Posted by:
SusieQ#1
(
)
Date: June 14, 2017 02:07PM
I have found that one of the most curious things about Mormons is the temple garment. Outsiders have no idea what this is about. The idea that thousands of people, as members of the LDS Church, wear the same underwear that they buy from their church, is a huge curiosity!
Indeed, there are people who want to know how to detect if someone is wearing their official, regulation,temple garment and why, as it's often considered an extremely bizarre, strange thing to do, especially in today's culture.
Why do so many Mormons wear an official Melchezedik temple garment that they belief is sacred? To the outsider, this is so strange, they want some kind of explanation that seems, at least, on some level, a bit rational and reasonable. They also find it interesting to be able to detect who is wearing them and who is not.
I was at lunch with some of my lady friends when the subject of Mormonism came up as they knew I used to be a member. One of the questions they asked was about the "special underwear" : who wore them and how could they tell. As it so happened, I detected a woman wearing the garments (it was obvious to me as I could see the line of the lace under her blouse). Ahh. Perfect timing. "See that woman at that table in the blue blouse?" They surreptitiously took a look. "She is wearing the temple garment, which means she is a Mormon that has been to the temple." I then explained how I could make that determination! They wanted to know how to tell if it was a man. The easiest way, I said, was to look for a line in their pant leg that showed through that was about mid thigh or lower. Also, they might be able to tell by the "smile line" under a white shirt, if wearing that style.
Personally, I thought it was very odd that Mormons wore a sacred garment and took "sacred/not secret" oaths but they were designed so the garment lines were easily visible broadcasting that they were temple "worthy" members!
I spent years trying to find (and make) clothing that would not show the lines through my clothing.
We all know about the "garment feel-up"!I was so naive, I didn't catch on, at first. You know how that goes. The members often shake your hand while running their hand across your back, clearly checking for garment lines! Girls would put their hand on a guys thigh to check for a garment line under his pants.
So yes, we all want to know who we are dealing with. Some hears ago, a friend call and ask me about Mormon men as bosses as she was not a member and was very confused about her new bosses behavior. Once I explained how many LDS men, especially temple garment wearing ones conducted themselves in the workplace (just like they did in the church), she understood his odd behavior. I pointed out that they were the authority and women served under them in all capacities in the LDS Church and other ways in which women, generally, followed without questioning. I found out some time later, he was soon let go from the business. She confirmed that his management style was not in keeping with the business!
I noted that not all LDS men were like that. He seemed to be a bit too authoritative and condescending and not a team player.
So yes. I want to know who I am dealing with from the get-go. If I can determine they are garment wearing Mormons, I know they are likely to behave a little differently. (Not always, of course.)
As a convert, I found the garment very difficult to deal with. I finally got used to it, somewhat, when I contacted the "Specials Dept" and had the garment made to fit my measurements, with an actual cap sleeve, (no seam across my bust line), etc. not some imaginary person! Then they threw away my pattern as I had not used it in a couple of years and refused to make another one. I was told the "specials" dept was for special needs of some sort. Was I missing an arm, or leg or something like that. Also the whole place was run by men who had no clue how women needed their underwear to fit. They were just supposed to make do, I guess.
The whole idea is so 1800's it's like playing dress-ups. It's time for the LDS Church to stop making the garment and start treating people like adults, not children. No, adults do not need special markings on their underwear to remember their special covenants made in the temple.
I suspect they are going to have to lighten up on the garment thing and maybe even change it drastically to keep members doing the "work for the dead" to extract tithing and keep the money coming in.