There are those who prefer more transparency, but those who prefer confidentiality prevail. There is nothing to be ashamed of, if matters are explained in context. But given the links to masonic rites, the rituals can seem strange to the contemporary mind.
Most contemporary LDS are more pragmatic about the ceremonies, understand them in context and use the temple as a place of respite and contemplation.
Whether you take the contents in figurative sense or in a literal sense is a matter of personal preference. I tend toward the figurative sense in most things as literal interpretations of most matters religious end up disappointing.
Most contemporary LDS are more pragmatic about the ceremonies, understand them in context and use the temple as a place of respite and contemplation.
Whether you take the contents in figurative sense or in a literal sense is a matter of personal preference. I tend toward the figurative sense in most things as literal interpretations of most matters religious end up disappointing.