Gospel Symbolism

by Joseph Fielding McConkie

Symbols are a timeless and universal language God has chosen to teach His gospel, to reveal His covenants and ordinances, and to bear witness of His Son. In that case, why don't we hear more about symbols, and have them explained to our understanding? That is precisely what Gospel Symbolism does. Written for the layman, this book searches the scriptures, disclosing how passage after passage is layered with hitherto unperceived meaning. It shows how these countless types and shadows, the symbolic representations of Christ, assures us of the reality of His existence and the verity of the eternal gospel. And each step of the way, the reader's fascination will increase as the stimulating text opens his eyes to depths of understanding he had not previously imagined.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Mormonism, Spirituality, Inspirational

296 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Joseph Fielding McConkie received a Doctorate of Education from Brigham Young University in 1973, following which he became the director of the LDS Institute of Religion at the University of Washington in Seattle. Four years later he joined the faculty at BYU where he is now a Professor of Ancient Scripture. He is the author or co-author of 25 books, the most recent being a 1200 page work titled Revelations of the Restoration. His scholarly interests center in scripture and doctrine. Other experiences include being an LDS Chaplain in Vietnam, a mission president in Scotland, and a Stake President at BYU.

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http://deseretbook.com/auth/302/Josep...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_F...

Reviews

[Tobias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Symbols are everywhere, and they are the most effective tool God uses to teach us about Himself, His plan for us, and our potential. Symbols are amazing in how they can be used on many different levels. This book helped me to expand my understanding on many of the symbols found in the gospel.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fairly brief but very helpful book teaching about gospel symbolism. It had chapters specifically explaining a lot of symbolism surrounding the Law of Moses, the Tabernacle and Temple, ordinances, the ways that various prophets, priests, and kings typify Christ, and so forth. I learned a lot and I appreciated Brother McConkie's insights into the scriptures. My understanding and appreciation of the language and use of symbolism to teach the gospel was enriched by studying this book. Reading it was a valuable part of my education of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

[Sergio Barrios · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want to get the best out of this book, start with the first chapter then jump to the third and finally go straight to the last 3 chapters. This will guide you through the most relevant and educational parts. The chapter about interpreting Scripture has solid arguments about modern revelation and the importance of modern Scripture to interpret the ancient.

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The last few chapters were the best.

[Erneilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brother McConkie was definitely his father's son. Much of the same style - but I enjoyed his insights, although I think he relied a little too much on Farrar.

[Skylar Hatfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best chapter of this book is the last chapter. I would have benefitted from reading it prior to the first chapter. In fact, I think this chapter should be read and understood by anyone making an effort to read and understand scripture. I also found the chapters on the Law of Moses and the ancient temple interesting and compelling. This book is not the best book about gospel symbolism that I have read. I prefer the work of Alanzo Gaskill. However, there was some new information available in the volume. And, as said earlier, the final chapter is essential reading.

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a good book on an important topic. It maybe tried to cover a bit more breadth whiling lacking in depth. At times disjointed but did seem to mention most important symbols and many obscure ones too. The last couple chapters were fascinating considerations of the ongoing issue of figurative vs. literal understanding of the bible.

[Daisy Dandelion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was way above my usual reading level. Great opportunity for me to stretch and do something challenging. It was a fascinating book. I read only about four pages a day as the enormous supply of information would otherwise give my brain overload symptoms.
I will refer to this book again often as I try to enlarge my understanding of the gospel.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really opened up the language of symbolism for me. It has a lot of great examples, as well. It was less successful at allowing me to see and understand symbols than I would have liked, but that may have been a personal failing on my part.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book what not what I expected. Nevertheless, it is well written and I read much of it. It was mostly about the symbolism derived from the history of the house of Israel rather than the symbolism inherent in water, earth, wind and fire.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive look at symbols used in the scriptures...how they are used and what they mean. This is a most useful book when studying the scriptures...especially the Old Testament.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound, inspiring, incredible and intelligent.

[Christel]

good

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like to read through parts of this one when studing a topic. It's not a book you can really sit down and read cover to cover. But has taught me and reminded me of some neat things.

[Jeanne Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful in understanding scriptures and temple.

[Ernie Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice read on gospel symbols which might take a person like me to get even a partial understanding of without this book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me appreciation the Old Testament much more.

[Brett White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave me a new way to look at the Holy books I will need to retread again and again.

[Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunday school at its greatest on your living room couch!