I’m a Mormon, So…

Chel Owens

I’m a Mormon, so I wear sacred temple garments underneath my clothing at all times*.

©LDS Media Library

As young as eighteen**, we Latter-day Saints may answer worthiness questions posed by our local bishopric and then a member of our local stake presidency. We are then given a temple recommend and may enter the holy temple. Therein, we promise to wear these special underclothes as part of the covenants we make:

To Church members, the modest temple garment, worn under normal clothing, along with the symbolic vestments worn during temple worship, represent the sacred and personal aspect of their relationship with God and their commitment to live good, honorable lives.

Newsroom for the LDS Church

In our day the garment encourages modesty, but its significance is much deeper. For Church members who have received the endowment, the garment reminds them of their connection to God, their commitment to follow His will, and the blessings and protection God has promised the faithful. The First Presidency of the Church has stated that how the garment is worn “is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior” (First Presidency letter, Oct. 10, 1988).

LDS Gospel Topics Manual, “Garments”

We’ve been asked to keep information about garments sacred. I can (respectfully) tell you that most garments are a simple, fitted top and bottom. They are white, although military personnel and police officers can get green and black garments to match their professional clothing requirements.

I have worn mine as promised since my first visit, with the exception of times I did not feel I was keeping my promises (specifically, during my period of atheism) -and, of course, in exceptions noted below.

©2022 Chel Owens

*I am not expected to wear garments when it’s not appropriate to do so; like in exercising, love-making, or swimming.

**Youth in their twelfth year up till their eighteenth year may also answer worthiness questions, receive a limited recommend, and attend the holy temple in order to participate in a few saving ordinances. Youth do not wear temple garments, although they are expected to dress modestly.

……

We Mormons are officially members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are to drop any name but that. Since many still run with the nickname of ‘Mormon,’ however, I will keep pace.

My other note is that I will keep to official doctrinal practices. I will add my own application of them, especially in response to comments.

My final note is that I LOVE discussing anything I write. Don’t be rude, obviously, but any and all queries or responses are welcome.

My final note beyond the final note is that I do not seek to convert anyone. I ought to, but am motivated by forming connections, answering curiosity, and straightening pictures. So, you’re safe.

22 thoughts on “I’m a Mormon, So…”

        1. Oh. Sorry. Yes, I buy them through the church. It’s also okay to sew your own so long as they meet the requirements.

          I can’t find white undies for the boys anymore. They like the boxer briefs and they only seem to come in colors.

          Liked by 1 person

  4. Those garments seem like a good reminder of one’s relationship with the Lord. Jewish men wear tsitsit fringes on some garments and some people where special necklaces. Although I don’t wear any myself, except for a wedding ring, I can see how it is good to have such reminders.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. As it says in the statement that should be read during every temple recommend. “It is a sacred privilege to wear the garment and doing so is an outward expression of an inner commitment to follow the Saviour Jesus Christ.”

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Informative. I see the rationale for the ordinance and its value as a constant reminder of one’s commitments. I had always wondered in the LDS church had appealed to some biblical connection for the apparel.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Newsroom article likens the garments to other symbolic religious vestments, but I don’t think a biblical connection exists from the comparison. There’s much more of that in the temple ceremonies and clothing.

      Like

      1. I think its a good thing to learn about others it makes for inclusion that’s one good thing that has come out of covid(apart)from more bakers…lol but it seems we are more mindful of our neighbours and help where we can 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.