These two tokens depict the crucifixion of Christ in the temple during the highest (Melchizedek) ordinances of the priesthood that allows us into the presence of God?

We dare not put crosses on our buildings because it supposedly celebrates the crucifixion.

We berate those who wear crosses because it signifies the crucifixion.

We also berate those who make the sign of the cross on their bodies because it signifies the crucifixion.

This all hit me hard at 6am and I had to post it.

During the endowment the first token of the Melchizedek priesthood is the sign of the nail. The sign of the nail being the first attempt at nailing Christ to the cross through the middle of his hand.

The second token of the Melchizedek priesthood is the sure sign of the nail, or the nail in the sure place. The sure place being the middle of his wrist because the first nail surely wouldn't hold up his body.

Right now I feel like getting a cross tattooed on the underside of both wrists.

[ edited for clarification since I was not quite awake when I posted this the first time ]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/20/2017 10:33AM by Tom Padley.

This is just my opinion, but the gestures and their names are probably intended to memorialize, not celebrate. If that's the intent though, it's very odd that none of the temple covenants have anything to do with following Jesus' teachings (take care of the poor, go the extra mile, love your neighbor as yourself). They're all about extreme obedience to the church organization. None of it makes any sense without the historical context of Joseph Smith becoming a Mason shortly before he "revealed" the endowment.

The highest ordinance (second token of the Melchizedek priesthood) is all about demonstrating TSCC's take on the details of how Jesus was crucified. They let Him have his few minutes of fame in that part. Otherwise, during the whole endowment session, He merely plays the go-between messenger and Satan is the main character that the patrons listen to and promise to obey.

Excellent point. Faithful members who attend the temple miss that entirely. "See, you are naked. Take some fig leaves and make yourselves aprons. Quick, hide!"

Not to give the creators of the endowment any credit, but I always thought these tokens made sense (within thee mytholology) as a way of ensuring that the "lord" through the veil was really The Lord and not an imposter.

Here's how I understand the rationale:

As I stand at the veil (after walking past the angels who stand as sentinels) if the dude on the other side doesnt have a scar in his palm and in his wrist when I give him the last two tokens, then I know it is Stan (or one of his buddies). I walk away and don't go in, because it's a trap. Only the true Lord would gave the sign of the nail in the sure place.

I admit that this rationale doesn't work for women (unless they are married to Jesus) because the Lord(s) to women (within the mythology) are their husbands.

Aloysius Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Not to give the creators of the endowment any
> credit, but I always thought these tokens made
> sense (within thee mytholology) as a way of
> ensuring that the "lord" through the veil was
> really The Lord and not an imposter.
>
> Here's how I understand the rationale:
>
> As I stand at the veil (after walking past the
> angels who stand as sentinels) if the dude on the
> other side doesnt have a scar in his palm and in
> his wrist when I give him the last two tokens,
> then I know it is Stan (or one of his buddies). I
> walk away and don't go in, because it's a trap.
> Only the true Lord would gave the sign of the nail
> in the sure place.
>
> I admit that this rationale doesn't work for
> women (unless they are married to Jesus) because
> the Lord(s) to women (within the mythology) are
> their husbands.


Very enlightening. I have never thought of the veil ceremony in that way. I wish it could be explained that way when you first go through the endowment. Thank you.

Aloysius Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Not to give the creators of the endowment any
> credit, but I always thought these tokens made
> sense (within thee mytholology) as a way of
> ensuring that the "lord" through the veil was
> really The Lord and not an imposter.
>
> Here's how I understand the rationale:
>
> As I stand at the veil (after walking past the
> angels who stand as sentinels) if the dude on the
> other side doesnt have a scar in his palm and in
> his wrist when I give him the last two tokens,
> then I know it is Stan (or one of his buddies). I
> walk away and don't go in, because it's a trap.
> Only the true Lord would gave the sign of the nail
> in the sure place.
>
> I admit that this rationale doesn't work for
> women (unless they are married to Jesus) because
> the Lord(s) to women (within the mythology) are
> their husbands.


Hahaha....I am nevermo and still found that funny!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/20/2017 10:00PM by cinda.