Non-Temple-Goers as Swine and Dogs?

by Bryce Haymond (05/20/2008 5:54 pm)

Fifteenth century woodcut from Rouen Cathedral

I posted my thoughts a couple days ago as “Approaching the Temple” on the Mormon Apologetics & Discussion Board (MADB), which concerned what is appropriate to discuss and talk about with temple subjects, and what is not, and how we might find that voice. A reader responded:

You said, “The temple ceremonies and ordinances are sacred and secret. There is a level of secrecy connected with anything that is sacred … Christ once taught, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you (Matt. 7:6)”.

Why would temple-going Latter-day Saints view non-temple-going Latter-day Saints as swine and dogs?

This is how I responded:

The scripture was not used to show that temple-going LDS view non-temple-going LDS as swine and dogs. That is not what I meant, nor is it what Christ meant. The scripture tells us that sacred things cannot be given to just anyone. Sacred things are meant to be given to only certain people who have prepared themselves for them. When Christ spoke about “swine” and “dogs” he was referring to those that are in the world who utterly reject these things, not those that are in the Church who are working towards the temple. The Joseph Smith Translation helps to clarify:

Go ye into the world, saying unto all, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come nigh unto you.
And the mysteries of the kingdom ye shall keep within yourselves; for it is not meet to give that which is holy unto the dogs; neither cast ye your pearls unto swine, lest they trample them under their feet.
For the world cannot receive that which ye, yourselves, are not able to bear; wherefore ye shall not give your pearls unto them, lest they turn again and rend you. (JST Matt. 7:9-11)

Those that are in the Church are much closer to receiving the mysteries of the kingdom than those that are in the world, and Christ certainly would not have referred to them as “swine” or “dogs.” Church members have accepted Christ’s gospel, been baptized into his Church, and are striving to obey his commandments. But even these must still prepare themselves and do what Christ has asked in order to receive the sacred mysteries. If members are not striving to become temple worthy and temple attenders, then they are not yet at-one with the Lord.