Symbols in Stone: Symbolism on the Early Temples of the Restoration

by Matthew B. Brown, Paul Thomas Smith

LDS doctrine is rich in symbolism,and nowhere do we find greater symbolism than in the temple. By examining the symbols on the Nauvoo, Kirtland, and Salt Lake temples, the authors skillfully demonstrate that we begin to understand the symbolic language of the Lord which, in turn, prepares us for the symbolism that we will encounter within. Symbols in Stone on Early Temples of the Restoration is carefully documented using the scriptures as well as recorded accounts of latter-day temples seen in vision before their construction. It is essential reading for all Latter-day Saints who wat to better sunderstand the vital role of temples in the latter days.

Genres: Lds, Religion, Church, Nonfiction, History, Theology

194 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1997

About the author

Matthew B. Brown (1964–2011) was an author and historian whose emphasis was on the history and doctrine of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. He wrote several books published by Covenant Communications, and also published articles for the Neal A. Maxwell Institute of Religious Scholarship at BYU and FAIR (now FairMormon).

source: about the author in "Ancient Temple Worship"

Reviews

[Debbi · Rating 2 out of 5]

The authors of this book are described as having degrees in History and Education and writing numerous books, articles for church publications, and study series. Because of this, I expected to find in the book definitive explanations of the symbols used on the three temples (Kirtland, Nauvoo, and Salt Lake City)featured in its pages. I wanted to learn what these symbols mean to latter-day saints specifically and why each was used on the temples.

Instead, I found a book filled with phrases including "could possibly be interpreted as," "may be intended to mean," "with no historical source, we will offer a logical explanation," "some commentators say,"seems to be some type of connection." Yes, there are many scriptural references in the notes following each chapter and dozens of quotes from early members of the church. Few of them, however, provide more than a personal experience or feeling related by someone that gives his or her impressions regarding the temple.

The authors do provide a caveat at the beginning of the book telling the reader that the views expressed in the book are their own and not the official views of the LDS Church. I wonder where one can find a book that does express the official views of the Church?

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible. It is the first book I have read of Matthew Brown and most certainly will not be the last.
Wonderfully written, this book provides extensive insight and reference for Christ-centred symbolism.
I recommend this to any curious person. I will treasure this book for the rest of my life.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most intriguing book I have ever read on temples. It is one of my favorites due to such a refreshing writing style with a ton of background research from reliable sources. All of Matthew Brown's books have been a delight to read.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all of Matthew Brown's books, he has done extensive research in church archives and has documented some very unique stories from early church history in this book. Some of which are extremely powerful.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

So insightful. I truly want to read every book he has ever written. I wish I could remember all the symbols he talked about. I have enjoyed the two books I have read by him. Plan on continuing with more.

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book that talks about the symbolism of the Temple, both architecturally and ceremonially.

[Adelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my husband while we were engaged. A very spiritual book. As we go to the temple now, we enjoy finding these symbols and others around us.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Surveys exteriors of the Kirtland, Nauvoo and Salt Lake temples, providing explanation and provocing thought on what is to be seen carved into the stone. Awesome book."

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fascinating read.

Thoughts as I finished were posted here

[Calvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding treatise on the symbols (physical) of the temple. Don't skip the footnotes!

[Sirpa Grierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matthew Brown addresses this topic from three distinct perspectives: historical background, doctrinal connections, and spiritual manifestations. His writing is accessible to general readers, and I particularly appreciated the footnotes, which include hard-to-find sources and intriguing details about four temples in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—New Jerusalem, Kirtland, Nauvoo, and the Salt Lake Temple.

The book also offers insights into the language of symbolism, features numerous black-and-white drawings of temple architecture and design elements, and includes five appendices.

Although at least a half-dozen newer volumes on this topic have been published since this book’s release in 1997, those who enjoy rich detail and temple typology will find additional insights here. As a close reader, I prefer to study one chapter at a time. If you're looking for a quick read or glossy color photos, however, this may not be the right choice for you.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this book to fulfil the goal read a book recommended by a family member. it is actually my husbands that he picked up on one of our yearly trips to palmyra. it compares the temple of the anchient iseralites to our modern day latter day saint temple. i thought some of the symbolism was pretty cool. some of it i think went over my head. the parts i did understand though will cause me to never look at the scriptures or the temple in quite the same way. it was an annotated book so you really need use of multiple bookmarks or hands while reading, not conveniet at all while comforting a baby. my favorite parts were the last chapter and appendix f.

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a masterfully researched book! I have been studying gospel symbols for a few years and finally made my way around to this book. It gives quite a bit of Church history and shares many recorded visions and spiritual experiences that have occurred around the building of the early restored temples. The actual symbols and explanations didn't come for quite some time in the book, but I enjoyed reading all the back stories as they present a fuller picture of why some symbols were included in the temple architecture. There is so much meaning in the temple and in the gospel! There is too much to remember in my mind, so I am grateful for books like this to refer back to and learn from again.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn’t long, but has so much fascinating information. I dropped a star from my rating because there was a part that bothered me and felt outdated, but I can’t honestly remember what it was now. It was definitely worth reading, and I’ll be looking even more for symbols now in my temple worship.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting info

[Marsha Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really an excellent book! So many amazing things… Time to read it again!

[Jeff Crosby]

Used as a resource.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've given few 5-start ratings in nonfiction, but I didn't hesitate on this one. I think it can be hard to write LDS nonfiction in a way that is approachable for both interior (LDS) and exterior (others), but this is one of the best examples I've seen. Additionally, it takes a bit to have a mind blowing experience with a book, but that is what happened as I read this book.

I found myself looking forward to perusing the extensive end notes as I read the chapters, and I kept forcing myself to take it all in as I read. I even caught myself recommending it to friends and colleagues before I'd finished the first couple of chapters. I didn't even mind the Appendices that spanned from A-F, though they were slightly repetitive for me, since I avidly perused the end notes for each chapter.

Is this book for everyone? No. But it certainly was the right time for me to read this book. It has renewed my interest in this type of nonfiction, and caused me to think about the ways I view LDS temples.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. I bought it through Deseret books and am so happy I did. The day it arrived, Jeff and I spent hours reading this and talk about a home evening adventure! I just loved how it all came in bite sized pieces, so I could see how you could read a page at a time, but we read it in a sitting. I couldn't qoute it yet, but I just may be able to in the future. I loaned it to Jeff's parents and plan on snagging it back. It could be handy for talks or great for uaing quotes from to add a little umph to a lesson.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're interested in the subject, I'd say this is a great book for you! It's an interesting read--whether you want to read the entire book or just certain sections that are of most interest to you. It's easy to find particular symbols or whatever if that's all you need. I also love that there are great end notes for each chapter and a several page long biblio in the back--that always makes me appreciate a history book more.

[Candice Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was great to read a little bit every week and learn more about the symbols found in the early temples of the church and how they fit with the temples of the Old Testament. I am excited to read the other book about temples put out by the same author. It should be a great read also.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read. Kept my interest so much that I even enjoyed reading all the footnotes. I felt like this book really helped me increase my knowledge and gave me even more things to consider and ponder and study out. I'm excited for what I have learned and what I have yet to learn.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

An exhaustive study of the symbols on LDS Temples, lots of footnotes, and lots of information, (though some of it seems to be a stretch). It is more of a skim and find what you want to know as the style is slow going when reading from cover to cover.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wondered about the significance of the symbols on the outside of the Salt Lake LDS temple or other LDS temple structures, this is a great resource to help answer your questions. A little slow going in some parts, but there's a lot more there to know than you might initially think.

[Tom Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book about symbolism and it's use in LDS temple culture gives great insight into what the early temples were built the way they were and the painstaking efforts that went into the symbolic architecture.

[Joe Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is some helpful discussion of architecture here, but not any really striking substance.

[Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors introduce the backgrounds of plans and reasons for symbols. There are accounts of revelations pertaining to temple building, guarding, spiritual manifestations in the temples, etc.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I LOVE IT! Goes into the good stuff and has a lot of very good deep info and lots of great revelations and deep stuff most people never learn about

[Valerie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really well done. Organized well with many pitures I found this an easy read with lots of great information!

[Crazy Uncle Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. I really enjoyed learning about the symbols on the early temples.