The Gate of Heaven: Insights on the Doctrines and Symbols of the Temple

The Gate of Heaven: Insights on the Doctrines and Symbols of the Temple

4.43 of 5 stars 4.43  ·  rating details  ·  90 ratings  ·  11 reviews
From the premortal world, where the Plan of Salvation was laid out and the need for temples was established, to the Restoration, in which the fullness of the gospel was reintroduced to the world in the temple ceremony, author Matthew B. Brown explores the rich heritage of symbolism that has characterized temples and temple worship through the ages, reverently examining the...more
Hardcover, 342 pages
Published October 1st 1999 by Covenant Communications
more details... edit details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 181)
filter  |  sort: default (?)  |  rating details
Rob
This book was really cool. It's deep and not necessarily a fun read, but very informational. It explains in detail the uses of the Jewish temple through old testament and new testament times. It explains symbolism, meaning, and goes into some speculation but keeps things fairly factual. The author then proceeds to address the LDS temple in modern day times and ends with some amazing personal accounts from early church members about temple work.
Michael Adamson
Jun 20, 2008 Michael Adamson rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone
Recommended to Michael by: Self
This is a very profound book full of meaning. Any member of the LDS Church who attends and would like to understand more about the temple needs to read this book. It will help lead one to understand the meaning and mysteries of the kindom.

This book is a great blessing to all and I think may be going out of print soon, so i would recommend picking up a copy of this as soon as you can. Books by Nibley are much more in depth, but this is a good start. Besides, Nibley can make your head hurt after 4...more
Michele
So many insights and everything he said just made so much sense to me. The first temple the garden of Eden? Never thought of it that way but loved the idea. I thought he was brillant and can't wait to read more books by Matthew Brown.
Sometimes reading the notes at the end of the chapter was even more fascinating than the stuff inside the chapter.
Couple of thoughts on youth and the temple that gave me some pause for thought,
page 282
"The temple is a sacred place, and the ordinances in the temple...more
Devin
One of the most insightful books I've ever read. The whole beginning talks about all this really amazing doctrine and then the end gives all these evidences that the only way Joseph Smith could have instituted the temple ordinances was through direct revelation. It totally strengthened my testimony.
Matt
"A deeply researched, respectful and engrossing account of ancient Hebrew and Christian rites associated with temples. Books like this don't come along very often."
Cindy
This is an amazing book. It is very deep, but provides a lot of things to think about. It is an awsome resource for coming to understand the temple from the time of Adam until today. Definitely a book that you have to read more than once.
Marielle
Archeological, prophetic, multi-cultural, sriptural, apochraphal and anecdotal insights about the temple from Adam to modern day. Scholarly, yet easy to follow. Highly recommended.
Carol
Very interesting. Learned much. Symbols in Stone is excellent, as well.
Gina
When a person goes to the Temple they take on themselves more than the name of Christ, but make promises that they will become symbolically Christ in their lives. The life, death, and resurrection narratives are now part of our own narratives. Ultimately, LDS usage of symbols is more than for memorial, but for transformation. Nothing in Mormonism is more important in that transformation than Temples where salvation is solidified by symbolic actions.
Lisa
Aug 12, 2009 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Religious scholars, philosophers
Recommended to Lisa by: Robert Keeler
Shelves: religion
Scholarly and stimulating, so far. We've read the intro and first chapter, but have only read some of the endnotes. Great study tool for those interested in the concept of temples.
Joe Spencer
Lots of good information, but if you've read Nibley, you won't be surprised by much.
Kelly Marcu
Jun 16, 2013 Kelly Marcu added it
Shelves: lds
Carlos
Apr 06, 2013 Carlos marked it as to-read
Jennifer
Mar 16, 2013 Jennifer marked it as to-read
Nicole Smith
Mar 05, 2013 Nicole Smith marked it as to-read
Jared Gillins
Mar 05, 2013 Jared Gillins marked it as to-read
Jill
Mar 04, 2013 Jill marked it as to-read
Doris
Mar 04, 2013 Doris marked it as to-read
Brianna
Feb 24, 2013 Brianna marked it as to-read
Jeff Stockett
Feb 19, 2013 Jeff Stockett marked it as to-read
Breanne
Feb 15, 2013 Breanne marked it as to-read
Tammy
Feb 12, 2013 Tammy marked it as to-read
Shelves: religious
Ashley
Feb 03, 2013 Ashley marked it as to-read
Byubones
Jan 17, 2013 Byubones marked it as to-read
Lynn
Jan 10, 2013 Lynn is currently reading it
John
Jan 10, 2013 John marked it as to-read
« previous 1 3 4 5 6 7 next »
There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »
Symbols in Stone: Symbolism on the Early Temples of the Restoration Exploring the Connection Between Mormons and Masons The Plan of Salvation: Doctrinal Notes and Commentary Plates of Gold PROPHECIES - SIGNS OF THE TIMES, SECOND COMING, MILLENNIUM

Share This Book

Your website