Question
Dear Gramps,
I have a very good friend at work who is not a member and not even sure there is a God. I’m working on her though. Anyway, I invited this friend to attend the open house in Franklin, TN of the new temple. She declined, but asked a question I think is very fair to ask. Why did the church build such an expensive building in the most expensive part of greater Nashville. In addition, she wants to know why all our other Temples in existence, such as the one in San Diego, were built in the most expensive parts of their respective towns. She asks, “Couldn’t these funds be put to better use with the sick and the poor?” I hate to say it, but I asked my wife the same question last weekend when we visited the new temple. I would think that the church should build the most modest buildings with the least amount of ostentation. What is the church’s stand on this issue???? Thanks Gramps!!!
Ifti
Answer
Dear Ifti,
The holy temple is the House of the Lord. When Mormon temples are dedicated they are in a very real sense given to the Lord, Jesus Christ. When we enter the temples we are there as His guests. These holy sanctuaries are the most sacred places on the face of the earth. The Lord’s Spirit is there, and I have no doubt that when occasion indicates He visits these holy places. When He comes at the beginning of His millennial reign He will come to His temples in Jackson County, Missouri and in Jerusalem. Again I have no doubt that He will frequent the other Mormon temples as well. What kind of a building would you build as a place to receive the Lord, Jesus Christ?
The Mormon Church does not sacrifice the care of the poor to build temples. There are very extensive programs under the Humanitarian Services Department that provide food, clothing, medical supplies and other commodities to needy people around the world. These charitable benefits are provided without regard to religious preference, and total many millions of dollars annually. The details of these relief programs are not placed before the media for public consumption, as the Mormon Church follows the Saviors’s injunction
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly (Matthew 6:1-4).
Gramps
