We learned it in Primary, and have followed it ever since: “Your body is a temple. Treat it as such.” But in an ever-changing world, what does that really mean? Recent notice of Utah being the plastic surgery capital of the States has brought further attention to the conflict between Church teachings and Utahn actions. In response, Elder Bednar, current member of the Quorum of the Twelve and former president of BYU-Idaho, has released guidelines regarding cosmetic procedures. 

Elder Bednar stated, “Just as unneeded guests are prohibited from entering the temple, we condemn unnecessary additions of foreign objects to the body. These include breast implants and synthetic nose implants.” 

The statement provided little description of liquid fillers, bone and cartilage procedures, and botox. However, LDS figures are providing their own takes on the subject, and as expected, opinions vary widely even within Utah wards.

Mary Mullen, a woman in her mid-twenties, laughed, “Botox is literally a toxin, and these people inject it into their bodies like it’s plasma. Why do you need shoulder botox? We’re supposed to be covering those?” 

Conversely, Elly Pratt has taken a more liberal interpretation of the counsel. 

“I’m pretty sure my lips are only thin because I drank through straws too much as a child. When my body is restored in the celestial kingdom, they will be perfectly plump as they are now. So no, I will not be dissolving my lip fillers.” 

Jennifer Smith also seems relieved. 

“I was initially a little worried reading the release, as I’m scheduled for a tummy tuck next week. He didn’t say anything about removing objects from our temples, so I think I’m in the clear.”

Meanwhile, Rachel Heatherington reflects what we at the Alternate Universe find to be the most likely feeling of Saints following this new announcement:  “Finally, the validation I needed to be able to gossip about people with nose jobs.”