Inside the Temple

An open, reliable account of Latter-day Saint temple ceremonies

Temples are the defining landmarks of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--striking buildings that members regard as deeply sacred and largely private. For those outside the faith, these sanctuaries can seem mysterious, even off-putting. Inside the Temple offers something that has long been missing: a clear, fair, and accurate account of what actually happens within these spaces.

Written by two scholars who are members of the Latter-day Saint community, this book is addressed to curious readers of any background, whether religious or secular. It describes the sacraments practiced in the temples: a washing and anointing ceremony rooted in ancient priestly traditions, marriage ceremonies that members believe will endure beyond death, and a dramatic ritual presentation known as the endowment. The book also examines the practice of performing these rites on behalf of deceased relatives, and the wearing of sacred undergarments as a symbol of covenantal commitment.

Going beyond mere description, the book illuminates why Latter-day Saints engage in certain practices, explaining how temple worship shapes church members' theology, their sense of identity, and their understanding of salvation. The authors helpfully situate Latter-day Saint practices within the broader sweep of Christian history, making them legible rather than alien. And the authors take seriously the tensions that arise when private religious practice meets public curiosity: Why are the temples closed? Why do members speak about them only in certain ways?

Informed, respectful, and genuinely illuminating, Inside the Temple is an essential guide for anyone who has wondered what happens within the temple walls.