Lost Wisdom: Archetypes of the Atonement, Ascension, And At-one-ment

by Val Brinkerhoff

The best of sacred architecture worldwide features universal archetypes having visual connections to the Atonement of Jesus Christ; the single important act of love fulfilling the Father's Eternal Covenant with man. For many Christians, the cross is the symbol of Christ's Atonement. For Latter-day Saints it is often signaled by Gethsemane and its aged olive trees. The most common one, however, used by nearly every world religion is that seen in the relationship of the circle to the square. It points to reconciliation between heaven and earth or man and God. Reconciliation is a central feature of the Atonement and is found embedded in the geometry of the world's most important structures, typically via three different geometric forms, each with ties to the square in reconciliation to the circle. Hereafter these three forms are referred to as archetypes because of their nearly universal use. Their reconciling geometry is utilized at Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid, in Buddhist stupas, historic Christian cathedrals, and modern LDS temples. What are the archetypes and how do they express reconciliation?

271 pages, Paperback

Published October 29, 2024