ANSWERS: 1
-
Yes, they have been altered several times since the LDS church was founded. They used to actually draw blood by cutting at the garment line on the right thigh. Women used to have their genitalia annointed by another woman. The entire temple ceremony was once performed by actors, now they have it on tape. So yes, the unchanging since the dawn of time ritual has been changed at least twice, if not more. The rituals were originally 'adapted' from the Masonic rites. Joseph Smith was in fact a Mason. There has even been a good deal of speculation that the Masons killed him for stealing their secrets, and steal them he did. As far as the why goes I can only speculate, so I won't answer that part of your question.
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

by 