If you’ve ever driven past a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you may have wondered what it’s like inside and whether people who aren’t members of the Church can enter. The answer depends on whether the temple has been dedicated and what type of visit you’re hoping to make.
What Is the Purpose of an LDS Temple?
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, temples are considered to be the house of the Lord. They are sacred places designed to help members strengthen their relationship with God, focus on Jesus Christ and His Atonement, and deepen their commitment to follow Him.
Temples contain dedicated spaces for worship, instruction, and spiritual reflection. Members describe temple worship as a source of peace, comfort, inspiration, and joy.
Temples are also places where Church members make sacred covenants, or promises, with God. These include covenants associated with the endowment and marriage sealing.
Can Non-Members Enter an LDS Temple?
Non-members cannot enter the dedicated inner areas of an LDS temple. Access to these sacred spaces is reserved for members of the Church who hold a current temple recommend.
This restriction reflects the sacred nature of temple worship. Once a temple has been dedicated, maintaining an atmosphere of reverence is considered an important part of its purpose.
However, this does not mean that non-members cannot visit a temple or learn about what happens there. There are several opportunities for anyone to experience the temple grounds and, in certain circumstances, the inside of a temple.
What Is a Temple Recommend?
A temple recommend is authorization that allows a qualified member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to enter a temple.
Members first establish Church membership through baptism and then prepare to make and keep additional temple covenants. They meet with Church leaders and answer questions concerning their faith, conduct, and commitment to living the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Questions include whether they have faith in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost; whether they strive to be honest; and whether they strive for moral cleanliness in their thoughts and behavior.
Once a member receives a current temple recommend, they may use it to enter any temple of the Church around the world, subject to the Church’s requirements.
Can Non-Members Visit a Temple Open House?
Yes. One of the best opportunities for a non-member to enter an LDS temple is during a temple open house.
After a temple is constructed but before it is formally dedicated, the Church may hold an open house. During this period, members of the public are invited to tour the temple, including people of different religious backgrounds or no religious affiliation.
Visitors can see the interior spaces, learn about temple worship and covenants, and ask questions about the building and its purpose.
Because open houses take place before dedication, they provide a unique opportunity to see areas of the temple that are not generally accessible to the public afterward.
What Can Non-Members Do After a Temple Is Dedicated?
Even after a temple has been dedicated, there are still ways for non-members to visit and experience the peaceful environment surrounding it.
- Walk the temple grounds: Visitors can enjoy the landscaping, architecture, and peaceful surroundings.
- Spend time reflecting: The temple grounds can provide a quiet place to ponder or meditate.
- Visit a visitors’ center: Some temples have visitors’ centers offering Christ-centered experiences and information.
- Attend future open houses: Newly constructed or renovated temples may offer public open houses before dedication.
These opportunities allow visitors to learn about the temple and its focus on Jesus Christ without needing to hold a temple recommend.
Why Are Temples Important to Latter-day Saints?
Temples are central to Latter-day Saint worship because they provide a setting where members make sacred covenants and participate in ordinances for themselves and, by proxy, for deceased family members.
Latter-day Saints believe that deceased individuals retain the ability to choose whether to accept ordinances performed on their behalf. Temple worship therefore connects faith, family history, and a belief in God’s plan for His children.
Ultimately, temples are intended to direct members’ attention toward Jesus Christ and strengthen their commitment to follow Him.
How Can You Visit an LDS Temple?
You don’t have to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to visit a temple’s grounds or learn more about its purpose.
If an open house is taking place near you, it can be an especially valuable opportunity to tour the temple and ask questions. Otherwise, consider visiting the temple grounds or a nearby visitors’ center.
While the dedicated inner rooms of an LDS temple are reserved for recommend-holding Church members, the Church invites people of all backgrounds to learn about its temples and their focus on Jesus Christ. For anyone who is curious, visiting the grounds, attending an open house, or exploring a visitors’ center can be a meaningful introduction to the role temples play in Latter-day Saint faith.
