Hello, I am new to this site and need some help in understanding some things regarding the church, that is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am 19 and I know that this is a late age to be going on a mission I assume. Well, thats what I am told by alot of members. Anyways the delay for my departure is my mouth. I have alot of cavities, six.
Given some time to think before leaving right after highschool at 18 I have run into a obstacle. I first want to clarify I believe in God the father, his son Jesus Christ, in the Bible, the Book of Mormon for what it says in it, and in prophets both old and today. I also believe in the other doctrine taught like the holy ghost, so if i skipped anything do not panick.
What has effected(if thats the right use of the word) me is the secrecy of temple ceremonies or endowments. I know that these things are suppose to be sacred and if revealed can be tainted by the world I guse. But the nature of waht I have heard of this stuff is strange to me. Its nothing ive learned growing up in the church. If God does not like secrecy then why do we keep these ceremonies secret? Cain made secret oaths with the adversary. Thats all I can think these ceremonies resemble. I have heard other things i wont mention here due to it being sacred and out of respect to those who have made these oaths. Most of what ive heard has no connection to Christs teachings in his ministry. If you can help me or show me where I am wrong please do. I know im still young and have much learning to do. I just dont like the idea of making secret oaths in secret. Is that not what is despised most by God?
This one I think is known all around so... why must we learn secret handshakes? I do not see that in the BoM or Bible.
