Criticisms related to Latter-day Saint Temples

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Criticisms related to the temple

Ordinances revealed

Summary: It is claimed that the LDS temple ordinances were either made up by Joseph Smith or borrowed, by him, from an earthly source.

Was the temple obsolete after Christ?

Summary: Some Christians charge that Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection meant that the temple was to be removed from Christian worship—the Atonement made the temple superfluous. Therefore, they criticize the LDS for persisting with temple worship. It is also claimed that the veil in the temple becoming rent in twain after the crucifixion of Christ indicates that the temple was no longer to be used.

The role of the Independence temple

Summary: What role will the temple to be built in Independence, Missouri fill in the Church?

Reports of Drunken Behavior at the Kirtland Temple Dedication

Summary: Were there really spiritual manifestations attending the dedication of the Kirtland temple? I have heard allegations that it was in fact a drunken orgy.

Why does the Church build expensive temples?

Summary: Why does the church spend so much money on temples when children are dying of starvation in other parts of the world? Wouldn’t the money spent on these buildings be better used in feeding the hungry?

Worthiness to enter

Summary: This article addresses criticisms directed at worthiness requirements to enter the temple.

Temples made with hands

Summary: It is claimed that Acts 17:24-25 teaches that the idea of temple worship is foreign to Christianity, when Paul says: "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things."

Do temples always face east?

Summary: Do LDS temples always face east? The front of the temple is the elevation where the phrase "House of the Lord" is found. Temples face whatever direction is most practical and artistically pleasing for the site they are on.

Elias and Elijah at the Kirtland Temple

Summary: Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery reported a vision in the Kirtland Temple on 3 April 1836 (see DC 110꞉1-16

). They reported that they received priesthood keys from three angelic messengers: Moses (verse 11), Elijah (verse 12), and Elias (verses 13-16) Critics points out that "Elias" is merely the Greek name of the Hebrew prophet "Elijah." Thus, they charge, Joseph Smith made a fatal error by having Elias and Elijah be two different people, when they are in fact one and the same.

Should there be only one temple?

Summary: Some claim that there should only be a single temple.

Did Joseph Smith only build a temple and no other Church buildings?

Summary: Some claim that it is wrong for the Church to build other buildings besides a temple, because Joseph did not do so. This claim is false—Joseph and his revelations directed the building of many different structures for Church use.