Temples: Sacred Symbolism, Eternal Blessings

by David J. Ridges

Modern temples aren't just pretty white buildings—they are Heavenly Father's classrooms. When we enter His holy house, the Lord teaches us through symbols so we can understand and retain more of the sacred instruction provided there. In this book, David J. Ridges not only helps us find these symbols within temple walls, but he brings to light profound symbolism as found in ancient Israel’s tabernacle worship and elsewhere in scripture. As you understand the symbols explained in this book, your experience will be redefined with deeper meaning.

Genres: Lds, Religion, Nonfiction, Inspirational

112 pages, Hardcover

First published October 12, 2014

About the author

David J. Ridges taught for the Church Educational System for thirty-five years. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Brigham Young University and taught adult religion and Know Your Religion classes for BYU Continuing Education and spoke at BYU Campus Education Week for many years.

Ridges has served as a curriculum writer for Sunday School, seminary, and institute of religion manuals. His callings in the Church include Gospel Doctrine teacher, bishop, stake president, and patriarch. He and his wife, Janette, have served two full-time Church Educational System missions. They are the parents of six children and are enjoying a growing number of grandchildren. They reside in Springville, Utah.

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this was the kind of stuff I learned about in temple prep class. So informational and I loved when he would explain verse by verse the symbolism and what it meant. Also, very cool to learn the symbolism in the Salt Lake Temple. I’d heard many growing up but it was cool to really learn them all. Short, quick read!

[Rashae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book tried to explain a lot of information in a really small amount of space. It was a bit scattered and I had a hard time following along. It had information that, even for lifelong members was difficult to understand and I would have appreciated longer context and a more thorough take on some of the thoughts he shared. Great info overall, I did learn a lot.

[Elizabeth Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, but I wish it had gone into more detail and given more examples.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that breaks down the temple and some of the symbols found in the temple. I really enjoyed this book!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers more than just temple symbolism. Yes, it covers some temple symbolism information, but it also discusses the symbolism of parables and all scripture. At only a little over 100 pages this small book is worth the read as it has some interesting detailed outlines showing how to interpret various scriptures and the 12 items explained regarding the Salt Lake Temple architecture is interesting.

Favorite Quotes: President Boyd K. Packer taught that temples themselves are symbols. "The temple itself becomes a symbol. If you have seen one of the temples at night, fully lighted, you know what an impressive sight that can be. The house of the Lord, bathed in light, standing out in the darkness, becomes symbolic of the power and the inspiration of the gospel of Jesus Christ standing as a beacon in a world that sinks ever further into spiritual darkness. (The Holy Temple, 1982, 7). (pg 9)

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned several new things. What I liked most was that this was all based on the scriptures and quotes from leaders. I really liked the explanations of symbolism. I also liked how Ridges shared sections of scripture, asked you to read and pay attention to symbolism and then went through the verses and pointed out one possible interpretation of the symbolism. It's a fairly short book, but I spent some time with it because I went through the verses and added some of the explanations and symbolism he explained.

[Tiffany Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very informative. There’s an entire chapter on scriptural symbolism and most of the scriptures referenced have nothing to do with the temple ordinance. It would have been much more helpful to have scriptural symbolism on the creation!

[Jason Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, but interesting look into temple symbolism, covenants, and the blessings that come.

[Brianon Sheffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fascinating! Next time I have a friend going through the temple for the first time, this is the book I will recommend.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super informative book on understanding the symbols and symbolism used in the temple. Small compact book that was easy to read and understand. Highly recommend

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great info

[Michelle Llewellyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many years ago, I taught the temple prep class in my collage singles ward. This little book of 108 pages and six chapters is filled with further insights, without giving too much away, regarding the temple endowment ceremony. I would recommend this for anyone either preparing to go for the first time or those that have been attending for years who desire greater understanding.
The most important thing to take away from this book are the many examples and explanations of sacred symbolism as found in the scriptures, especially the Old Testament, which ties in so closely to the temple presentation. Reading this book will open your eyes as to just how much symbolism is part of the endowment-it is EVERYWHERE! You will be amazed how much you've been missing.

[Pene|ope • Reading Slump, Send Help · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic book! It is written more for those who have not yet been through the temple, but I think those who have, but want to learn more about symbolism, would also enjoy reading it. I love the respectful insight the author gives into the symbolism of the temple. He does it by studying the temple practices found in the Old Testament. He also touches on other things that have to do with preparing to enter the temple or keeping oneself worthy to continue to go to the temple.

I absolutely loved the chapter on the Plan of Salvation symbolism that is found in temple worship (explained using the Old Testament as examples). There is a part where he talks about eternal families, and talked a bit about how we often don't realize how far that promise really extends; it gave me such a feeling of hope and excitement, that it literally made me cry!

The only thing I didn't enjoy about the book was the author's tendency to expound upon even the simplest of words or phrases, thinking the reader would somehow not understand what they meant. Throughout the book he mostly uses scripture verses to teach, and to show the reader how to understand symbolism. He interjects explanations in those verses--which in most of the verses are quite helpful--but there were quite a few times when he would explain even simple words or phrases that didn't need explaining. For example, this is an excerpt from the book, which is in turn an excerpt from Isaiah. The brackets show the author's interjection:

"Also [then] I heard the voice of the Lord, saying...."

Aside from that tendency, the rest of it was wonderful to read. I'm reading another of his books right now, about the signs of the times, which is also a fantastic read. Though this one is quite a bit shorter, it packs a nice spiritual punch. I'm glad I picked it up!

[Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for something a little more meaty, but the outline and collection of thoughts were still worthwhile to consider and ponder. I read this book out loud with my wife, and we decided it would probably work better as an individual reference book for teaching temple prep with all the parenthetical asides explaining the symbolism/interpretation of scripture passages. The author, an employee of the Church Education System (CES) for 35 years, has here collected and organized his thoughts on temple worship: especially focused on how scripture study can help individuals better understand the symbolism, covenants, and eternal blessings associated with Mormon temple liturgy. He identifies modern Mormon temples as classrooms and suggests that the Lord has instructed His children on earth on the vision of the plan of salvation beginning with Adam and Eve. Adam's altar, Moses' tabernacle, and Solomon's temple in the scriptures may all be read as precedents for the modern temple with important lessons on the universal plan of happiness for all God's children. While I personally believe there is great joy and discovery to be found in temple worship, this book seems to reinforce that sentiment by suggesting how an individual--through personal study and attendance--can find this joy. The book is thus a tool for personal study and a framework for one's approach to temple worship; it is no substitute for the joy of personal revelation/discovery but rather it encourages it by model and testimony.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a few months ago and wasn't really impressed. I decided to read it again, and this time I really liked it and found some insights I'd missed the first time. It's a lot like learning something new each time you attend the temple, if you are in the spirit. One of those lines that didn't sink in the first time is "...covenants apply only to entrance into the celestial kingdom..." No covenants or ordinances are required to attain the other kingdoms. I hadn't thought of that before. This is an easy to read book for those new to the temple, but has insights for those seasoned attendees also.

[Cami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in about an hour. As a temple preparation class instructor, this is a great source for those about to enter the temple or who haven't studied it or learned much about scriptural symbols. I enjoyed the list of symbols with their meanings as well as the list of blessings of temple attendance.

[Pat Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and interesting book about LDS temples. A review says this about the book. "Modern temples are designed to reveal sacred truths through symbolic teaching...

Travel back to ancient Israel's tabernacles and discover how temples have helped all God’s children draw nearer to Him. Then fast-forward to latter days and find out why we build temples the way we do."

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 to 4 stars. If you are new to symbolism, this is the book for you. Brother Ridges gives examples from scripture, describing what to look for, then goes through it again with notes, explicitly pointing out the symbolism. He has a sure testimony of the temple and of the power of covenants and ordinances.

[Gratefulscottie · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first glance of the title I had high hopes of something a little more "deep" but in reading it I could see how the author could not go there.
I still found this book to be a great read and helpful in confirming my thoughts on symbolism and also where it can be applied in the scriptures.

A sort of quick read but one you let sit in your brain and ponder on it afterwards

[Brett Folkman · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was expecting a real book - this was more of a pamphlet in a small hard cover quoting well worn LDS church published material only - don't waste your time. Spent 1/3 of the book on parables not even related to the temple - pretty misleading title, very superficial and not well written at all.

[Jamille Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enlightening and beautifully written. I enjoyed learning more about these sacred temples as I've prepared to enter. I would recommend this to anyone who is preparing to take out their endowment or just wants to know more about the temple and why we worship there.

[Tenille · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short read, and I learned some things.. but i thought it would be more about temples and the symbolism there.

[Linda]

Took me a long time to get through this book - so much to think about. I need to reread it someday again.

[jessica knowlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarity and simplicity

Wonderfully written and easily understood, like all the titles written by David Ridges.