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Your Guide to the Temple Endowment
34 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 28, 2026
Wow this book is definitely needed. It's 22 pages; I read it in 20 minutes literally inside a Deseret Book. I took it home for my sister who's coming closer to her endowment.
A common phrase in the Church is "the temple isn't secret, it's sacred." Yet in my experience both before and after my endowment, it's definitely treated like a secret. Obviously this secrecy has been a strictly-followed cultural rule in the past (a bit in the present as well), but I'm happy the Church is moving away from it.
Yes, the endowment is sacred. No, it is not secret, no matter how many members treat it as such. 'Sacred' means something that is worthy of deep respect or religious worship. The sacredness of the endowment means that the ordinance shouldn't be spoken of flippantly or made light of. However, it SHOULD be discussed and explained, IN DETAIL, with those who would benefit and receive it with an open mind.
Receiving one's endowment can be nerve-racking and confusing if they're given no context or information as to what they will actually be doing. These feelings are not what we want associated with a first temple visit. On the other hand, when these things are properly explained, the endowment can be a beautiful and peaceful experience for most latter-day saints.
John Hilton III's book is fantastic. Every person preparing to receive their endowment should read it. Hilton explains each and every aspect of the initiatory and endowment ordinances clearly and in detail, from beginning to end of the process. But even more importantly, he simply but profoundly explains much of the symbolism, reasoning, and biblical references in each step. Though my endowment wasn't a bad experience, I was oblivious to the symbolism and biblical references, and therefore often confused. If I had the knowledge laid out in this book prior to my endowment, I'm convinced my experience would've been revelatory.
I think "Your Guide to the Temple Endowment" is nearly 5 stars. There's just a couple reasons I gave it 4.
First, in the introduction, Hilton says "The temple is all about peace-and you'll feel it the moment you walk in" (p 1). Yes, the temple is all about peace, but the latter part of this sentence shouldn't be included in a beginner's guide. Some people don't feel peace the moment they walk inside, and that's okay. Some people are anxious, some distracted... there are many reasons someone may not feel peace entering the temple. Statements like "you'll feel it the moment you walk in" can be invalidating when someone doesn't. Sometimes the peace comes later, once we learn more about the endowment and receive revelation in the temple.
Next, when discussing the temple garment, Hilton shares this quote from Elder Holland: "When we put on the garment, we are... putting on a sacred symbol of Jesus Christ. That being the case, why would we ever look for an excuse to take that symbol off? Why would we deprive ourselves of the promise of power, protection, and mercy the garment represents? On the contrary, whenever we do have to temporarily remove the garment, we should be eager to put it back on, as soon as possible, because we remember both the promises and perils that give meaning to our covenants." All of this is true, but again, it should not be included in the context of a beginner's guide. After I received my endowment, I wore the garment correctly because I said I would. But I did not understand its importance, and I did not have a testimony of it. I certainly did not feel an "[eagerness] to put it back on, as soon as possible." The word 'should' rubs me the wrong way. Ideally, we would all achieve this mindset toward the garment. But for a young person going through the temple, this language can also be invalidating. Instead of using Elder Holland's quote, which says "we SHOULD feel this way," Hilton should've emphasized the importance of living our covenants while humbly SEEKING further understanding and testimony.
A common phrase in the Church is "the temple isn't secret, it's sacred." Yet in my experience both before and after my endowment, it's definitely treated like a secret. Obviously this secrecy has been a strictly-followed cultural rule in the past (a bit in the present as well), but I'm happy the Church is moving away from it.
Yes, the endowment is sacred. No, it is not secret, no matter how many members treat it as such. 'Sacred' means something that is worthy of deep respect or religious worship. The sacredness of the endowment means that the ordinance shouldn't be spoken of flippantly or made light of. However, it SHOULD be discussed and explained, IN DETAIL, with those who would benefit and receive it with an open mind.
Receiving one's endowment can be nerve-racking and confusing if they're given no context or information as to what they will actually be doing. These feelings are not what we want associated with a first temple visit. On the other hand, when these things are properly explained, the endowment can be a beautiful and peaceful experience for most latter-day saints.
John Hilton III's book is fantastic. Every person preparing to receive their endowment should read it. Hilton explains each and every aspect of the initiatory and endowment ordinances clearly and in detail, from beginning to end of the process. But even more importantly, he simply but profoundly explains much of the symbolism, reasoning, and biblical references in each step. Though my endowment wasn't a bad experience, I was oblivious to the symbolism and biblical references, and therefore often confused. If I had the knowledge laid out in this book prior to my endowment, I'm convinced my experience would've been revelatory.
I think "Your Guide to the Temple Endowment" is nearly 5 stars. There's just a couple reasons I gave it 4.
First, in the introduction, Hilton says "The temple is all about peace-and you'll feel it the moment you walk in" (p 1). Yes, the temple is all about peace, but the latter part of this sentence shouldn't be included in a beginner's guide. Some people don't feel peace the moment they walk inside, and that's okay. Some people are anxious, some distracted... there are many reasons someone may not feel peace entering the temple. Statements like "you'll feel it the moment you walk in" can be invalidating when someone doesn't. Sometimes the peace comes later, once we learn more about the endowment and receive revelation in the temple.
Next, when discussing the temple garment, Hilton shares this quote from Elder Holland: "When we put on the garment, we are... putting on a sacred symbol of Jesus Christ. That being the case, why would we ever look for an excuse to take that symbol off? Why would we deprive ourselves of the promise of power, protection, and mercy the garment represents? On the contrary, whenever we do have to temporarily remove the garment, we should be eager to put it back on, as soon as possible, because we remember both the promises and perils that give meaning to our covenants." All of this is true, but again, it should not be included in the context of a beginner's guide. After I received my endowment, I wore the garment correctly because I said I would. But I did not understand its importance, and I did not have a testimony of it. I certainly did not feel an "[eagerness] to put it back on, as soon as possible." The word 'should' rubs me the wrong way. Ideally, we would all achieve this mindset toward the garment. But for a young person going through the temple, this language can also be invalidating. Instead of using Elder Holland's quote, which says "we SHOULD feel this way," Hilton should've emphasized the importance of living our covenants while humbly SEEKING further understanding and testimony.
August 24, 2026
This is a small booklet, less than 30 pages, that simply, but surprisingly thoroughly, explains what happens in the temple endowment for those preparing to go. I love that we have these kinds of resources now, so that going to the temple doesn't have to be mysterious or scary. This will be part of my son's temple prep materials for sure.
Review of advance copy
I was gifted this book by my temple prep teachers, and WOW, isn't it fabulous?!! I love John Hilton III's content, and I watched a video he put out about the endowment (which he repeated a lot of in this awesome book) before attending the temple for myself. This small pamphlet sized book answered any and all logistical questions I had about the temple endowment. I so wish I'd had it before my first time! I thought Anthony Sweat's book, The Holy Invitation, was going to be like this book, but it wasn't quite what I'd hoped.
Thanks for such a great, simple explanation of what to expect and how to prepare to receive your personal endowment. Such a great resource!!
Thanks for such a great, simple explanation of what to expect and how to prepare to receive your personal endowment. Such a great resource!!
Review of advance copy
This is such an excellent resource. I wish it was available before I first went through the temple and made covenants with the Lord. It is now a good resource for my son, who will soon be going through the temple and receiving his endowment. Every one going through the temple for the first time could absolutely benefit from this, and even those who have gone many times before.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Clear, concise, quick read. Excellent.
July 30, 2026
absolute fire guide to the temple. has helped me feel more prepared and ready for my endowment!
August 3, 2026
Super practical and helpful guide for someone who wants to know what to expect as they receive their temple endowment.
August 12, 2026
I recommend this to anyone going to the temple for their first time, or anyone that needs a refresher. Quick read - or listen. Very helpful.
August 20, 2026
This was actually SO helpful
August 25, 2026
Libby. A walk Thur of the Temple Endowment.
September 11, 2026
This is awesome!! Perfect for anyone preparing for the temple or with questions or who wants a review.
September 14, 2026
This is amazing, I would of loved a book like this before I went into the temple for the first time.
September 28, 2026
Very straightforward and succinct description of the temple experience. I would recommend for anyone going to the temple for the first time.
October 7, 2026
Perfect book to brush up on the endowment or for first time attendees. You'll feel a lot better after reading this step by step book.
August 9, 2026
This was a good short and clear explanation of the temple endowment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I’m always kind of surprised at how much information there is about the temple publicly available considering the culture of tight-lipedness that I grew up around. This book very clearly walks through everything that a person can expect to experience in their first time receiving their temple endowment. It doesn’t have a lot of doctrinal explanation, but mainly focuses on the steps and procedures. It was really helpful, and I’ll probably use it if/when any of my kids are preparing to receive their own endowment.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews