I spent most of the year 2005 living in Nauvoo, Illinois. During that year, I spent many hours looking at the Nauvoo Temple and pondering the architecture and the symbols carved in the stone. I researched the literature and asked church historians what these symbols mean. Here is a summary of what I've found.
Pointing Toward Heaven
The most characteristic symbols of the Nauvoo temple are the moon, sun, and star stones ringing the temple on thirty columns. At first glance, these are often taken to represent the Latter-Day Saint belief in three kingdoms or degrees of glory, the Telestial, Terrestial, and Celestial (see 1 Corinthians 15:40). This is a beautiful symbol, but the ordering doesn't quite fit. If the symbols in stone were meant to represent the three degrees of glory, I would expect the sun stones, representing the Celestial Kingdom, to appear at the top, with the moon stones, and the star stones underneath. Instead, the star stones are at the top, with the sun stones next, and the moon stones at the bottom. This suggests to me that another interpretation may fit more closely.
Another biblical passage which uses this imagery is found in Revelation 12:1: "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars." It is not entirely clear to me what this image represents. It seems that the woman could be the covenant people of the Lord, against whom the dragon, Satan, wages war. In any case, the order of the symbols fits this image. The temple stands as does this woman, with the moon under its feet, clothed with the sun, and wearing a crown of stars. This is a beautiful interpretation.
Perhaps the simplest interpretation of all is the principle of cosmic perspective. If you stand on the earth on look outward, the nearest heavenly object is the moon, then the sun, and then the stars. As the temple naturally draws the eye upward, there is the invitation to look up, and seek the face of God. The temple turns our eye to higher things.
The Stars
Another set of symbols is intriguing in its variety. There are no fewer than three distinct types of star stones on the exterior of the Nauvoo Temple, and their placing is not accidental. On the lowest level we find the inverted, five-pointed stars. This is an ancient symbol representing the Savior, who is the evening and the morning star. The morning star is another name for the planet Venus, and the shape is the pathway which Venus traces through the sky. As well, this star is pointing downward, suggesting the coming of Christ to the earth. This aspect is especially supported by the coloring on the circular windows of the Nauvoo Temple. These windows also have the inverted five-pointed star, but here the center of the star is red, the arms white, and the rest of the circle is blue. This suggests to me the second coming of Christ, in a red robe, clothed with glory, through the skies of heaven. Again, there is the invitation to look up.
The second type of star stone is found underneath the overhang of the main roof of the temple. These are six-pointed stars, the symbol which is most commonly used to represent actual stars. Again, here is the invitation to look upward and outward to the things of heaven.
The third type of star stone is by far the most numerous. This is the upright, five-pointed star. This symbol can be used to represent nearly anything, except actual stars. These star stones appear on the railing of the temple courtyard, the railing on the roof of the temple, and the tower of the temple. These stars suggest to me hosts of angels, ringing the temple round about, as were seen at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple.
All together, there are 399 stars on the exterior of the Nauvoo Temple. Now that is a number that I've never seen printed in a book. I know only because I counted. Still, even this number is significant for me. When I found 399 stars, I wanted so badly for there to be just one more. The number just cries out for fulfillment. Perhaps the one that is missing is the Lord who will come suddenly to his temple.
Some people may be frustrated when they cannot find the meaning of a symbol. I feel exactly the opposite. I love temple symbolism because there is such a depth of meaning to every symbol. There is no end to what can be learned. As time and experience deepen your understanding, you will have new insight even into symbols you have seen a thousand times before.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Personal Mission
I've been pondering this week about the idea of a personal mission. I've always believed that every individual who comes to Earth has a work to do while they are here. I have often wondered, however, how we come to know what that work actually is. After much quiet study and reflection, I have come to believe that while there may be aspects of our personal missions which are predetermined, much of the good which we are to do in this life is of our own choosing.
I believe that God has given us innate gifts and talents. In that alone, he has given us a direction which we can follow. However, he has also given us the freedom and ability to choose our own course.
"For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness" (Doctrine and Covenants 58:26-27)
I believe that there is a personal mission which is common to every man and woman who has ever lived or who will ever live on Earth. This mission is to do good. It really is that simple. This is the common thread of every great man or woman, as well as of the ones whose humble service makes them just as great. In their own way, using their own gifts and talents, and following their own understanding they "went about doing good".
"For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward" (Doctrine and Covenants 58:28).
In a large measure, our lives are in our own hands. God has given us our time, our strength, and our place in history. He has also given us the freedom to use it as we see fit. How we use those gifts is up to us. We have his assurance, that as long as we do good, we will not lose our reward.
I believe that God has given us innate gifts and talents. In that alone, he has given us a direction which we can follow. However, he has also given us the freedom and ability to choose our own course.
"For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness" (Doctrine and Covenants 58:26-27)
I believe that there is a personal mission which is common to every man and woman who has ever lived or who will ever live on Earth. This mission is to do good. It really is that simple. This is the common thread of every great man or woman, as well as of the ones whose humble service makes them just as great. In their own way, using their own gifts and talents, and following their own understanding they "went about doing good".
"For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward" (Doctrine and Covenants 58:28).
In a large measure, our lives are in our own hands. God has given us our time, our strength, and our place in history. He has also given us the freedom to use it as we see fit. How we use those gifts is up to us. We have his assurance, that as long as we do good, we will not lose our reward.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Sons of Levi
My wife and I were discussing this morning, and she asked me what offering was to be made by the sons of Levi in the last days. The question comes from Malachi 3:3, and forms a thread running throughout the scriptures. I've heard people argue that this offering was to be a burnt offering, as a part of the restoration of all things. I've never really understood that, as I had always believed that Christ had fulfilled the law of animal sacrifices, and replaced it with the law of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. It seemed to me that as this sacrifice made by the sons of Levi was spoken of so consistently, it ought to have significance beyond the shedding of the blood of beasts. During our discussion, I remembered this verse in the Doctrine and Covenants.
"Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can abide the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple, when it is finished, a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation" (Doctrine and Covenants 128:24).
This implies that the offering to be made by the sons of Levi, or the holders of the priesthood, is the book containing the records of our dead. In the context of the temple, this brings directly to mind the great work of the redemption of the dead. This connects to the other great prophecy of Malachi, that Elijah would come before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. The priesthood was restored so that the ordinances could be performed and so that the earth would not be wasted.
"Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can abide the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple, when it is finished, a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation" (Doctrine and Covenants 128:24).
This implies that the offering to be made by the sons of Levi, or the holders of the priesthood, is the book containing the records of our dead. In the context of the temple, this brings directly to mind the great work of the redemption of the dead. This connects to the other great prophecy of Malachi, that Elijah would come before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. The priesthood was restored so that the ordinances could be performed and so that the earth would not be wasted.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants 121
"O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries? Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them?
"O Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven, earth, and seas, and of all things that in them are, and who controllest and subjectest the devil, and the dark and benighted dominion of Sheol—stretch forth thy hand; let thine eye pierce; let thy pavilion be taken up; let thy hiding place no longer be covered; let thine ear be inclined; let thine heart be softened, and thy bowels moved with compassion toward us. Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine heart, with thy sword avenge us of our wrongs. Remember thy suffering saints, O our God; and thy servants will rejoice in thy name forever" (Doctrine and Covenant 121:1-6).
In October 2006, I was living in Omsk, Russia, serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I had been living in Russia for about six months, and had at times felt depressed about the poverty and conditions of the people. During this time, my mission president held a conference in the city, at which he gave me an interesting challenge. In front of all of the other missionaries, he challenged me to memorize the entire 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants within 10 days. If I was successful, he would take the entire group out for steak dinners. Understandably, I had a lot of encouragement to succeed from my peers.
I set to work that evening, and I was amazed at the beautiful, poetic language of this prayer. It reminded me greatly of the richness of Shakespeare, but with incredible fervency as well. I found a simple parallelism of ideas: the hiding place, the pavilion, the eye, the ear, the heart, the bowels; repeated twice in language of great need. It resonated with my own longings and prayers, seeing the suffering of the people around me. Later in the section, I found another beautiful passage which brought me hope.
"How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints" (Doctrine and Covenants 121:33).
Over the remainder of my time in that city, I remembered these promises and felt the assurance that the Lord was watching over his people, and that He would bring them out of poverty. Even more importantly, He was bringing them knowledge from heaven, which is worth far more than gold.
The steak dinner was delicious, but the memory of these beautiful and powerful words sustained me much, much longer. They came when they were needed, and they stay with me today.
"O Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven, earth, and seas, and of all things that in them are, and who controllest and subjectest the devil, and the dark and benighted dominion of Sheol—stretch forth thy hand; let thine eye pierce; let thy pavilion be taken up; let thy hiding place no longer be covered; let thine ear be inclined; let thine heart be softened, and thy bowels moved with compassion toward us. Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine heart, with thy sword avenge us of our wrongs. Remember thy suffering saints, O our God; and thy servants will rejoice in thy name forever" (Doctrine and Covenant 121:1-6).
In October 2006, I was living in Omsk, Russia, serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I had been living in Russia for about six months, and had at times felt depressed about the poverty and conditions of the people. During this time, my mission president held a conference in the city, at which he gave me an interesting challenge. In front of all of the other missionaries, he challenged me to memorize the entire 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants within 10 days. If I was successful, he would take the entire group out for steak dinners. Understandably, I had a lot of encouragement to succeed from my peers.
I set to work that evening, and I was amazed at the beautiful, poetic language of this prayer. It reminded me greatly of the richness of Shakespeare, but with incredible fervency as well. I found a simple parallelism of ideas: the hiding place, the pavilion, the eye, the ear, the heart, the bowels; repeated twice in language of great need. It resonated with my own longings and prayers, seeing the suffering of the people around me. Later in the section, I found another beautiful passage which brought me hope.
"How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints" (Doctrine and Covenants 121:33).
Over the remainder of my time in that city, I remembered these promises and felt the assurance that the Lord was watching over his people, and that He would bring them out of poverty. Even more importantly, He was bringing them knowledge from heaven, which is worth far more than gold.
The steak dinner was delicious, but the memory of these beautiful and powerful words sustained me much, much longer. They came when they were needed, and they stay with me today.
Monday, February 9, 2009
It's a Girl!
What an amazing week it has been!
Last Friday, at 7:45 P.M., our family welcomed a new member into the world. Elizabeth Anne Walton was born at her maternal grandmothers home, weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces; 20 inches long. She is absolutely adorable. Jennifer and Elizabeth both astonished the midwives with how very healthy they are. Jennifer and I are so grateful for this new life in our family.
At this special time, I've been pondering the scriptures and my desires for her. We've decided to buy her a set of scriptures, to be given to her when she turns twelve. Until then, Jennifer and I will study her scriptures from time to time, marking key passages and sharing our hopes and dreams for her future. I foresee that this will increase and strengthen the inspiration which we will receive as parents on her behalf.
I am humbled as I contemplate our own little girl, and the responsibility we have to care for her. I wonder how much she understands as we talk to her of our hopes and dreams. She has changed us. Elizabeth is incredibly good-natured. She has been so patient as our family members have held her and taken pictures. The only times that she has cried have been when her needs were not being met, and she only cries until we begin to meet them. Then she quiets down right away. She is so sweet and Christlike. She is full of "the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (Doctrine and Covenants 93:3) We love her.
Last Friday, at 7:45 P.M., our family welcomed a new member into the world. Elizabeth Anne Walton was born at her maternal grandmothers home, weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces; 20 inches long. She is absolutely adorable. Jennifer and Elizabeth both astonished the midwives with how very healthy they are. Jennifer and I are so grateful for this new life in our family.
At this special time, I've been pondering the scriptures and my desires for her. We've decided to buy her a set of scriptures, to be given to her when she turns twelve. Until then, Jennifer and I will study her scriptures from time to time, marking key passages and sharing our hopes and dreams for her future. I foresee that this will increase and strengthen the inspiration which we will receive as parents on her behalf.
I am humbled as I contemplate our own little girl, and the responsibility we have to care for her. I wonder how much she understands as we talk to her of our hopes and dreams. She has changed us. Elizabeth is incredibly good-natured. She has been so patient as our family members have held her and taken pictures. The only times that she has cried have been when her needs were not being met, and she only cries until we begin to meet them. Then she quiets down right away. She is so sweet and Christlike. She is full of "the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (Doctrine and Covenants 93:3) We love her.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Nauvoo University
In December 1840, the charter for the city of Nauvoo was officially bestowed. Before this time, the followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints had been repeatedly abused and driven from their homes. Here, on the banks of the Mississippi, they sought safety and peace. As a result, the charter for the city of Nauvoo included the essential liberties which were necessary to maintain their freedom: a city organization, the city of Nauvoo; a peace-keeping organization, the Nauvoo Legion; and an educational organization, Nauvoo University. However, the freedom they sought was short lived, and just six years later, they were forced to leave once more.
The return to Nauvoo has been a slow process. Beginning with the purchase and restoration of church historical sights and the establishment of Nauvoo Restoration Incorporated (NRI), the presence of the Church in Nauvoo has grown over the past fifty years. Currently, there are two church units in Nauvoo, as well as the newly rebuilt Nauvoo Temple. As well, there is a strong spirit of brotherhood and cooperation amongst the several represented religions, with a joint ecumenical council and regular joint events. Nauvoo is still a unique and marvelous place.
In our day, the return to Nauvoo continues, with the reestablishment of Nauvoo University. Incorporated in 2008, Nauvoo University has been working steadily towards opening their doors to students for Fall Semester, 2009. Faculty members are all highly qualified retired volunteers with doctoral degrees and decades of teaching experience. There is every prospect that Nauvoo University will thrive and grow.
It is exciting to live in a day of renewal and restoration. Throughout the last 150 years, the city of Brigham (Salt Lake City) and Brigham Young University have grown and flourished. Now we can also see the blooming and flourishing of Nauvoo, the city of Joseph; and of Nauvoo University. The dreams and visions of Joseph Smith are continuing to come true.
The return to Nauvoo has been a slow process. Beginning with the purchase and restoration of church historical sights and the establishment of Nauvoo Restoration Incorporated (NRI), the presence of the Church in Nauvoo has grown over the past fifty years. Currently, there are two church units in Nauvoo, as well as the newly rebuilt Nauvoo Temple. As well, there is a strong spirit of brotherhood and cooperation amongst the several represented religions, with a joint ecumenical council and regular joint events. Nauvoo is still a unique and marvelous place.
In our day, the return to Nauvoo continues, with the reestablishment of Nauvoo University. Incorporated in 2008, Nauvoo University has been working steadily towards opening their doors to students for Fall Semester, 2009. Faculty members are all highly qualified retired volunteers with doctoral degrees and decades of teaching experience. There is every prospect that Nauvoo University will thrive and grow.
It is exciting to live in a day of renewal and restoration. Throughout the last 150 years, the city of Brigham (Salt Lake City) and Brigham Young University have grown and flourished. Now we can also see the blooming and flourishing of Nauvoo, the city of Joseph; and of Nauvoo University. The dreams and visions of Joseph Smith are continuing to come true.
Friday, January 23, 2009
This Week
Two days before my birthday, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Now, this wasn't a complete surprise. My joints have been swollen for about three years, and I'd ruled out every other likely possibility. Still, it was a bit of a shock.
Over the past few days, I've faced several strong feelings. On the one side, there has been a constant pressure of anxiety, fear, and discouragement. It's hard to face the idea of growing old young. It's easy to be bogged down by a seemingly crippled future. It's a lot to deal with. On the other side, I've found an increasing determination not to be stopped by any challenge. I feel a hope that in time, I will be led to a solution to this crisis, just as I have to several others. Through it all, I hold on to faith.
There is a hard principle that I'm trying to learn. This principle is expressed very well in Doctrine and Covenants 101:16:
"Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God."
From this I learn that I ought to be comforted, for I am in God's hands. The hard part is that there is no guarantee of relaxation or recovery. There is no guarantee that the things I fear won't happen. There is only the assurance that I will be comforted, that things will work out in God's timing, and that I can have peace.
I am still hoping and praying to be guided to relief from the challenges I face, but I know that whether or not relief comes, I can have confidence I God's love and care for me. I can trust in Him.
Over the past few days, I've faced several strong feelings. On the one side, there has been a constant pressure of anxiety, fear, and discouragement. It's hard to face the idea of growing old young. It's easy to be bogged down by a seemingly crippled future. It's a lot to deal with. On the other side, I've found an increasing determination not to be stopped by any challenge. I feel a hope that in time, I will be led to a solution to this crisis, just as I have to several others. Through it all, I hold on to faith.
There is a hard principle that I'm trying to learn. This principle is expressed very well in Doctrine and Covenants 101:16:
"Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God."
From this I learn that I ought to be comforted, for I am in God's hands. The hard part is that there is no guarantee of relaxation or recovery. There is no guarantee that the things I fear won't happen. There is only the assurance that I will be comforted, that things will work out in God's timing, and that I can have peace.
I am still hoping and praying to be guided to relief from the challenges I face, but I know that whether or not relief comes, I can have confidence I God's love and care for me. I can trust in Him.
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