Sacred Walls

Sacred Walls: Learning from Temple Symbols
By Gerald E. Hansen, Jr.
Covenant Communications, 2009. 86 pgs. Nonfiction

In this photo essay, Hansen discusses the exterior symbols on 11 LDS temples and compares them to passages in the Book of Mormon in an attempt to help readers better understand the symbolism of temples and the ordinances performed therein, particularly the endowment ceremony.

The photographs in this book are stunning; the writing wasn't quite as impressive. While the exterior symbols explained are informative, the links to Book of Mormon passages were often weak connections, and in many cases, seemed to focus more on other books of scripture to demonstrate points. Perhaps readers would be better served if Hansen had focused either on the design or on the Book of Mormon but not combined the two. Nevertheless, the discussion of the symbols was interesting and will likely help readers find new symbols at temples.

AE