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Sacred Symbols: Finding Meaning in Rites, Rituals and Ordinances
By divine design, rites, rituals, and ordinances are filled with symbolic meaning intended to help us better understand God s Plan. If we do not understand the symbols, we cannot fully understand our covenants. In this new book, author Alonzo L. Gaskill presents divers ancient and modern rituals which are illustrative of symbols and practices Latter-day Saints may recognize. The ordinances of the Gospel are both the vehicle by which we make covenants and also a means by which God seeks to teach us. This truly unique book will guide you to a richer understanding of, and appreciation for, what you hold sacred.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2011
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587 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 5, 2017
Gaskill’s Early Christian History was one of the best courses I took at BYU. He has a talent for connecting Mormonism to early Christianity and placing our rites and rituals in a context that draws us into unity with historical Christians. We often view ourselves as being outside the norm (which may be warranted) and it is refreshing to see how deep the roots of our liturgical worship really go.
January 23, 2014
I would recommend this book to all Mormons (and symbol-curious non-Mormons, I suppose). I could not put it down and learned so much! I imagine this will be my fave LDS book of 2014. Bonus: the author is a BYU professor and my dad's counselor in the stake presidency.
July 27, 2014
When I was preparing to go to the Temple the first time, I took a "temple prep" class like most members do. Now, I don't know about the class that everyone else received, but I came away from mine with the simple concept of "temples use symbols." Yes, they certainly do, but they didn't really prepare me in any way. Instead, this book would have been a much better introduction to the temple the myriad symbols utilized within.
Alonzo Gaskill also wrote "The Lost Language of Symbolism", which I would highly recommend as well. However, that book discusses common scriptural symbols; specifically Jewish symbols that are commonly overlooked by modern readers. This book focuses more on the symbols of various ordinances, but specifically focuses in on the Temple. Now, Gaskill tries to differentiate his book from LDS apologist books that seek to establish the ancient roots of the modern Temple Endowment as being a book that seeks to explore what different aspects of modern ordinances and temples meant in antiquity. And he does that, but I think the end result is much the same. Gaskill seems to do a good job of referencing a lot of different sources and faiths and explaining what the different symbols meant to them, but I couldn't say if he cherry-picked the ones that most resonate with LDS members or not. Most of his references are Judeo-Christian from the inter-Testament writings or early Christian writings, but he does get into a few other religions as well. As in his other book, reading through the chapter footnotes is highly recommended.
Gaskill points out early on that symbolism is used in large part because, like Christ's parables, they can mean different things to different people at different times, and that's ok. What this book does, in my view, is two-fold: One, it gives a jumping off point for our own contemplation of Temple symbols. The Temple can be a little overwhelming at first, and this book helps one to see that almost everything we see and do in the Temple symbolizes something. As we consider the some of the meaning of these symbols, perhaps we can more easily relate the Temple to our own lives. Two, the book impressively shows a lot of ancient references to everything we do in the Temple, showing the LDS readers the continuity of Temple Worship from antiquity to our own era.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit and would highly recommend it, especially to those preparing or who have just gone through the Temple themselves.
Alonzo Gaskill also wrote "The Lost Language of Symbolism", which I would highly recommend as well. However, that book discusses common scriptural symbols; specifically Jewish symbols that are commonly overlooked by modern readers. This book focuses more on the symbols of various ordinances, but specifically focuses in on the Temple. Now, Gaskill tries to differentiate his book from LDS apologist books that seek to establish the ancient roots of the modern Temple Endowment as being a book that seeks to explore what different aspects of modern ordinances and temples meant in antiquity. And he does that, but I think the end result is much the same. Gaskill seems to do a good job of referencing a lot of different sources and faiths and explaining what the different symbols meant to them, but I couldn't say if he cherry-picked the ones that most resonate with LDS members or not. Most of his references are Judeo-Christian from the inter-Testament writings or early Christian writings, but he does get into a few other religions as well. As in his other book, reading through the chapter footnotes is highly recommended.
Gaskill points out early on that symbolism is used in large part because, like Christ's parables, they can mean different things to different people at different times, and that's ok. What this book does, in my view, is two-fold: One, it gives a jumping off point for our own contemplation of Temple symbols. The Temple can be a little overwhelming at first, and this book helps one to see that almost everything we see and do in the Temple symbolizes something. As we consider the some of the meaning of these symbols, perhaps we can more easily relate the Temple to our own lives. Two, the book impressively shows a lot of ancient references to everything we do in the Temple, showing the LDS readers the continuity of Temple Worship from antiquity to our own era.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit and would highly recommend it, especially to those preparing or who have just gone through the Temple themselves.
September 28, 2016
This was a really eye-opening read. I saw it at the right time in my life. It provided some really great jumping off places for some really great insights. It is not for everybody. But it was right for me. Right now, where I am in my life.
January 7, 2020
Very interesting! Lots to think about here.
July 26, 2022
Ho.ly. Cow.
What with the number of times I went, "Wait...what? Oh my gosh, that is so cool, I have to put that in my scriptures.", and getting through the footnotes, some of which also went into my scriptures, it sometimes took me upwards of an hour to get through 10 pages of this book. I was really, REALLY glad this book was on Bookshelf Plus, or I never would have been able to get everything I wanted into my scriptures. As it is, I feel like I copied and pasted half the book. I had my mind blown multiple times. There are things in the temple that I had no idea were so common outside of the temple.
I know I didn't get everything out of this that was there -- sometimes my mind just got too saturated, so I did something I have never done before. I added this to my list of books to read so that I will read it again. (I decided to add another one at the same time.) I have so many books to read that I don't generally have time for re-reads, but this one is worth it.
What with the number of times I went, "Wait...what? Oh my gosh, that is so cool, I have to put that in my scriptures.", and getting through the footnotes, some of which also went into my scriptures, it sometimes took me upwards of an hour to get through 10 pages of this book. I was really, REALLY glad this book was on Bookshelf Plus, or I never would have been able to get everything I wanted into my scriptures. As it is, I feel like I copied and pasted half the book. I had my mind blown multiple times. There are things in the temple that I had no idea were so common outside of the temple.
I know I didn't get everything out of this that was there -- sometimes my mind just got too saturated, so I did something I have never done before. I added this to my list of books to read so that I will read it again. (I decided to add another one at the same time.) I have so many books to read that I don't generally have time for re-reads, but this one is worth it.
April 9, 2020
Wow! I learned a lot! This is one I would read again down the road.
January 14, 2021
A Comprehensive Catalog of Religious Symbols
This book will be most helpful for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints who make covenants in the LDS temples. The ordinance of the Sacrament is one of the few symbol laden events a member may experience in an LDS chapel, so it is often confusing for LDS members who are not used to the layering of meaning through symbols to find covenant making in an LDS temple replete with symbols. The author shows world-wide, modern and ancient patterns of most of the rites and rituals practiced in the LDS temples enriching meaning and tying them to the ancient temple practices.
This book will be most helpful for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints who make covenants in the LDS temples. The ordinance of the Sacrament is one of the few symbol laden events a member may experience in an LDS chapel, so it is often confusing for LDS members who are not used to the layering of meaning through symbols to find covenant making in an LDS temple replete with symbols. The author shows world-wide, modern and ancient patterns of most of the rites and rituals practiced in the LDS temples enriching meaning and tying them to the ancient temple practices.
December 24, 2014
I am absolutely amazed at the research that went into this book! The reference section at the end of each chapter is almost as big as the chapter itself! I keep going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars. The information is definitely worth four stars, but this book required a great deal of concentration to read. It's like reading the scientific version instead of the lay-man version. There was wonderful insight provided on various symbols from throughout time. It wasn't specific to LDS temple symbols, yet it applied directly and taught lots that can help the reader gain more from temploe ordinances. I would definitely recommend reading this book to anyone who is able to focus on the reading - definitely will enrich your life and temple experience!
September 5, 2018
I know Alonzo, and he is a wonderful and captivating speaker. He is an even better person. I didn't personally love this book because it's just not an area of interest for me, but I think members of the Church of Jesus Christ would enjoy learning more about symbolism in their religion and the history of that symbolism both historically and religiously.
October 23, 2012
Wow!!! Amazing research and context. If you wonder what things mean in the temple and want to enrich your experience, this book will do it!! Gaskill is a member of the Seventy and his delicate approach to the topic of temple worship is wonderful. This one is on my top ten!
September 26, 2020
I was recommended this book as a means of better understanding how to understand and talk about the temple more simply, especially to an audience of the un-, soon-to-be, or recently initiated. In some ways, it is hard to imagine all but those belonging to the last group really benefitting from the ideas presented here, but perhaps I am selling my imagined younger self and others short. I do think this provides a deeper and more useful dive into the common refrain for people preparing to receive their temple endowment that "the temple is all symbolic, much more so than other aspects of the Latter-day Saint faith and culture." In my experience, this was the virtual end of the preparation for something that is indeed highly symbolic in presentation and meaning. This book offers numerous examples of how symbols can teach us, and how symbolic languages have operated via religious rites, rituals, and ordinances for millennia across numerous faith traditions. This is an interesting strategy to avoid the discomfort in violating the command to not talk about certain aspects of the Latter-day Saint endowment in much detail. Instead, Gaskill thoroughly uses examples from other Christian, Jewish, Islamic, and a handful of other religious traditions to set the stage for better understanding or at least contemplating the Latter-day Saint endowment. Organized by chapters on rituals with the focus on symbolic people, initiations, ordinations, narratives, clothing, covenant-making, prayer/threshold, and marriage, it will be ever so apparent with those "with eyes to see" to understand how this structure benefits a further contemplation, appreciation, and understanding of the Latter-day Saint temple endowment ceremony (and all the adjacent temple and non-temple ceremonies). Pacing-wise, there is a lot to digest--I read a chapter one day, the chapter footnotes the next, and so on and so forth. I enjoyed reading about these topics and how to become a better student of learning through symbol and ritual.
While the intro clearly states the book's intention not to encourage "parallelmania," it definitely seems adjacent if not inviting to this end. Nevertheless, there is value in merely trying to better understand other socioreligious practices past and present, if we can actively refrain from trying to understand it all in reference to direct parallels to our lived socioreligious experiences. I am all for finding common ground and rejoicing in shared methods of connecting with the Divine and communing with our fellowman/woman. But we need not read every religious experience as comparable to our own. There is plenty of awe and admiration to be held for difference too.
While the intro clearly states the book's intention not to encourage "parallelmania," it definitely seems adjacent if not inviting to this end. Nevertheless, there is value in merely trying to better understand other socioreligious practices past and present, if we can actively refrain from trying to understand it all in reference to direct parallels to our lived socioreligious experiences. I am all for finding common ground and rejoicing in shared methods of connecting with the Divine and communing with our fellowman/woman. But we need not read every religious experience as comparable to our own. There is plenty of awe and admiration to be held for difference too.
January 18, 2025
4.5 stars. This book on temple symbolism is dense with information and truth—I will need to reread because there was too much to take in. Symbolism can seem illusive and frustrating, but Gaskill did a great job of opening my eyes of understanding, revealing some of the richness and depth of truth that can be found when we take time to seek. I loved all the connections to ancient temple ceremonies and rituals. While it makes sense, I had no idea how much of our modern temple rituals are found in ancient religious ceremonies. So fascinating. I also liked the discussion on the female attributes of God (and the connection with deaconess/goddess). I love that the more meaning we find in symbols, the more understanding and connection we find in Christ.
Chapters:
People in Ritual
Initiation Rituals
Ordination Rituals
Narrative Rituals
Clothing Rituals
Covenant-making Rituals
Prayer and Threshold Rituals
Marriage Rituals
Chapters:
People in Ritual
Initiation Rituals
Ordination Rituals
Narrative Rituals
Clothing Rituals
Covenant-making Rituals
Prayer and Threshold Rituals
Marriage Rituals
January 27, 2019
I remember sitting in my high school and college English classes when the discussion would turn to symbolism. The teacher would ask, "And what symbolism did you see in this book?" My mind would go blank. Symbolism? What symbolism?
Several students would eagerly raise their hands and begin sharing their insights. I wondered why I didn't see that.
Obviously, symbolism and I are not good friends. This is one reason why I loved this book so much! I have a greater understanding of the symbolism found in the temple. This book does not focus specifically on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint temple ceremonies but rather religious rituals around the world. Yet, I can understand our temple symbolism a lot better as a result of this book.
Several students would eagerly raise their hands and begin sharing their insights. I wondered why I didn't see that.
Obviously, symbolism and I are not good friends. This is one reason why I loved this book so much! I have a greater understanding of the symbolism found in the temple. This book does not focus specifically on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint temple ceremonies but rather religious rituals around the world. Yet, I can understand our temple symbolism a lot better as a result of this book.
August 30, 2018
I was able to listen to this fabulous book on audible. I have read other books by this author and loved them so I grabbed this one when it became available.
I’m not in favor of authors reading their own books, but Gaskill does a pretty good job. The thing that really bugged me was all the “quote” “end quote” things. He did his best to minimize the distraction, but there for a while my skin was crawling! However the content overcame the discomfort. I can’t wait to get to the temple and look for all these symbols and more. It is a fascinating subject!
I’m not in favor of authors reading their own books, but Gaskill does a pretty good job. The thing that really bugged me was all the “quote” “end quote” things. He did his best to minimize the distraction, but there for a while my skin was crawling! However the content overcame the discomfort. I can’t wait to get to the temple and look for all these symbols and more. It is a fascinating subject!
June 21, 2023
One of the more insightful considerations of ancient rituals and ordinances that I've read. Gaskill has clearly done his research. I found this book both inspiring and helpful for me in considering my own promises that I've made with deity. Rather than focusing on the Latter-Day Saint perspective of rituals and ordinances, he dives into the rites that other religions (as well as ancient Christianity) have passed down through history. By doing so, he provides valuable insights on what happens within Latter-Day Saint temples and the lessons we can learn about our own worship from that of others.
July 23, 2018
This book had so many fascinating insights into symbols. Written from an LDS perspective, but using scholarly research from the rites of many religions, I found particular fascination in the similarities of rituals and appreciated the additional insight provided from other religious scholars on meaning. One of the best chapters is on people as symbols, and looking at Adam and Eve as symbols of the bride (the church) and the bridegroom (Christ). It really opens up so much understanding.
February 26, 2020
Do you understand the symbols that lie within the rituals and ceremonies of the church you go? This book is an eyeopening for mostly Christian churchgoers, but it als has some insights on symbolisms found in non-christian faiths. I was particularly amazed with the symbols related to the Tian Tan Buddha, to Adam and Eve, and to the ancient temples. Being written by an academic, the text is sometimes too wordy to get to a point, and often repetitive. At the end of each chapter there are extensive notes and references to sources that could be added to the end of the books, and some additional insights on symbols, that could be brough into the chapters. If you're a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, like me and the author, you will find additional insights on the practice of our religion and increase your understanding and faith in the Savior Jesus Christ. Happy reading!
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July 16, 2021*Very* cool. Gaskill was my world religions professor at BYU and really put us to work while also teaching us many incredible things about other religions. In this book, he uses his expertise to show commonalities in ancient and modern religions and cultures when it comes to symbolism. This brings new meaning to symbols with which members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are familiar. Definitely an academic angle.
January 20, 2023
This book did so much for me. It brought clarity to the symbols so prevalent in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but also gave me a greater appreciation for the many similarities shared between various Judeo-Christian beliefs. I feel a greater kinship with those of other faiths because I understand our similarities better. I feel like this answers a lot of questions I've had and I've heard others express. Just so good.
December 18, 2019
This book fascinated me beginning to end. Also, I’m for sure going to have to listen to it again. It was like drinking from a fire hose! It was revelatory for me and I treasure many insights I gained from it. I’m looking forward to reading more of Brother Gaskill’s work. I won’t see my worship in LDS temples the same way ever again. Loved this one!
June 14, 2020
Not a quick, easy read but so much information from historical research. I found the ancient Old Testament examples interesting as well as those from Catholicism, Hindu, or Muslim rituals. A book I will reference again as my understanding increases and I want further insight.
July 27, 2020
I found this book to be a valuable introduction to the meaning of clothing, washing, hand gestures, and storytelling in religious rituals. It's written for Latter-day Saints, and it gave me a meaningful context for the LDS temple rituals.
February 15, 2021
I find symbolism an important part of my religious belief. On the other hand, it can be so vague that often you will see symbols for whatever you are looking for. Interesting to read about some historic symbolism in Christianity.
June 20, 2023
This is an excellent book. It contains eye-opening lessons about creation, sacred clothing, altars, marriage, and more. It is not the smoothest/simplest read sometimes, perhaps due to the massive amount of footnotes. It could benefit from an anecdote or two in my opinion.
July 21, 2024
Sacred Symbols
As a Latter-day Saint who serves in the Provo Utah City Center Temple this book helped me understand the sacred symbols and rites performed in the temple more completely. I highly recommend this book.
As a Latter-day Saint who serves in the Provo Utah City Center Temple this book helped me understand the sacred symbols and rites performed in the temple more completely. I highly recommend this book.
November 25, 2024
I love the way symbols are taught in this book and the history it shares. Added more depth, understanding and increased desire to further grow in my understanding of the symbols I’m exposed to. Excellent!
January 21, 2019
Another fantastic book I will read and refer to the rest of my life. I have been looking for a book that informs me in these subjects for 20 years.
February 14, 2019
A fascinating book! And it just scratches the surface on the subject of religious symbolism.
October 21, 2019
Eye opening
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews