Should a Religion have Private, Personal, Sacred Practices?

[OtherCheek]

Should a Religion have "Private, Personal, & Sacred" Practices?

Just look at how the temple garment is mocked by the world. Is there such a thing as "higher thoughts" and "higher ways" than the thoughts and ways of the world?

Note to CP: This thread is not about a Religion having "secret practices" but is about a Religion having "Private, Personal, and Sacred" Practices.

[Hamster]

Why is it a problem if they're mocked? We don't keep the crucifixion secret and that was one of the most shameful things in the world at the time

[OtherCheek]

Why is it a problem if they're mocked? We don't keep the crucifixion secret and that was one of the most shameful things in the world at the time

Line upon line. Precept on precept. Here a little, there a little.

It's an act of mercy, that God does not tell the world more than they are able to hear. If he were to do so, they would then be under obligation to accept and be under condemnation for not accepting. The world is ABLE to hear the message of the crucifixion and resurrection, and repentance and baptism. They are NOT ready or prepared to hear the specifics pertaining to the kingdom of heaven. That is why Jesus spoke in parables.

[Hamster]

What could be more difficult to understand than the crucifixion which was never considered a secret? "but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,"

[OtherCheek]

What could be more difficult to understand than the crucifixion which was never considered a secret? "but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,"

Understanding the crucifixion takes place on many, many levels. All of which can be seen as "a degree of understanding." Some higher levels of understanding the crucifixion and the atonement only occurs personally, and privately, and it becomes too sacred to share with the world.

[Hamster]

Understanding the crucifixion takes place on many, many levels. All of which can be seen as "a degree of understanding." Some higher levels of understanding the crucifixion and the atonement only occurs personally, and privately, and it becomes too sacred to share with the world.

But the bottom level was absolute shame and ridicule already. It was considered disgusting, abhorrent, ridiculous

The idea of "too sacred to share with the world" is kind of strange to me

[OtherCheek]

But the bottom level was absolute shame and ridicule already. It was considered disgusting, abhorrent, ridiculous

The idea of "too sacred to share with the world" is kind of strange to me

Noted.

In my case, there are aspects of my relationship with God that are too personal, private, and sacred to share with the world. And that has everything to do with my personal experiences and with the temple ceremonies themselves.

[One Bad Pig]

Should a Religion have "Private, Personal, & Sacred" Practices?

Just look at how the temple garment is mocked by the world. Is there such a thing as "higher thoughts" and "higher ways" than the thoughts and ways of the world?

Note to CP: This thread is not about a Religion having "secret practices" but is about a Religion having "Private, Personal, and Sacred" Practices.

I can understand having something set apart as holy. Avoiding mockery is a poor excuse for doing so, however.

[OtherCheek]

I can understand having something set apart as holy. Avoiding mockery is a poor excuse for doing so, however.

There are others that I have mentioned. And mockery doesn't hurt God's feelings so much, but it does bring condemnation upon the mocker's head.

[Hamster]

Mockery is inevitable, keeping things secret will just make it more "scandalous" when it eventually comes to light. It makes it look like a church has something to hide because they're embarrassed of it or its somehow scandalous and needs to be kept secret. With regard to the priestly garments (which I have no objection to other than thinking they're unnecessary), it would take a lot of steam out of the mockers if Mormons were open about it and had a sense of humor about it without compromising its importance.

Also I don't really know specifically what the LDS are keeping secret.. is it ceremonies or doctrines or what?

[Cow Poke]

Note to CP: This thread is not about a Religion having "secret practices" but is about a Religion having "Private, Personal, and Sacred" Practices.

Yes, OC, it is duly noted that you're using "private, personal and sacred" as codewords for "secret". Shhhh... I won't tell.

[Cow Poke]

Scripture Verse:

(Rom 1:16 KJV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

There is NOTHING that happens in my Church, in the way of religious practice, that I cannot share with the world.

Last summer, we ordained some Deacons, and I washed their feet at the altar in front of the Congregation. That was PERSONAL and SACRED, and downright humbling ---- and not something I would purposely "broadcast", but if anybody asked "why did you do that" or "DID you do that", or "what was that all about", I would be happy to tell them.

[Cerebrum123]

OC, maybe if the LDS, were "putting their light on a hill" instead of "under a basket". I doubt there would be nearly as much ridicule. Also, I don't believe that God is going to try and keep secret the way to get into the "highest heaven" from anyone, especially those He wants to have "adopted" as His sons and daughters.

[Cow Poke]

OC, maybe if the LDS, were "putting their light on a hill" instead of "under a basket". I doubt there would be nearly as much ridicule. Also, I don't believe that God is going to try and keep secret the way to get into the "highest heaven" from anyone, especially those He wants to have "adopted" as His sons and daughters.

That's a good point, Brum.... Why would God make it so convoluted to get to Heaven, when Jesus publicly told the thief on the cross, "This day you will be with me in Paradise". I don't think Jesus was indicating, "but, of course, it won't be the BEST Heaven - just one of the lower ones".

And THAT was pretty durn PUBLIC!

[OtherCheek]

OC, maybe if the LDS, were "putting their light on a hill" instead of "under a basket". I doubt there would be nearly as much ridicule. Also, I don't believe that God is going to try and keep secret the way to get into the "highest heaven" from anyone, especially those He wants to have "adopted" as His sons and daughters.

You really wouldn't want us to put our light on a hill, as you seem to think it would be ultra deceptive of us to do so? You pretty much said so in another thread today. Anyway, Jesus was talking about good works. He wasn't talking about things very personal, and very sacred, and very private.

But if you still want to see our "light on a hill" then check out ProvidentLiving.org.

So, I take it that there is nothing in your Faith or your relationship with God that is private, personal, and sacred.