The Faith of Others

Sacred Clothing

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has included a recent film and dialog which states, in part, the following:

“From ancient times, men and women have embraced sacred music, different forms of prayer, religious vestments full of symbolism, gestures and rituals to express their innermost feelings of devotion to God…

To those outside a particular faith, the rituals and clothing may seem unfamiliar. But for the participants they can stir the deepest feelings of the soul, motivate them to do good, even shape the course of a whole life of service.

The nun’s habit. The priest’s cassock. The Jewish prayer shawl. The Muslim’s skullcap. The saffron robes of the Buddhist monk. All are part of a rich tapestry of human devotion to God…

Some people incorrectly refer to temple garments as magical or “magic underwear.” These words are not only inaccurate but also offensive to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is nothing magical or mystical about temple garments, and Church members ask for the same degree of respect and sensitivity that would be afforded to any other faith by people of goodwill…

To Church members, the modest temple garment, worn under normal clothing, along with the symbolic vestments worn during temple worship, represent the sacred and personal aspect of their relationship with God and their commitment to live good, honorable lives.”

From the book: 50 Truths The Devil Doesn’t Want You to Know, by Joseph Fielding McConkie, page 124 is written:

“The Savior tells the story:  The King (of heaven) sent out his servants to announce the marriage of his (Only Begotten) son.  As was the custom of the day, the King would provide the white robe in which everyone was to be dressed.  That the King supplied the robe, was a reminder of his grace, which is the same for all and that everyone was to be clothed in righteousness.  However, a man came to the feast clothed in filthy garments.  As was the tradition, the wedding was held at night.  The palace was lighted by the glory of the King, who had the man in the filthy garment bound and then cast outside to outer darkness (Matthew 22:11-14).

The more familiar one is with the Bible, the more familiar one is with such stories.  Similarly, the more familiar one is with mocking the faith of others, the more familiar one is with the spirit of the adversary.”