In March 2010 Nancy Pelosi infamously said, “But we have to pass the [health care] bill so that you can find out what is in it, away from the fog of the controversy.” Her statement brought swift and strong denunciation from people all across America. To pass a law binding on all Americans before actually knowing what that law requires would be foolhardy and tremendously unwise.

The Bible tells us that we must always take care to “count the cost.” Jesus talked about applying wisdom to think through and fully understand any undertaking before beginning. While He was teaching the people about the high cost of following Him, Jesus said,

“Which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?” (Luke 14:28-31)

Nancy Pelosi’s imprudent suggestion to first pass the bill and then see what it says is similar to something found in the Mormon Temple Endowment Ceremony. During the introduction to the ceremony participants are advised,

“If you proceed and receive your full endowment, you will be required to take upon yourselves sacred obligations, the violation of which will bring upon you the judgment of God; for God will not be mocked. If any of you desire to withdraw rather than accept these obligations of your own free will and choice, you may now make it known by raising your hand.”

It is good to give people a chance to reconsider what they are about to do in receiving their temple endowment. However, at this point in the ritual, participants have no idea what sacred obligations lie ahead.

In fact, during the ceremony participants are required to “covenant and promise” to obey the Law of Obedience (i.e., keep the commandments), the Law of Sacrifice (i.e., sacrifice all for the building up of the Kingdom of God on earth, defined within Mormonism as the Mormon Church), the Law of the Gospel (i.e., avoid unholy and impure practices such as loud laughter and criticism of Mormon leaders), and the Law of Consecration (i.e., dedicate everything one has to the Kingdom of God on earth, that is, the Mormon Church). Additionally, participants must vow by covenant to “never reveal” the tokens, names and signs they receive in the temple.

But temple participants do not know any of this at the time they are offered the opportunity to withdraw; therefore, virtually all Mormons continue with the Endowment Ceremony.

It is as if they are told, “You have to go through the temple ceremony so that you can find out what is in it.”

By the time Mormons leave the temple they have promised God that they will keep every commandment, sacrifice everything they have, and dedicate all they are or ever will be to the building up and success of their church.

Those are audacious vows to make in light of the warning that to fail in any of them will result in bringing down the judgment of God.

It seems irresponsible for the Mormon Church to encourage members to take on unknown sacred obligations that carry such severe penalties – an action that is in direct opposition to the teaching of Scripture.

The Mormon Church demands silence (vows of secrecy) regarding the Endowment Ceremony. A Mormon cannot “count the cost” or “sit down first and deliberate whether he is able” to fulfill his temple vows for he does not know what they will be.

Proverbs 20:25 offers this wisdom: “It is a snare to say rashly, ‘It is holy,’ and to reflect only after making vows.”

Mormons, know what you are getting yourselves into. Take heed that you do not become ensnared (2 Timothy 2:26).