Capitol Hill Blue Forums Life and Moral Issues Religion and Philosophy Mormon Underwear

The subject of Mormon underware/garments was discussed on the radio after Romney gave his speech about his religion.

http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/temples/mormon_underwear.html


The word "undergarment" or just "garment" has a distinctive meaning to Latter-day Saints. The white undergarment worn by those members who have received the ordinance of the temple Endowment is a ceremonial one. All adults who enter the temple are required to wear it. In mormon temples, men and women who receive priesthood ordinances wear this undergarment and other priestly robes. The garment is worn at all times, but the robes are worn only in the temple. Having made covenants of righteousness, the members wear the garment under their regular clothing for the rest of their lives, day and night, partially to remind them of the sacred covenants they have made with God.

So?

I'll have to echo that one. I frankly don't care if he's wearing edible panties, so long as I don't have to hear about it.

This sacred underwear is one of the things about Mormanism that fascinates non-Mormons. It wasn't until yesterday that the undergarment was fully explained.

On my local talk-radio station, there was a Mormon educator talking about Mormonism and anyone could call up and ask a question. The undergarment thing was one of the questions that a lot of people wanted to know about.

I kinda like the concept myself - it's a constant reminder of the vows taken to God and to your partner.

oops, what I meant to say was that we would hear about it. the first time he screwed up someone in the media would be making remarks about the skidmarks in his holy undies. Remember John Kennedy? Half the freaking world is Catholic and it was like a majorbig deal that a Catholic got elected. Now we have Romney, who follows a religion founded by John Smith, was that even his real name? Golden tablets? Translated with divine guidance from angels? Chronologically at about the same time the Loch Ness Monster was first sighted. And Mellow? His religious views on womens rights don't exactly line up with your own. Talk about skidmarks!

Greger, please. I didn't state my opinion about Mormonism, or about Romney as a candidate.

But, as a Catholic child raised on JFK lore, I was raised to believe that the religious beliefs of a national leader should be private so long as s/he chooses to keep them that way -- that is, does not broadcast them or seek to influence law or government in general on the basis of them.

I may or may not care for Romney, but it won't be on the basis of his "religious undies," any more than I would like or dislike Joe Lieberman because he wore ritual fringes (I have no idea whether he does, and I don't care.)

Added later: Greger, I'm not taking potshots at you, just responding to a comment you addressed to me. Frankly, the whole discussion of Mormon underwear in, or even as, a discussion of presidential politics, appalls me. The process is already far too trivialized; this only drags it a step lower. I don't mean to sound harsh, I just don't know any lighter way to say what I mean.

The reason that the undergarment is even a discussion at all, is that Mormons are very secret about the rituals of their religion: The Temple (no outsiders); The undergarment (why is it worn?); The Holy Trinity (Why do Mormons believe it's three separate identities?)

Given that Mitt Romney is a Presidential candidate, Americans want to know what they are getting into before they go to the polls.

One shouldn't see this topic as appalling; but rather as educational and informational.

It's the fear of the unknown that makes people crazy.

...besides, the undergarment is NOT just any Fruit-of-the-Loom cotton variety - it's made of special material and it has special meaning and non-Mormons simply want to know the facts of the matter.

Perhaps my problem is that I've met some Mormons, and found them to be - golly - pretty much regular people.

To be honest, as an atheist, I have some doubts about any deeply religious person who runs for office. But that's my problem, and that's my prejudice. So I do my best not to base my opinion there.

I just wish people thought the issues of the nation were as important as the issues of Salt Lake. I'll bet you more people have heard about Romney's underwear than could state his opinion on, say, the role of government in education.