The Book of Mormon Site
Unholy Temples
The non-biblical phrase is used twice in the Book of Mormon (Alma 7:21, Helaman 4:24), and more often in JS Jr.’s later revelations, and throughout later Mormon discourse. However the phrase does predate the Book of Mormon, showing that it was used out in the broader world of Christian thought:
Henry Lee, The Scripture, Doctrine of the Atonement, 1752, p. 223:
But, otherwise, what would Christ, as an example only, avail us? He had the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in him: but does he dwell in sinners out of Christ? if he does, you must have more gods than one to suit your shceme; and you must say, they dwell in unholy temples of flesh, unless then you own our union with Christ; that he dwelleth in us, and we in him; (for being many we are one body in Christ) are also the temple of God, 1 Cor. 3:16,17,19, 2 Cor. 6:16.
Charles Lucas, in Joseph a Religious Poem, 1810, Book 24, p. 331:
- Unknown of men, God sees and knows and [sic]
- And are there no good Kings? Yes, there are they,
- Who grind to dust the Serpent, spurn the Calves,
- Destory the Groves of sin, throw down the Altars,
- Scatter the Idols, slay the Worshippers,
- And crush the unholy Temples to the ground,
- So that no more the abominations rise.