Scott C.
Just one guy
I see. And what are these garments purported to do for one? If they have no special effect, then are they not just undergarments? Perhaps I am confused...
Practically speaking, yes they are just cloth worn under other clothes. They have some symbols on them which make them religious clothing, if you will. The general idea is that they remind us that we made covenants or promises with God. We take them off when they can't reasonably be worn, like when I run or go swimming and things like that. They are worn underneath other clothes because we don't use them as an outward expression of our faith. Someone might wear a cross for example to let people know they are Christian, which is great. But the garment is intended only as an internal reminder. I think of a Pastor who every time he puts on his white collar (if he's the type of Pastor who wears a white collar), he's reminded that he has been set apart to his calling and should behave accordingly. The garment works like that for me. To the extent that we wear the garment and consider it's meaning, and are reminded of covenants of obedience to God, the garment can become a protection from temptation. It's not the garment itself, but the principle, the reminder of covenants made. It's like if I carry a photo of my wife with me, it might remind me to not go home with the cute woman who hits on me. (Not that any women hit on this old guy). That would not make it a magic photo with super powers, it's just a photo with a very special image, the image of my wife which happens to remind me of the promise I made to her. This is how the temple garment can be considered a protection from "temptation" or "evil". But, some fellow Church members have taken it another step to claim protection from physical harm (which is their private and personal interpretation that goes beyond the stated and common sense purpose of the garment). Such claims, when they hit the internet and the general public have morphed into claims that Mormon's think their underwear has super powers and hence is "magic underwear". An unfortunate twist of reality. I like the video link produced by my Church which keeps it real and simple.