Read the article “New Proposed Location for Solomon's Temple ”
Must the Temple be Built on the Temple Mount?
I have studied with BYU at the BYU Jerusalem Center , so Jerusalem and all things related are a big interest to me.
We have all been told that the future temple must be built on the Temple Mount , however, I have yet to find any statement by a prophet or in the scriptures stating this. I once read a statement by Elder McConkie that he did not hold to the fact that this must be the case either. I have lost where I read that. Could you please give me any reference to a prophet or scriptures stating that the future temple must be built on the Temple Mount ? Elder McConkie indicated that it will be built by the Church, as we are the only people with the authority and that knows what to do with a temple. Could not the temple be build someplace else?. I am NOT suggesting that it is the BYU Center , as I know better than that.
It seems that this whole concept of a temple on the Temple Mount is just Jewish tradition.
Any further light and knowedge?
David Smith
From John Pratt
You ask a great question which we purposely avoided in the article.
First, consider what temple we are talking about. There was Solomon's Temple and then there is the future temple ( Third Temple ) described by Ezekiel (Ezek. 40-47). The third temple is clearly an authorized temple, accepted by the Lord, operated by real priesthood holders. Thus Elder McConkie points out that he expects it to be built by the LDS Church and operate under its jurisdiction.
Our article was about the Temple of Solomon , and where it was originally located. We suggested that "Solomon's temple could be restored" there if desired. The temple described in Ezekiel is not identical to Solomon's Temple . It could also be built at that location, but as I read Ezekiel, it sounds like it might very well be built elsewhere. In the mind of most Jews, there is only one place for the temple, and that is in its original position. I know of no scriptural reference that the Third Temple must be built on the Temple Mount . But it does seem to be built in that area because waters issuing from its front heal the Dead Sea (Ezek. 47:8, which Joseph Smith quoted).
There is a Temple Institute in Jerusalem which is planning to build the Third Temple . (see http://www.templeinstitute.org/main.htm ). But as Elder McConkie points out, they are probably not the ones to do it. So what can they do with all that they have prepared? Perhaps they can restore Solomon's Temple . I'm hoping they read our article.
I already sent them notice of it. I expect them to be interested, whereas I do not expect our General Authorities to notice it at all.
They don't need any help from us on where to build any temple!
Living Together
Wouldn't it be great to have both the Dome of the Rock and the Temple side by side. I though the destruction of the mosque would be the trigger for Armageddon. Perhaps even that could cause a war or show that the two peoples could live together. We shall see.
I thank Brother Pratt and his group for investigating this. Until someone turns over a rock they never know what resides under it. A geostone is an ugly rock until the crystals are opened to view. I think their trip was well spent. I hope it opens the eyes of other scholars; especially, Jewish scholars, for further investigation.
Bro. Todd
Lemoore, CA
