Celestial Symbols: Symbolism in Doctrine, Religious Traditions and Temple Architecture

by Allen H. Barber

"Celestial Symbols" is a carefully prepared, well-documented book with valuable insights that will enhance and broaden the gospel understanding of all who read it. The Lord's Plan of Salvation is deeply interwoven with symbolic representations. This is especially so with respect to Christ and His atonement, baptism, and the temple. In this book, Allen H. Barber lists over 300 symbols, explains their meanings and tells how the Lord uses them to teach His plan of salvation through the scriptures, the prophets, and in the temples. PART ONE deals with the purpose and nature of symbols. It explains what a symbol is, relates ancient uses of symbols, and gives guidance for recognizing and understanding true symbols. It illustrates and describes the meanings associated with many geometric symbols such as crosses, circles, triangles, interlaced triangles, squares, and stars. PART TWO deals with symbols relating to the eternal nature of the universe and God's creations. It explains how things of an eternal nature on earth are symbolic of their counterparts in heaven. PART THREE deals with symbols that relate to man's lifespan on earth, the plan of salvation, and the priesthood on earth and in heaven. The symbolic counterparts of earthly and heavenly marriage relationships are explained. PART FOUR deals with the House of The Lord. Symbols relating to the ceremonies and ordinances of the temple are explained, including the endowment and the manner in which it is used to teach the gospel. The symbols on the exterior walls of the Salt Lake temple are explained. They include the sun, moon, star stones, cornerstones, circles, squares, clasped hands, all-seeing eyes, curtains, clouds, spires, finials, scrolls, etc. The whole structure of the temple is designed to symbolize the great architectural work of God above. This is a valuable book that presents sometimes difficult concepts with clarity and reverence.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds

206 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not enough information on the symbols.
More detailed drawings. More information on the symbols themselves. Where used. Where started first.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was very interesting. It talks about the architecture of temples, and shows pictures of different features of different temples in the world. Going to school for CADD, it caught my attention ;)

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book as part of a Sunday School lesson for our 14-15 year olds. It ties together the beautiful symbolism found in church ordinances and on the Salt Lake temple architecture.