In Chapter 6 of Restoring the Ancient Church, Barry Bickmore discusses the existence of esoteric doctrines and secret rites in early Christianity. Many people have objected to the LDS notion of having Temple rites that aren't open to everybody, saying such a notion is unchristian. The first few pages of Bickmore's chapter on the Temple and early Christianity might dissuade you from that incorrect notion. The LDS Temple concept finds many parallels with early Christianity, with several core concepts apparently on solid ground. Read through Bickmore's chapter and let me know what you think. It goes on to explore some interesting details such as sacred vestments, the prayer circle, anointings, etc.

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