The Gate of Heaven: Insights on the Doctrines and Symbols of the Temple By Matthew B. Brown
I plan on buying this one. I think it is a much more accessible and productively consolidated collection of a lot of Nibley's valuable stuff. I really enjoyed reading it and would like to go back to it again and again, which is why I will buy it. 1577345118 So many insights and everything he said just made so much sense to me. The first temple the garden of Eden? Never thought of it that way but loved the idea. I thought he was brillant and can't wait to read more books by Matthew Brown.
Sometimes reading the notes at the end of the chapter was even more fascinating than the stuff inside the chapter.
Couple of thoughts on youth and the temple that gave me some pause for thought,
page 282
The temple is a sacred place, and the ordinances in the temple are of a sacred character. Because of its sacredness we are sometimes reluctant to say anything about the temple to our children and granchildren.
As a consequence, many do not develop a real desire to go the the temple, or when they go there, they do so without much background to prepare them for the obligations and covenants they enter into.
I believe a proper understanding or background will immeasurably prepare our youth for the temple. . Ezra Taft Benson
John Widtsoe on page 283
We should give more attention to preparing out young people and some of the older people, for the work they are to do in the temple...It is not quite fair to let the young girl or young man enter the temple unprepared, unwarned, if you choose, with no explanation of the glorious possiblities of the first fine day in the temple.
We spend so much time talking about covenants, two way promises in our discussion with children but I think we need to talk more about blessings, because my experience is, I promise to do certain things and he blesses me so much more than I expected or that I have a right to deserve. Surely he is a generous God.
Thanks Tanya for a goodread. 1577345118 This is a heavy tome of insights and knowledge about the temple. It covers things from the biblical temples, the temple in heaven, and the restoration temples to the symbolism and spirituality of the temple ordinances. A wonderful resource I'd like to have on my shelf, and don't forget to skim the notes at the end of each chapter--they are wonderful. 1577345118 Very interesting. Learned much. Symbols in Stone is excellent, as well. 1577345118 This is a scholarly and complete treatise on the Temple. While it is very interesting, it takes a lot of effort to go back and forth checking the footnotes. It is worth it, but plan on spending some serious study time. 1577345118
From the premortal world, where the Plan of Salvation was laid out and the need for temples was established, to the Restoration, in which the fullness of the gospel was reintroduced to the world in the temple ceremony, author Matthew B. Brown explores the rich heritage of symbolism that has characterized temples and temple worship through the ages, reverently examining the sacred doctrines associated with the gate of heaven. Among many other topics he discusses; Rituals and symbols from the Tabernacle of Moses, the Temple of Solomon, and the holy places of the earliest Christians. The remarkable parallels between ancient temple worship and the doctrines and ordiances restored by Joseph Smith. Personages from the spirit world who returned to earth to requiest temple work, to assist with this work, or to witness their own work being done. The restored doctrine of making one's calling and election sure. Long-standing myths about LDS temple worship and the origin, symbols, and rituals of Freemasonry. The Gate of Heaven: Insights on the Doctrines and Symbols of the Temple
The notes at the end of the chapter are just as good as the main body. I loved them. I am so sad that Matt Brown passed away. He was a bright light in a darkened world. 1577345118 One of the most insightful books I've ever read. The whole beginning talks about all this really amazing doctrine and then the end gives all these evidences that the only way Joseph Smith could have instituted the temple ordinances was through direct revelation. It totally strengthened my testimony. 1577345118 A deeply researched, respectful and engrossing account of ancient Hebrew and Christian rites associated with temples. Books like this don't come along very often. 1577345118 excellent 1577345118 I have been reading this book for a long time! It’s deep and dense and worth the time to digest. 1577345118
