There are volumes of new scripture being revealed continually worldwide, but chances are you’ve never read them. Partly because you didn’t know they could be read and partly because you don’t know the language.
In order to read this new scripture, we need to adapt the way we think.
We might erroneously assume that knowledge and teachings can only be conveyed with the letters and alphabets of our respective languages.
Many temples are based on a particular theme
“According to Keith Stepan (former Managing Director of Temple Construction), many LDS temples are thematic, making use of a single visual motif to unify the exterior architecture and interior design and furnishings. These unifying motifs potentially point to a particular doctrine or concept. At the Mt. Timpanogos Utah Temple, for example, we see an arching motif in the main east and west windows pointing to the theme of Jacob’s Ladder. At the San Diego Temple, 2 interlocking squares are used over 10,000 times throughout the structure, potentially symbolizing the Melchizedek Priesthood. In these and other LDS temples it is the fence design that first reveals their general visual theme.”
Val Brinkerhoff, The Day Star – Reading Sacred Architecture (Book 2), 131
In “Sacred Walls: Learning from Temple Symbols” by Gerald E. Hansen and Val Brinkerhoff (photographer), readers are presented with a series of doctrinal themes that are explained using the particular architectural symbolism of various temples.
On the inside cover flap of the book, “Sacred Walls: Learning from Temple Symbols” it states:
Both books and buildings have voices. But rather than the letters of an alphabet, buildings use towers and spires, columns and buttresses, mosaics and paintings, glass and geometric figures, and statues and friezes to speak volumes. However, even though architectural symbolism existed before the written word, the message of a building is often difficult for most of us to recognize.
For Latter-day Saints, temples are the most important and symbolic buildings in existence. Through temples the unique doctrines of the restored gospel are communicated. Although the bulk of this instruction occurs inside the temples, temple exteriors also tell of these profound doctrines — when you understand how to read them.
Words are not the only things that can be read.
We use words to communicate ideas, and typically a word has a 1 to 1 meaning with an idea. For example, if I said “television” you would know exactly what I was talking about, at least in concept.
But sometimes a word can mean many things. If I say “sandwich” I could be describing a type of food but I could also be describing a non-food item positioned in between other items.
This is where context comes into play. Context helps to further define meaning and that’s how it works in the world of symbols.
To learn to read religious architecture, you must first understand the context of the structure and the theology of those that built it. From there, it is important to understand the difference between archetypes and symbols. Archetypes are observable patterns, while symbols are the meaningful expressions we create from them. Numbers matter too, carrying meaning beneath the surface for those who take time to notice.
While you may draw common meanings such as an octagonal baptismal font (the number eight) being associated with rebirth and mediation, the Spirit and even your own understanding can lead you to deeply personal meanings and messages that are of value only to you.
This makes symbolic spaces powerful conduits for the flow of divine inspiration as they tend to lead us to meditate and ponder in ways that are more challenging without them.
An example
For example, the sun can be considered an archetype. It was not created and has no inherent meaning, it just is. We observe it and notice its characteristics that are also inherent. It moves across the sky and changes the light, it broadcasts heat and light, and causes shadows to appear.
Now, if we carve a design into stone that looks like a sun. And the stone is placed in a prominent space where we gather to worship, we can make that sun a symbol to represent God and his influence. We can take the characteristics and translate them into meaning.
The light can represent the truth and revelation that comes from God. Going into a dark cave can represent removing ourselves from God’s influence and could represent sin. The warmth can represent the goodness, grace, and love of God. The day and night can represent God’s influence in our lives, such as the times he appears to guide us but then allows us to walk alone with the memory of what he taught us so that we have the ability to make our own choices.
You may even be thinking of many other things that I haven’t even mentioned and that is exactly right. Now imagine we involve more designs, patterns, motifs, symbols, etc. Imagine how they might relate to one another and the ideas that could be created in your mind.
This is why these sacred spaces are more powerful than mere words, and can be conduits for revelation. See how they can prompt deep and thoughtful meditation? David O. McKay said this:
I think we pay too little attention to the value of meditation, a principle of devotion. In our worship there are two elements: One is spiritual communion arising from our own meditation; the other, instruction from others, particularly from those who have authority to guide and instruct us. Of the two, the more profitable introspectively is the meditation. Meditation is the language of the soul. It is defined as “a form of private devotion, or spiritual exercise, consisting in deep, continued reflection on some religious theme.” Meditation is a form of prayer. We can say prayers without having any spiritual response.
Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord.
I once read a book written by a very wise man, whose name I cannot now recall, which contained a significant chapter on prayer. The author was not a member of the Church, but evidently had a desire to keep in close communion with God, and he wanted to find the truth. Among other things he said in substance:
In secret prayer go into the room, close the door, pull down the shades, and kneel in the center of the room. For a period of five minutes or so, say nothing. Just think of what God has done for you, of what are your greatest spiritual and temporal needs. When you sense that, and sense his presence, then pour out your soul to him in thanksgiving.
Conference Report, April 1946, p.113, emphasis added.
I created a free resource to help Latter-day Saints familiarize themselves with the potential meanings associated with number, archetypes, and symbols. Just go to LDSSymbols.com and pay attention to the books that I reference. If you really want to do a deep dive and learn more, I recommend each and every one of those books.
But in the mean time, just find time to be in sacred space and allow your imagination to run a little.
