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“Mormon magic underwear.”
That’s the phrase people throw around. It gets laughs. It gets clicks. But it’s also a perfect example of how Mormonism is being treated right now, mocked instead of understood.
So I’m starting a short series. Not to defend it. Not to attack it. But to deal with it honestly.
Let’s talk about what that actually is.
Among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the proper name is the temple garment, or garment of the holy priesthood. It is a sacred item tied to covenants made in their temples.
Historically, this garment was introduced by Joseph Smith in the 1840s, particularly in Nauvoo. Early versions were very different from what is worn today. They were one-piece garments, extending from wrists to ankles.
Those early garments included specific markings sewn into the fabric. That continues today in a simplified form. You’ll typically find markings over the chest, near the navel, and at the knee. In LDS teaching, these point to obedience, sacrifice, and remembrance of covenants.
Over time, the garment has changed. It moved from a single piece to two pieces. Materials and cuts have been updated. More recently, there has been internal discussion because newer designs allow different fits, especially for women, including cuts that work with modern clothing.
Now here’s where we need to slow down.
Christians have no ground to mock sacred clothing.
We have our own.
Think of the scapular worn by the faithful, resting against the skin as a sign of devotion. Think of the vestments a priest puts on before the liturgy, each piece received with prayer. These are not costumes. They are outward signs of inward realities.
The same principle is at work here, even if we disagree with the theology behind it.
So critique the theology. Be honest about the differences. But mocking what people hold sacred without understanding it is not strength.
It’s just noise.
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