Sacred Walls

Both books and buildings have voices. But rather than using 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, the message of a building can often be 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 temple, temple exteriors also tell of these profound doctrines—when you understand how to read them.

This unique and fascinating book is designed to help you see the house of the Lord with new eyes as you examine the "voices" of temple exteriors, along with the "voices" of the Book of Mormon. Each chapter contains an examination of a sermon or vision in the Book of Mormon related to the temple. This is accompanied by a stunning photo essay of temple exteriors and enlightening commentary that examines the main symbolic motifs of a specific temple. Filled with "I never noticed that before" moments, every chapter will offer new insights as you discover how each temple tells a different story through architectural symbolism.

Gain a deeper understanding of the symbolic patterns and doctrines of the temple, not only for the ordinances but also for the beautiful buildings in which they are performed. As you learn how to read the messages hidden in plain sight, you will never look at temples the same way.