Since most businesses in Salt Lake are closed on Sundays we had thought Monday would be a better day to explore downtown. This was true, with a major exception. The Museum of Contemporary art was taking the day off. The museum was supposed to be a break for Isaiah from my "all Mormon all the time" sightseeing tour. Turns out no sabbath for Isaiah.
Our first stop within the grounds was to the free Mormon history museum (I should mention all the tours and buildings in Temple Square are free. It probably wouldn't work well if you had to pay for the pleasure of indoctrination. Though it was a treat that their sermons included historical visuals and props. Well, there is one exception- you can't go in the temple. In fact most Mormons can't either. The temple is reserved for weddings, designations of priestholders, that sort of thing). The museum contains artifacts and artwork on the church's history and the traditions of their faith. Though the museum was impressive, in size, material, and seeming cost, there was one big disappointment-I learned nothing. The curators were careful to include only a superficial highlight of their past, leaving out all the succulent bits and ignoring all of the real questions one would like to ask, like, why the special underwear? Still, worth the visit but certainly a sanitized sampling of Mormonism. Though to be clear, if we come across museums for other faiths we would, I'm sure, find much the same. Don't want to pick on Mormons too much here.
We next went to the North Visitor center expecting it to be similar to the South counterpart we visited yesterday. If in a contest the North would again beat the South. The main level had a 3-D map where you could push a button and special Biblical landmarks would illuminate. The bottom floor had paintings and sculptures of different scenes from the Bible and the Book of Mormon. There was also a trove of videos of sermons from the church's current Prophet, Thomas Monson and from the men who make up the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. We actually sat and watched a few.
The Prophet and his two counselors, Henry Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf form the First Presidency of the LDS. Prophet Monson spoke in an ancient language of the role of wives with nuggets like "your husband makes all the decisions but you really hold the family together. You are the one the children come to." We also watched a video by Henry Eyring which was a little more interesting as he talked about the death of his mother and actually got a little choked up. Still, on the whole, not a ton of insight.* Namely why, if they are so insistent that they are just like other Christians, should one upgrade and enroll with them and why, if they believe in the original, add another book to the cannon.
The top floor was undoubtedly the best. As you make your way up to it, a ramp curves up to the heavens, meaning a spiraling night sky mural rises and spreads on every side, encompassing the massive hall. I could see from the reverent and meditative congregation bent over in prayer that the room was special, but I was too excited to remain silent. The Mormon gawkers scattered. Pentecostal they are not. I then got to exclaim somewhat sacrileges praises to the artistry unperturbed.
How to follow a day experiencing the power of God but to go shopping, cleansing ourselves in the religion of consumption. Surprisingly Mormons dabble in this cult too. Many of the LDS missionaries, at least the ones on display in the museums, are not only strikingly attractive but surprisingly fashionable.
Unwinding by watching political commentary and comedy felt strange in Utah. Thankfully, no longer relevant discussion about Romney and the 47% has been retracted here. I guess that's what happens when you post a blog 2 months after the fact.
On our way to camp we passed "American Bush" (pretty sure not an ode to W but to V) who's parking lot at 9pm was teeming and a "spa" which didn't seem like a place any woman would ever visit. Even in Utah.
*Things we learned about Mormonism:
"The process of giving exalts the poor and humbles the rich" -Marion Romney
"The Lord giveth no commandments to the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them" -1 Nephi 3:7
(The perpetual motion device of the Book of Mormon, -giveth no commandments except the commandment that the commandment will be accomplished)
Reflection of the Temple
This temple took 40 years to build
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