We can use more nuanced and traditional language, especially in a culturally rich context.

Not long ago somewhere on the bloggernacle there was a very eloquent description comparing the Catholic ritual of mass to the temple ceremony. (Anyone have the citation?) As I recall, one of the main comparisons dealt with the unique way in which the temple is a symbolic walk of the individual TO God, instead of God (via priests) bringing the ordinances TO the masses. Taking into consideration this comparison, ‘take-out’ is a more accurate description of the choices and actions being made BY the individual to receive the blessings which are conditionally available to everyone. (I stand at the door and knock and if any man . . . )
That’s not to be hubristic in thinking that one TAKES from God, but that one TAKES the ordinance and steps striving toward God. God ‘gives’ the endowment, but the individual is the one ‘taking’ the journey to beseech. (‘Free agency’ right? Oops! I mean choice and accountability.)

I wonder if ‘taking out’ is an attempt to keep sacred the more intimate sanctification process and only discuss the person’s ordinance steps OR whether it is a very literal description of the unique interconnectedness of the ordinance symbolizing the sanctification.

This was when they carted off a load of missionaries all at once, without much prep, to their first endowment.

Right now, it is all on YOUTUBE, mostly the whole thing. Mercy, mercy. No more mystery for the inquisitive.

Oddly enough, the most disconcerting thing I remember from my first visit is noticing that the wallpaper panels were slightly misaligned. I had always heard that the temple had nothing but the finest materials and workmanship. Nothing is too good for the Lord. I think I realized right away that my expectations in that regard were a little unrealistic, and I have since come to appreciate the human element in the temple. I loved the experience I had in a small temple of having my elder’s quorum president officiate at the veil, and then a few minutes later seeing him with a mop and a bucket, preparing to clean the temple before closing for the day. A marvelous demonstration of the interaction between the human and divine in the place where God and humanity meet on sacred ground.

I agree that our temple preparation process needs work. Before people go to the temple, they should at least have an explanation of structure (though not the full content) of the ceremony. They should have a pretty clear idea of what they will be doing. An introduction to the importance of symbolism and ritual would be in order.

For example, I think it might be helpful to explain that the ceremony is not intended to be a historical account of actual events and dialog. I think that not having that understanding can cause a lot of confusion in making sense of the ceremony. Also, the filmed version of the endowment largely obscures the fact that the temple patrons as well as officiators together are actors in the sacred drama. We are there in the garden as Adam and Eve’s posterity, interacting directly with the other characters. (I love the Terrestrial room in Manti where the altar is in the center of the room and all of the principals in the ritual are enclosed together in the same space.) For me, the ritual takes on greater meaning if I think of myself as a participant, not an observer. If we are prepared to think in those terms on our first visit, it might help in connecting to the meaning of the ceremony. For those who can, I would strongly recommend receiving your own endowment in Salt Lake or Manti, where you don’t have to imagine yourself interacting with characters on a projection screen.

I recently read Eat, Love, Pray. The author talks about a ritual at her ashram in India that she hated, but forced herself to attend repeatedly, and eventually grew to appreciate. When I read that, I wondered if maybe I could grow to appreciate temple worship. I’m not really sure if I can work up the energy and courage to try again. (I find the negative emotions I have associated with the temple to be really draining). But every once in a while, I have just a vague wisp of a feeling that maybe I should give it another go.

I appreciate people willing to share their stories. Thanks, Cynthia, and others.