The Great California Temple Tally: How Many Holy Havens Can You Handle?
Ah, California. Sunshine, beaches, Hollywood dreams, and...a surprising number of LDS temples? That's right, folks, for Latter-day Saints looking for a spiritual pitstop between Disneyland and grabbing some In-N-Out, the Golden State delivers. But just how many temples are we talking about? Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey of holy site statistics, with a touch of California cool, of course.
Counting Temples: Not as Easy as Counting Koalas (Thankfully)
Unlike those adorable (but strictly Australian) marsupials, LDS temples aren't exactly known for clinging to eucalyptus trees. So, how do we get an accurate count? Fear not, intrepid temple trekkers! We have a few resources at our disposal:
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website: This official source offers a nifty temple locator, letting you zoom in on California and see those sacred spires pop up like spiritual sandcastles.
- Temple Sleuths Anonymous (not a real thing, but it could be!): If you find yourself down a rabbit hole of temple trivia (hey, it happens!), there are online communities dedicated to all things LDS temples. But be warned, they might not have the chill vibes of a California beach bonfire.
So, How Many Temples Are We Talking About? Drumroll Please...
Seven! That's right, California boasts seven operational LDS temples, scattered across the state like spiritual sunshine. From the San Diego Temple with its oceanfront views (perfect for pondering the vastness of the universe) to the Fresno California Temple, which could be mistaken for a particularly fancy wedding cake (because, California!), there's a temple to suit every mood.
Bonus Fun Fact: There's also a temple under construction in Modesto, California, so keep an eye out for that one if you're planning a future pilgrimage.
Why So Many Temples, California?
That's a question only the temple-building higher-ups can truly answer. But here are a few theories:
- Sunshine State, Sunshine Souls? Maybe Californians are just extra spiritually inclined (hey, all that meditation and avocado toast must be doing something).
- Land of Opportunity, Land of Temples? California's large and growing LDS population might necessitate more sacred spaces.
- Theme Park for the Soul? Perhaps California just likes to have options, offering a variety of temple experiences for its residents.
Ultimately, the number of temples is less important than the purpose they serve: providing a place for worship, reflection, and connection with the divine.
So, the next time you're road-tripping down the Pacific Coast Highway, keep an eye out for those celestial spires. They might just be the perfect spot for a spiritual selfie (just be respectful, of course).
