All About Mormons

When Mormons talk about "worthiness" in terms of "temple worthiness," we're really talking about temple "preparation." While sins like adultery can keep people out of the temple, often times people cannot yet visit the temple simply because they're not yet ready, not yet prepared. There are certainly many recently baptized Mormons, for example, that are "worthy" in the sense that they have committed no major sins since their baptism. They cannot enter the temple until a year after their baptism, however, not because they are sinful, but because they're just not yet prepared. Likewise, many people who are not Mormons at all are excellent, righteous people. Because they have not joined the LDS Church, however, they have not yet begun the process of preparing themselves for temple worship. When you hear Mormons talk about "temple worthiness," think "temple preparation."

By the way, a "temple" and a "chapel" are not the same thing. Mormons love it when those of other faiths visit their chapels! If you'd like to visit the Mormon chapel nearest your home, see the Worship with Us webpage.