The Beginnings of LDS Temple Worship

Temples: It’s difficult to overestimate their importance in the Latter-day Saint movement. In fact, it could be said that what is accomplished inside Latter-day Saint temples is at the beating heart of the purposes of the Restoration. In this episode of Church History Matters, we begin a new series exploring the development of Latter-day Saint temple worship. We’re starting at the very beginning and probing such questions as, how early on did Joseph Smith understand the temple-centric nature of his prophetic mission? What is the meaning of the word endowment? Which was the first temple commanded to be built in our day, and which temple was actually built first? And how are we to make sense of what appears to be a failed prophecy in D&C 84 about the building of the Missouri Temple in the first generation of the church?

Originally published March 12, 2024

DISCLAIMER: While we try very hard to be historically and doctrinally accurate in what we say on this podcast, please remember that all views expressed in this and every episode are our views alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Scripture Central or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[elizabethpeterson]

I was super disappointed in this podcast. Disappointed it was over! Can't wait to hear the next one.

[CMZIEBARTH]

I believe there's another possible temple inference in the First Vision. Not sure how to word ot here but I feel that something that occurs in the endowment narrative can be seen as having also occurred in the First Vision experience.

[shaunpierce]

Will you please do a podcast on the life of Porter Rockwell?

[bigs]

If you read King Benjamin's address to his people in Mosiah chapter 2 - with your temple eyes - you'll find some fascinating references to what we do in the temple, specifically in the endowment.

[bannahhanover]

I love these episodes but music break is annoying. Your voices are so calming and then comes the jazzy . 😢 Changes the mood.

[natalies]

If so much “can” be talked about, why is it still such a shocker when one finally goes to the temple!!!????

[CissyJordan-nt]

I can't seem to get rid of the advertisements that just won't go away. and when I click on #7 in the series "Temple Worship, " it gives me #1 again. Help!!!

[Trit]

Title correction to align with what the Lord has asked through His prophet: *Latter-day Saint Temple Worship…

Not LDS