The Temple Garments
by John L. Smith

Not much is written about the Mormon Temple garment. Therefore, I was somewhat surprised to see an article entitled "The Temple Garment" in the August 1997 issue of The Ensign (pages 18-23)—an official LDS publication.

Even many converts to Mormonism are totally unaware of their existence.

The article says ones "proper" wearing of the temple garments "is a measure of one's worthiness and devotion to the gospel" (Mormonism).

Their distinctive underwear is to be worn by all Mormon missionaries and by all who are married in a Mormon temple (or women under unusual circumstances who are not married in a temple) has certain distinctive marks (button holes - or button hole like marks) which reminds the wearer of certain Masonic like vows made during the ceremony in a Mormon temple.

Since many of our readers are totally uninformed on the subject - this garment is to be worn day and night and never to be removed except for bathing and then many Mormons either stand or sit on the old garment while obtaining the clean ones - it is to afford physical and spiritual protection for the wearer.

The Ensign article categorizes the garment as the "Armor of God" and presents the "Historical Background," and the "Teachings of Modern-Day Prophets."

The article uses Eph.6:11-13 to imply that the garment is the "Armor of God." I uses 2 Nephi 4:16 to say that this garment is the garment worn by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden ("Prior to their expulsion from the Garden").

Note: The Article mentions Gen. 3:21 as the sacred garments worn by Mormons who have received their endowments. It then mentions Ex.28:1-3 and implies that the garments worn by good Mormons are reminiscent of the priest's garments.

Mormons have a military version of the underwear (army green with the marks) to be worn by the military. When we first moved to Utah in 1951 (before clothes dryers) it was almost a badge of honor to see them hanging on the clothes line. Though often difficult to see today, for years they were proudly worn by "temple Mormons" who seemed to want you to see that they wore them.

(If you were looking for a job it was to your advantage to have your prospective employer to be able to see that you wore them).

Until not too many years ago they were always long-legged and wrist length and adorned by a "Peter Pan" collar. Today they may even come in two pieces, and available in several materials and styles, they always have some sleeves (even the ladies) they can sometimes be identified by one who is observant.

The article quotes an October 1988 letter from the First Presidency warning against removing "either all or a part of the garment to work in the yard or to lounge around the home in swimmer or immodest clothing." That article says that "it should not be removed" to participate in recreational activities..." etc.

When removed for swimming, the article says, it should be restored as soon as possible.

The article continues that it should be worn "as a reminder of sacred covenants" and also "as a protection against temptation and evil."

The article says (pg. 23) "Remember always that our very salvation depends, symbolically, upon the condition of our garments." (And it refers the reader to the Book of Mormon, Alma 5:21, 27).

And all the time I've believed that salvation had to do with my relationship to Christ!

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