Mormon Underwear
This article was recently submitted to all-encompassingly for publication. It is one of a series of informational posts intended to address common misconceptions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. –Admin
Members of the Mormon Church, who have received the ordinance of the endowment in a Mormon temple, wear a special kind of underwear, most commonly referred to by members as the garment. Members wear the garment as a sign of being an endowed member of the Church.
The garment is white and covers the body from the shoulder to the knees. The garment has symbolic marks, which help remind members of the covenants they make in the temple. Along with being a symbolic reminder of covenants made with God, the garment also serves as a standard for modesty. The garment should be covered by clothing and not displayed, so members must wear clothing that covers from the shoulders to the knees. The garment is also supposed to help remind the wearer of the need for repentance and faith in Christ. Throughout the scriptures, sin is often related to a stained garment, and the only way to remove the stain is to wash the garment in the blood of Christ. The symbolism of always wearing a white garment helps remind members that they need to be pure and clean before the Lord.
An endowed member is obligated to wear the garment throughout their life. There are only a few activities for which members are told to remove the garment; such as swimming, bathing, and intimacy with spouses. There are blessings connected to wearing the garment and it is a privilege. If an endowed member breaks covenants made in the temple, they may be asked not to wear the garment because they are not worthy. Those who have not participated in the endowment ceremony yet are also not authorized to wear the garment.
Members are encouraged to remember that the garment is only an outward reminder of a spiritual commitment made to God, and that it should always be worn properly and not be adjusted to fit style trends or for any other reason. When worn properly, the garment is a protection from evil and temptation. Elder Carlos E. Asay stated, “I like to think of the garment as the Lord’s way of letting us take part of the temple with us when we leave. It is true that we carry from the Lordís house inspired teachings and sacred covenants written in our minds and hearts. However, the one tangible remembrance we carry with us back into the world is the garment. And though we cannot always be in the temple, a part of it can always be with us to bless our lives.”
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