church Temple department, in a recent interview on Heaven on the ABC news show 20/20.

 
     Temples are some of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The famous Salt Lake City, Utah Temple was named by CNN as one of the 8 religious wonders to see in the U.S.

Photo Credit: LDS Church via CNN

     With 138 operating Temples, 14 under construction, and 14 announced, the number of Temples worldwide is rapidly growing. Their presence brings no need to fear or think that the Mormons are taking over or anything crazy. Whatever your religious views, the presence of a Temple in our area is just another building block of good morals in a society with an ever-degrading foundation. Just living in the time that we do, it is easy to see the lack of good values among many of our peers and neighbors. If we all look toward our God and come closer to Him, just as a Temple provides for Mormons, we can all make society a little better.

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UPDATE: September 15th, 2013

Yesterday, I went to the Orlando Temple. Right now that is the closest Temple to our South Florida area. But, in case you haven't seen it lately, the South Florida Temple has made some incredible progress, with the exterior almost completely finished.

Photo Credit: Kenny Michaelis 9.10.13

Before the Temple is dedicated for Church used, the Church holds an open house for anyone and everyone to enter the Temple. I hope as many of my friends as possible attend this open house and I'll be sure to let everyone know the dates when I know them.

If you have any questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or the Temple, feel free to contact me.