Sacred Walls: Learning from Temple Symbols

by Gerald E. Hansen Jr., Val Brinkerhoff

Both books and buildings have voices. But rather than the letters of an alphabet, buildings use towers and spires, columns and buttresses, mosaics and paintings, glass and geometric figures, and statues and friezes to speak volumes. However, even though architectural symbolism existed before the written word, the messages of a building is often difficult for most of us to recognize. For Latter-day Saints, temples are the most important and symbolic buildings in existence. Through temples the unique doctrines of the restored gospel are commuincated. Although the bulk of this instruction occurs inside the temples, temple exteriors also tell of these profound doctrines-when you understand how to read them. This unique and fascinating book is designed to help you see the House of the Lord with new eyes as you examine the voices of temple exteriors along with the voices of the Book of Mormon. Each chapter containes an examination of a sermon or vision in the Book of Mormon related to the temple. This is accompanied by a stunning photo essay of temple exteriors and enlightening commentary that examines the main symbolic motifs of a specific temple. As you learn how to read the messages hidden in plain sight, you will never look at temples the same way.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Church, Spirituality, Lds Non Fiction

92 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2009

Reviews

[Cami · Rating 3 out of 5]

The essays are well-researched, but the lack of explaining the architectural temple symbols in the pictures left much to be desired. Yes, there are multiple ways to interpret symbols, but I would have loved to have more possibilities proffered. Instead of just seeing a photo of a squared circle, it would have been nice to have it labeled, for example.

[June Guymon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you learn how to read the messages hidden in plain sight, you will never look at temples the same way. This is an amazing book for LDS people.

[Avery Frost · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since the very first temple open house that I went to, I have always been fascinated with the temples of the church. The rich symbolism that surrounds the architecture, the beauty and individuality of each temple, the way the culture and geographical region influence the structure, it's all mind-boggling. I was even more excited at age 12 when I finally got to go inside and experience one small aspect of what's done in the temple. And at 19 I received my temple endowment and became enamored all over again. As a writer, I appreciate things like symbols and metaphors that represent bigger concepts that only the most observant readers can understand. Brother Hansen says in the introduction to this book that "Both books and buildings have voices. . . Those who love to read inherently understand that through the decipherment of these symbols they can "hear" the words, ideas, and wisdom of both the dead who have long passed on and the living whom they have not yet met."

I must admit though, for a book called "Sacred Walls" I expected a whole lot more on the symbols found on the actual walls. Each chapter highlights a specific temple and has a page dedicated to explaining several of the symbols showcased in and on these temples. The rest of the chapter highlights more aspects of the symbolism of the endowment and sealing ordinances. While I found this information interesting and useful, I felt a little falsely advertised to. This book was supposed to be about the temples and the beautiful symbolism found in their architecture. I wanted to see more pictures of the handy work of hundreds of artisans from all over the world over several decades. If I wanted to read a book about the symbolism of temple ordinances, I could've found one easily. I want stats, materials, names of architects and artists, years, etc. So while I enjoyed what I read, it was not exactly what I expected and I would still really like a book with more than ten temples and ten pages of short shpeels on their exterior. 3/5 stars

[Paul Manuele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this perspective. The authors used passages from the Book of Mormon to highlight different aspects of temple ordinances and then paralleled those concepts with design/symbols on the physical structure of temples. This was a fun easy read.

[Jodee Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Terrific book!! I learned so much and still have so much to learn. This is a beautifully written and photographed book about our most sacred buildings.

[Michelle Smart · Rating 3 out of 5]

The material was well thought-out, and the photographs are quite beautiful. It just wasn't what I was looking to study at this time.

[Tuly Huntington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful temple pictures. Narration of temple symbols could have been simpler.

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this photo essay, Hansen discusses the exterior symbols on 11 LDS temples and compares them to passages in the Book of Mormon in an attempt to help readers better understand the symbolism of temples and the ordinances performed therein, particularly the endowment ceremony.

The photographs in this book are stunning; the writing wasn't quite as impressive. While the exterior symbols explained are informative, the links to Book of Mormon passages were often weak connections, and in many cases, seemed to focus more on other books of scripture to demonstrate points. Perhaps readers would be better served if Hansen had focused either on the design or on the Book of Mormon but not combined the two. Nevertheless, the discussion of the symbols was interesting and will likely help readers find new symbols at temples.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tys and I are reading one chapter a week from this - on Monday nights usually. We are 2 chapters in, and have quite liked it.

After reading: so the first couple chapters were the best. I really enjoyed the bite-sized chapters and the photography. The presentation of symbolism and analysis (explanation, or lack thereof) left much to be wanted.

[Erma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I will return to again and again. I loved the way Hansen weaves Book of Mormon images and stories with the symbols found on the exteriors of LDS temples. Couple that with stunning photography, so artistically done, and I have a book that resonates with me. Something within me is drawn to religious symbols. They speak volumes, and I find new layers as I ponder.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not quite what I expected, but I wasn't disappointed, either. Gerald Hansen looks at symbolism taught both inside and outside the temple by looking at scriptural examples in the Book of Mormon. The connections are up to the reader. I found that he had some interesting points that added greater insight to my study of the Book of Mormon. Well worth the read.

[Msstacylynn Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has beatuful pictures and beautiful written explanations but the pictures are not with the text.
I thought this would be more visual than it is. THis is the authors veiws on the signs and symbols. Based on historical traditions

[Tyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pictures were great and the sections were short (which made them great for FHE). The analysis of the symbolism and the application of the symbolism to various passages in the Book of Mormon was interesting although fairly superficial.

[Marita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the photos of this book and the explanations of the outside walls of these temples. The main text was solid book of Mormon doctrine, and not what I expected at all. The video version of this was wonderful and more what I was looking for.

[Greta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great book to use for Family Home Evening. It was great to share with the kids and to help them think about the power and symbolic learning that takes place both in and relating to temples.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this book. I need to re-read it with scriptures in hand, and mark them all up with the new stuff I am learning here. The pictures are lovely. This would be a great book for the personal library.

[Kerstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little different than I expected, but very interesting.I thought it would have more of a description and explanation about the physical symbols on the different temples. It does do that a little, but it is more about the symbolism of the temple experience which is cool.

[Shanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fabulous!! Not only does it tell about the temples and the symbolism in their structure, it also gives wonderful lessons and insights to the Book of Mormon. I learned so much from reading this :)

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to the symbols that are used in the architecture of LDS temples. I really like the work that the author does regarding the circle and the square. The concept of representing "rebirth" on the San Diego temple was great!

[Rachel Robins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, a beautiful book with lots of pictures that explore LDS temples and their symbols. This is sacred stuff to me and I appreciated how the author tackled it. Interesting & nicely done.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good, and a beautiful book to look at. Good info. about the temple.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like it. I wish there were more temples discussed. I enjoy the description and the pictures.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the photography and the discussion of symbolism was interesting and informative. I think there is much more to tsay on the subject.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative book - I learned things about the achitecture of several of the temples and the meaning of the symbols that have been used.

[Tenille · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. Great pictures of temples, and great info on temple symbols. I learned alot.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was facinating to me.

[Brett White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great addition to the many temple books I have read and I was really happy with the work.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my favorites about the church temples

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful pictures! wonderful message! I felt like I learned so much about the temple and its purpose in my life!

[goddess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insights. Great pictures.