Why Don’t Latter Day Saints Put Moroni on All of Their Temples?

The inclusion of the statue of Moroni atop Latter Day Saints (LDS) temples is a topic often discussed and misunderstood. Some believe that the omission of Moroni from all temples is an attempt to hide their true religious affiliations, while others think it's purely a matter of aesthetic preference. Let's delve into the actual reasons behind this choice.

Architectural and Aesthetic Considerations

At its core, the presence or absence of the Moroni statue on an LDS temple is primarily a matter of architectural and aesthetic considerations. These statues are not religious symbols in the way some people might assume. Bloggers like Russell Smith might mislead readers into thinking that removing Moroni indicates an attempt to disguise LDS identity, but this is far from the truth.

Some LDS temples do feature the Moroni statue, while others do not. This decision is based on various factors, including the overall design of the temple and local building codes that may limit height or aesthetic preferences. Therefore, it's an aesthetic choice rather than a religious one.

Understanding the Symbolism of Moroni

Moroni is an angel mentioned in the Book of Mormon, a religious text of the LDS faith. He is traditionally depicted as a righteous armored figure holding a trumpet, symbolizing the call to repentance and return to Christ. However, placing Moroni on all LDS temples would be redundant since this figure has a specific role within the church and is not central to LDS worship.

The Moroni statue serves to identify the temple as belonging to the LDS Church, facing towards the temple grounds to symbolically beckon all nations to approach the temple. Nonetheless, this does not imply that Moroni is worshipped; he serves a unique function within the faith.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why not put Moroni on all of the LDS temples?

The answer lies in architectural and practical considerations. Some temples, especially those in bustling urban areas, would exceed local height restrictions if a Moroni statue were placed atop them. Additionally, the choice of having or not having Moroni often stems from local architectural guidelines that aim to maintain the aesthetic harmony of the cityscape.

Q: Is there any religious significance in having or not having a Moroni statue?

No, the presence or absence of a Moroni statue has no religious significance. The Moroni statue is purely a symbolic representation intended to identify the temple as an LDS institution. The central figure of LDS worship is Jesus Christ, and all aspects of the faith focus on Him.

Q: Can you tell me about the origins of the statue?

The statue of Moroni was popularized after the closure of the Kirtland Temple in 1839. It was designed to create an enduring symbol of the Latter Day Saints' faith and their commitment to their beliefs. Initially, a Moroni statue was placed on top of the Nauvoo Temple in Illinois, and from there, other temples began to adopt the practice.

Q: Are there any other symbols on LDS temples?

Yes, LDS temples include various symbols that carry religious significance. For instance, the cruciform finials on the corners of the temple parapets represent the towers of the Jerusalem Temple as prophesied by our Savior. The olive leaf that adorns the top of the temple symbolizes peace.

Q: Do contradictions exist between the statues and the modern LDS practices?

Some of the placement details of the statues, such as their being 'behind the temple' as suggested in certain anecdotes, no longer hold true for all LDS temples. Modern architecture and design principles have influenced the placement of these statues, making it less likely for them to be directly facing the temple.

Conclusion

It is important to understand that the inclusion or exclusion of the Moroni statue on LDS temples is not a matter of religious significance, but rather a result of practical considerations. The Moroni statue is a symbol of recognition and identity, but it is not a focal point of worship. The LDS religion focuses on Jesus Christ as the central figure, and all aspects of personal and communal spiritual life revolve around His teachings and example.

The historical and contemporary role of Moroni in LDS symbolism does not overshadow the paramount importance of Jesus Christ in the LDS faith. Understanding this distinction helps to avoid unnecessary confusion and fosters a more nuanced appreciation of the LDS faith and its visual representations.