Every two years, faithful adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must interview with two of their local lay leaders to secure a “recommend” that will grant them access to any of the faith’s many temples across the globe.
In these interviews, they are asked a prescribed set of questions covering a range of beliefs and behaviors — including their faith in Jesus Christ, their attendance at church meetings, their payment of tithes, and their adherence to the faith’s Word of Wisdom health code.
The questions were revamped in 2019 and revised just days ago to reemphasize temple “covenants” and the proper wearing of temple “garments,” or underclothing.
[Read more about the debate among Latter-day Saints surrounding the wearing of temple garments.]
The male leaders, usually a member of the bishopric overseeing a congregation followed by a member of the stake (regional) presidency, are instructed not to deviate from these questions.
“Leaders should not add or remove any requirements,” the church’s publicly available online General Handbook states. “... They can “help members understand the temple recommend questions if needed. However, [they] should not present [their] personal beliefs, preferences or interpretations as church doctrine or policy.”
Here, then, are the 16 questions, including the retooled query and accompanying statement on garments:
1. Do you have faith in and a testimony of God, the Eternal Father; his Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost?
2. Do you have a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and of his role as your Savior and Redeemer?
3. Do you have a testimony of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Jorge Cocco Santángelo's Getsemani or "Gethsemane," is displayed in 2018. Latter-day Saints are asked about their belief in Jesus Christ in temple recommend interviews.
4. Do you sustain the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer and revelator and as the only person on the Earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys? Do you sustain the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers and revelators? Do you sustain the other general authorities and local leaders of the church?
5. The Lord has said that all things are to be “done in cleanliness” before him. Do you strive for moral cleanliness in your thoughts and behavior? Do you obey the law of chastity?
6. Do you follow the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ in your private and public behavior with members of your family and others?
7. Do you support or promote any teachings, practices or doctrine contrary to those of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
8. Do you strive to keep the Sabbath day holy, both at home and at church; attend your meetings; prepare for and worthily partake of the sacrament [Communion]; and live your life in harmony with the laws and commandments of the gospel?
9. Do you strive to be honest in all that you do?
10. Are you a full-tithe payer?
11. Do you understand and obey the Word of Wisdom?
12. Do you have any financial or other obligations to a former spouse or to children? If yes, are you current in meeting those obligations?
13. Do you keep the covenants that you made in the temple?
14. Do you honor your sacred privilege to wear the garment as instructed in the initiatory [a temple ritual] ordinances?
15. Are there serious sins in your life that need to be resolved with priesthood authorities as part of your repentance?
16. Do you consider yourself worthy to enter the Lord’s house and participate in temple ordinances?
Here is the revised statement on garments, which temple-going members don underneath their street clothes.
“The garment of the holy priesthood reminds us of the veil in the temple, and that veil is symbolic of Jesus Christ. When you put on your garment, you put on a sacred symbol of Jesus Christ. Wearing it is an outward expression of your inner commitment to follow him. The garment is also a reminder of your temple covenants. You should wear the garment day and night throughout your life. When it must be removed for activities that cannot reasonably be done while wearing the garment, seek to restore it as soon as possible. As you keep your covenants, including the sacred privilege to wear the garment as instructed in the initiatory ordinances, you will have greater access to the Savior’s mercy, protection, strength, and power.”
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Underclothing, known as garments, worn by faithful men and women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are shown in these church-authorized photos.
Unlike a meetinghouse, where Latter-day Saints attend Sunday services and other activities, a temple is viewed as the House of the Lord, a place where recommend holders participate in their religion’s highest ordinances, including eternal marriage.
