Welcome to the "Temple Books" Page

The study of the temple, and specifically the endowment, is an amazing subject but is one shrouded in mystery which makes it difficult to understand even for those who attend regularly. The instruction in the temple is by proverb and allegory where those who are diligent in seeking through the Holy Ghost the deeper and inner meanings will be greatly rewarded.

The endowment has been described as being so sacred as it contains some of the deepest teachings available to man. The truths taught are hidden by the symbolism through which they are revealed in the same way that the Savior choose parables as his preferred method of teaching. See: What is a parable? The situation is exacerbated by the fact that our culture in the West is not symbol oriented. We tend to like things spelled out and explained in concrete ways. Yet the “mysteries of God,” the inner and less obvious or hidden meanings in the gospel and especially the temple are cloaked in metaphors, parables, allegories and analogies. Symbolism has the ability to weave many different levels of meaning that are adaptable to an ever changing life of a recipient as they grow and mature in the gospel. Understanding temple truths can eventually bring about a spiritual awakening and knowing of the mysteries of God.

Because of the esoteric (inner) nature of the Temple it has been suggested by a number of general authorities that most temple going members fail to even begin to understand the endowment and “the real meaning is the best kept secret in the Church.”

The objective of this page: 'Temple Books' is to be a source of some amazing books on the subject of the Temple. And it is by study and righteous living we can all grow and learn so as to obtain a greater understanding of the exoteric (outer) knowledge about the temple. By so doing, we can all build a strong foundation and establish an environment for discerning those esoteric teachings taught only by the Holy Ghost in the temple. We are blessed to have many great authors whose works can help all of us to grow spiritually and come to know what it really means to be endowed with the “power of God.” May we all be vigilant in keeping our temple covenants and honoring their sacred nature, always striving to never be careless in any discussion of divulging holy truths that are only to be had within the confines of the temple. Our study here will consist of those things that can be discussed openly, “out of the best books” concerning the temple. May we all strive more “diligently” to become holy and pure in heart as we learn at the Masters feet and as we “teach one another.” (D&C 88: 118)

VIVATIS IN DEO “May you live in God.”
(An early Christian blessing of good wishes.)
aka:

No comments: