The Sensitivity Around Temple Undergarments Among Latter-day Saints

Most of us are familiar with people crossing the line from offensive to highly offensive. However, when it comes to Latter-day Saints (LDS), an offense can be far more than just a social faux pas. This article delves into the sensitivity surrounding the temple garments worn by members of the LDS community and how this reflects broader issues of religious respect and expression.

Understanding the Offense:

The LDS church, also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, requires its members to wear special undergarments as a sign of their faith and commitment to their covenants with God. While it is common for people to mock or create humor around religious practices such as the Hijab or Yarmulke, these items hold immense spiritual significance for the religious communities that wear them. Similarly, the temple garments are viewed by many Latter-day Saints as a sacred sign of their faith.

For most members of other faiths, making light of these religious symbols would likely provoke a sense of offense. But why are non-LDS individuals regularly surprised when members of the LDS community share their personal beliefs and practices? This article aims to explore the reasons behind such reactions and the broader context of religious sensitivity and respect.

The Role of Temple Undergarments in the LDS Faith:

Temple garments are believed to be a reminder of the sacred covenants made in LDS temples. These garments are private and are meant to be worn in the solitude of one's home or in other sacred settings, not for public display or ridicule. In fact, many members of the LDS community view such public mockery as a form of disrespect and a violation of their private piety.

One common term used for these garments is "Jesus chaps," which some may jokingly apply. However, such lightheartedness is often met with varying degrees of sensitivity among different members of the LDS community. It is important to note that not all members react the same way to comments on their faith or religious practices.

Why the Controversy?

There are multiple reasons why non-LDS individuals might become outraged when LDS members make and keep covenants with God, particularly when these covenants are reflected in practices like wearing temple garments. These reasons range from a lack of cultural understanding and empathy to a lack of respect for sacred traditions.

Why do non-LDS supporters continually express astonishment at the sanctity of LDS covenants and the way in which they are kept? It could be due to a misunderstanding of or a lack of respect for the private nature of these commitments. Unlike some institutional settings, where religious expressions may be more public and communal, the piety of Latter-day Saints is often kept private, unless there is a need to explain it to those who are dismissive or mocking.

Moreover, why do some people find it necessary to preach against these practices, or to even call for a ban on such religious observances? It ultimately boils down to a failure to understand the gravity of what these practices mean to the LDS community. These garments and the covenants they symbolize are a cornerstone of their faith, and as such, deserve a level of respect and understanding.

Respect for Religious Practices:

The responses from the LDS community often reflect a thick-skinned, not easily offended, and respectful stance towards freedom of expression. However, the onus remains on those who would mock or ridicule these practices to provide a valid reason for their actions. Why would anyone want to openly and deliberately mock the religious observances of faithful Latter-day Saints, or any religious group?

While some might mock the wearing of a Yarmulke or a Hijab, doing so goes beyond simple amusement. It is a reflection of a deeper lack of respect and understanding. To mock these traditions is to ignore the profound spiritual significance they hold for their respective religious communities.

For the author, an encounter with a non-LDS critic highlighted the importance of mutual respect and understanding. When confronted about temple garments, the critic, who had not seen them, was met with a modest request for her own undergarments to be shown. This simple response effectively ended the contentious discussion, as her friends laughed and she was reminded of the basic courtesy of mutual respect.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, the offensiveness of making light of temple undergarments stems from a fundamental lack of respect and an inability to understand the spiritual significance of these sacred symbols. While some may find humor in these practices, the LDS community views them as a private expression of faith, meant to be kept between the individual and their God.

The challenge for all individuals, regardless of faith, is to recognize the importance of respecting the sacred and private practices of others. By doing so, we can foster a more inclusive and respectful society.