Posted by:
jpt
(
)
Date: July 17, 2013 11:37PM
Temple weddings really aren't weddings. It's a "sealing," which is priesthood ordinance that's about as exciting as being ordained a deacon, or set-apart for a calling. Except, you're wearing the funny clothes and you've got "eternal" mirrors on both sides. It doesn't last very long.
The exciting (okay, controversial) parts are in the 3 hour endowment session, which most women do before the sealing. (Most of the guys and some gals did the endowment ceremony pre-mission.) Here are a couple examples:
Regarding marrying the church:
The Law of Consecration:
"All arise. Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar, that you do accept the law of consecration as contained in this, the book of Doctrine and Covenants [he displays the book], in that you do consecrate yourselves, your time, talents, and everything with which the Lord has blessed you, or with which he may bless you, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the building up of the kingdom of God on the earth and for the establishment of Zion. Each of you bow your head and say, "Yes." "
Also noteworthy, (earlier in the session), is the Law of Obedience / The Law of the Lord. For the sisters, it instructs them to obey/follow their husbands, who follows God. Women go through the husbands to follow God:
"Sisters, arise. Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and each of you solemnly covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar that you will each observe and keep the law of the Lord, and hearken to the counsel of your husband as he hearkens to the counsel of the Father. Each of you bow your head and say “Yes." "
Note that in the previous temple version, the wording was to "obey your husband" instead of "hearken to his counsel." Regardless... the woman still needs to go through the husband to get to God, rather than dealing directly with him.
I hope I've answered, and not confused....