The Investigation
Recently, I was in Salt Lake City doing some training for work. I spent a total of two different weeks there, just in the last month. I’ve always wanted to go there. Well, let me rephrase that, I’ve always wanted to go back there. A few years ago when I moved from Seattle, WA to West Palm Beach, FL, I drove through Salt Lake City. However, it was 2 o’clock in the morning when I drive through, so I didn’t see much. I just remember thinking, “Man, this is a really clean city.” That was it. That was all the memory I had of it.
Fast forward to 2011, and there was that whole Mormon.org campaign that started going around the country. The campaign, if you’re unaware of what I’m talking about, was basically just trying to express to us the viewers, that Mormons are just like everyone else. They are doctors, they are firemen, they are teachers, etc. etc. Whether or not that campaign was a direct result of Mitt Romney running for office, I knew it had to have something to do with it. Because I’m sure the Mormon church was completely aware of the negative stigma that goes along with Mormonism, and they didn’t want that stigma to sway the Republican nominee process. When the billboards started going up in Seattle, I remember staring at them thinking, “Why are they trying so hard to prove that they’re just like everyone else? Isn’t it already assumed that they are? Mormons are people. Why wouldn’t I think they were normal?” It was an interesting campaign. Which just begged the question, “If they’re trying so hard to prove they’re ‘normal’; I wonder what everyone else knows about them that made them believe they needed a multi-million dollar ad campaign to prove that they were in fact… ‘normal.’” Obviously there was something there. If there wasn’t, than why the ad campaign? Everyone is entitled to believe what they want, right? The fact that everyone believes in something different in this country, makes you the same, because we’re all already “different.” You see where I’m going with this?
As you can see, the Mormon.org ads have been bothering me for quite awhile now. So when I was in Salt Lake City, I had some questions. But since I was there for work, it was hard to get these questions answered. I didn’t know EXACTLY what Mormons believed, but I have been curious. So I headed down to the world-famous Temple Square, there in downtown Salt Lake. My first impressions were something along the lines of, “Wow!” Being the architectural photographer that I am sometimes, this was one of the more amazing churches/temples I have come across. It really was quite beautiful. I was however, pretty bummed out to find that I wasn’t allowed inside, since I wasn’t a member of the Mormon church. So photographing the outside would have to do. I didn’t have much to complain about though, it was a nice 65 degrees out, around 4:30 on a Tuesday afternoon; it was a pretty nice day. Apparently a bunch of young Mormons thought so too. In the hour I was there, I saw 4 completely different recently married couples getting their wedding pictures taken in front of the Temple. 4! 4 different couples. In one hour. On a Tuesday! I wonder how many I’d see show up on a nice Saturday afternoon. I continued walking around the Temple Square trying to be a wallflower, trying to not get noticed by the Mormon missionaries that were also walking around. I had to avoid them. Because if I started to talk to them, I was going to ask some pretty deep questions. And since I was inside their house, there in the Temple Square, I thought it would be pretty disrespectful to do so. So I did the “smile & nod” when we’d make eye contact.
I tried to take in everything I could. And like I said, after an hour, I felt I had done so. So I walked across the street to another building that appeared to be some other Mormon touristy type of building. I checked it out from the outside, it said it was the Mormon History & Art Museum. I’m not one for museums, so I decided to just photograph the outside of the building. Above the museum’s entrance was a giant piece of artwork that someone had carved into the concrete. It had all sorts of different things going on in there. There was a globe, a bunch of hieroglyphic looking people, and just a bunch of different symbols. I used my DSLR for these shots since I needed a zoom lens to look closer at some of these symbols. And then I saw it. Tucked up in the very top left of the artwork, almost always covered in the shade, there it stood in plain sight, a pentagram. 
I just stared at it through my camera lens. Really? A pentagram?!? What on earth was a pentagram doing here? I had to know right then and there why there was a pentagram. So what does anyone do when they need an answer really quickly? I did what we all do, I whipped out the good ole’ iPhone and immediately googled “Pentagram Temple Square Salt Lake City.” After reading through some of the sites, apparently that pentagram wasn’t the only troubling symbol hanging around Salt Lake. Hmmm… This trip just got interesting. Now I was on a scavenger hunt to find all of these items.
My search led me back to the Temple to find a bunch of upside down stars over a lot of the windows. And sure enough, there they were. All of the middle windows had upside down stars over them, while the windows that are on the corners of the building had right side up stars. So, it wasn’t for continuity sake, only some of the windows and all of the doors had upside down stars over them. Why bother? Why not just make them all the same direction? Then there were all of the carvings of the sun & moon. And supposedly these symbols had more Occult meaning as well. After looking at all of the carvings of the sun & moon, I did find them a bit curious, but I wasn’t so quick to attribute them with “Occult” status as some of the websites had hinted at. I checked out the rest of the supposed “Occult symbols” throughout Salt Lake, but none of them bothered me as much as that original Pentagram.
Surely there had to be a reason for this pentagram. Because as far as I’ve always known, the pentagram is associated with the Occult and Satanism. I should know, I even dated a Wiccan/Satanist girl back when I was just out of high school. She gave me all sorts of knowledge about the pentagram back then. And ever since, I’ve noticed that symbol being used by all sorts of black metal bands that supposedly “worship” Satan. But, maybe the Mormons knew something that I didn’t. I didn’t want to peg them that quickly. This little symbol led me into weeks and weeks of research of the Mormon religion. Because after I read one answer about why there was a pentagram there, that led me into another question, and then another, and then another. But every answer I got, the whole thing just got more mind-boggling. What was going on here? If you look into it, you will find that the pentagram wasn’t always used by Satanists or the Occult, it actually was a symbol used in Christianity. However, once the Occult started using it, the Christians dropped it and used the cross as their symbol. That was back in the medieval times that that transition took place. But, the Mormon religion didn’t even get started until the early 1800′s. However, the Christian history behind the pentagram, is the reason that the Mormons use for why that pentagram and all of the other upside down stars around Salt Lake are there. That’s where I draw the line. There has to be some respect for what something has become. Up until the Nazis used the swastika as their symbol, it was used by China, Japan, India and Southern Europe. It was used by many cultures throughout the past to represent life, sun, power, strength, and good luck. But the Nazis used it and ruined it, right? Of course I’m right. You don’t see people getting it tattooed on their arms and telling you that they only got it because it means good luck. No, people understand that since the Nazis used it, that meaning is now gone. It became a symbol of murder & hate. And everyone understands that when they see it. And in my opinion, it’s the same with the pentagram. Most people know that when you see a pentagram, the person that is either wearing it as jewelry, or spray painting it on the side of a building, they are not using the symbol as a symbol of Christ; no, they’re using it because they believe it to be a symbol of Satan or the Occult. And that’s my point. Why on earth was there a pentagram etched into that building? And why is the Mormon church totally ok with that symbol, even though they are completely aware of the association that the Occult has with that same symbol?
Again, more questions. I got a lot of answers from my research. Answers that I’m glad I have now. And if you think that this is going to be the only thing you hear of Mormonism in the next several months, think again. Just wait and see. The Mormon religion is going to get completely picked apart from the news media with the recent Republican (almost) nominee given to Mitt Romney. I believe that the media is going to rip him apart, using the “what he believes in” as the only leg they need to stand on in their argument. Which is why, I would urge you to do your own research. A lot of people are Mormons, and they’re really good people. I haven’t met a Mormon yet that I didn’t like. But I believe it’s important to know what people believe. I could spend hours and hours telling you about what I believe and why believe it, but it’s only my opinion. You should always do your own investigation. An actual investigation. Talk to your friends or neighbors, do some online research, read a book or two. One of the things that I found incredibly interesting while doing my research was reading testimonials from ex-Mormons, even the testimonial from Sandra Tanner, the great grand daughter of Brigham Young. Their testimonies blew my mind! Because while the Bible is taught that it is one of the many Holy books in the Mormon religion, apparently Mormons are taught that they should “avoid it;” that the “Book of Mormon” should be their go-to book. The Bible has had zero revisions (thus The Dead Sea Scrolls), while the Book of Mormon has been revised (depending on who you ask) hundreds to even thousands of times. One site claimed that it has been revised at least 3,913 times. Including a revision in 1981 to 2 Nephi 30:6. Go ahead, look that one up, it’s an interesting read. It wasn’t just a grammatical revision or anything, I’d say it was a pretty significant revision that drastically changes the entire verse. All in all, to sum up these testimonials, the bottom line came down to this, these Mormons went out in search for the truth.
The truth. Such an interesting topic. I believe with all my heart that for those that are in search of the truth, and they are open to hear what that is, they’ll find it. I believe that it’s in the heart of every man & woman on earth, that we all want to just know the truth. But don’t expect it to come knocking at your door (pun intended), go out and look for it. Somebody once told me that the two biggest questions to ask myself were, “Who was Jesus? And why did He die?” I still believe to this day that those are the most important questions you could ever ask. So do your own research. Look stuff up. Because, what if there really is more to this life than what it appears to be?
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Excellent article Ryan! I come from a VERY religious upbringing but am not religious myself. However, there was a time when I was on a search for the “truth”. Religions are very fascinating topics and interesting finds. It’s amazing how humanity gives such power to words and symbols. For example, the Petrine (upside down cross) was originally part of the Christian faith. And now it is synonymous with Black metal, goths and atheists.
Going back to the pentagram and the metal genre, there is a great documentary called “Before the light takes us”. It focuses on the origin of black metal and how it had no affiliation with Satanism. I have to agree with you, I think most of them just do it for the image.
Interesting… I remember reading about the swastika being around long before the nazis jacked it. The chinese used to construct buildings in the shape of it.
Yeah, I had remembered hearing about it in high school. Although, I couldn’t remember the details. I was glad I had to research all these symbols, it was quite educational. I didn’t know about how the chinese constructed building in the shape of it though! That’s crazy/awesome.
the swastika is an ancient indian symbol for luck. the nazi’s turned the original sign 45 degrees to give it a more energetic look…
Excellent blog Ryan!
Thanks a lot Tomie!
Great read, Ryan. I think you established the point(s) you were going after. I only wish people would do there own h
HAHAHAH!!! You’re too funny. Thanks a lot for reading it and the feedback.
Miss Raelyn, I do believe you’re one of my favorites. 
*homework with “their opinions.” On that note, off to church I go. Not the Mormon church, but church. ????
I’m never trying to write a comment from my phone again. I’m all thumbs. Ignore the two part comment, followed by “????”
Perfect Ryan. I’ve been waitin to read this since our chat last week. I’m looking forward to the rest of the blogs. xx
You rock and/or roll. Plus, your Mom rocks. She doesn’t roll.
Interesting post, I enjoyed reading it. As an active (but maybe unconventional) Mormon who has lived in Utah all my life, I’m always very interested to hear an outsiders impressions. It’s easy to find haters, it’s easy to find religious scholars’ opinions, it’s not so easy to find regular open-minded people who actually do a little research and give a more thoughtful opinion. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for the feedback. I really didn’t want to offend anyone with what I had to say, but I knew it could easily be read that way. So thank you for reading my post objectively.
I can promise that the rest of my posts won’t be about religion or politics. 
Thanks again!
Very fascinating. One of my favorite classes in college was Current Issues in Religion. I’ve been to SLC numerous times since it is one of Delta’s hubs and enjoy walking around the temple but it can get annoying. I also wonder if the show Big Love had anything to do with their ad campaign as well as tied to Mitt Romney.
That’s a great question! And Delta? I’m assuming you work for them? And yes, I would agree. It was nice to walk around the one time… I don’t think I’d do it again though.
Great read Ryan. I’ve been very interested to read this since you started talking about it. I like your perspective and the shots are amazing
Thanks a lot, Kristie! I really appreciate the feedback, and I’m glad you liked it.
Great and highly interesting blog!
And not offending at all…at least in my thinking which probably doesn’t count that much since I’m an atheist with a tattooed pentagram with baphomet on my back ???? but I’m surely anything but a satanist…I can’t really see the point in religion for myself, but as long as nobody tries to convince me of his/her religion, I’m always happy for those people to have found something to believe in. But the pentagram on a temple is really slightly odd…they’re not soooo open to anything, right?
HAHAHA!!! Yeah, I’d agree, it is slightly odd. Well, good! I’m glad I didn’t offend you. You’re a gem, and I certainly do enjoy you. Thanks so much for the response!
WOW Ryan…. what an interesting read! I have been looking forward to this since you first spoke of it. I do not think it was offensive at all, you had valid questions. I think you approached the topic respectfully. I believe Religion as a whole is a fascinating topic. To learn about it is important and in my humble opinion I think it is important to learn about all the religions. I do not mean to be that religion, but to familiarize yourself with it, I feel is important. I remember one of my first religion course in college – World Religions – it really opened my eyes to all the different beliefs out there. One of our assignments was to go out to a place of worship that was not our own and visit it and speak to the people. We had a report to do and I still remember that to this day! It was really rewarding. I am looking forward to your other posts and art work to go with them! Fantastic job Ryan!
BTW? you are spot on with Salt Lake City — I thought the same when I went there it is SO CLEAN!! hahaha
HAHAH! Thanks so much for responding Erika! And I would agree, I do believe it’s very important to familiarize yourself with other religions.
Wow. Well written. Extremely thought-provoking. I’m actually close friends with an ex-Priest Mormon, as you may know. I certainly never knew about the pentagram on so many levels. Totally agree with your thoughts on its continued use post-WWII. You did a great job, in my humble opinion, covering a sensitive investigation of such. Looking forward to more of your blogs to come
Thank you sister-o-mine
PS This is not your brother
Interesting you write about this because I had never seen a Mormon ad/tv commercial until I moved to Seattle. I was wondering what all the advertising was about and was quite surprised by how much advertising there is – thinking the same thoughts as you. “what’s all the fuss about?” etc…
Cool finds and nice bit of history, Ryan.
Thanks Bridgette! Ya know, its’ weird, I think Seattle got most of that saturation of advertising; because I really haven’t seen much of it since I left Seattle.
Interesting perspective on Mormonism and the Temple architecture and symbols. As for what Mormons believe, it’s actually quite easy to find out since all of their scriptures, lesson manuals, magazines, etc. are available on their internal website, http://lds.org. For example if Sandra Tanner says that they avoid the Bible, she’s mistaken. They evidently devote two entire years out of four to specific Bible study in their Sunday school classes and Biblical passages are quoted and referenced throughout their curriculum. Incidentally, Mormons still use the King James Translation.
I did go to that site, and I was aware of their use of the King James Bible. However, it was only until I started doing more research that I started to find that the Bible was not a “go-to” book.
Interesting! I don’t really know anything about Mormon though I did hear a negative comment about them a few years back. Great objective words
Thanks Adalia!
Broseph… That was extremely interesting and well thought out. I’m proud of you for your investigative work, your INCREDIBLE photography and most of all… I’m proud to be able to call you my best friend. Love you bro!
Hey, thanks! I love you too, bro!
Fantastic! Excellent final paragraph.
Thanks so much!