Professor Alonzo L. Gaskill examines the rich symbolism found in the rites and rituals of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and ancient religions—from baptism and anointing to clothing, covenant-making, prayer, and marriage. Rather than an apologetic work, this deluxe edition invites practicing Latter-day Saints to 'see symbolically' and discover Christ-centered meaning woven through published ceremonies of many faiths. Drawing on scripture, Church Fathers, and scholarly sources, Gaskill helps readers approach their own ordinances with greater understanding, attentiveness, and spiritual depth. From a former Greek Orthodox convert and BYU world-religions professor: what the rituals of OTHER faiths can teach Latter-day Saints about their own worship Learn to 'see symbolically'—unlock deeper meaning in every ordinance you participate in A treasure trove of ancient parallels to modern temple symbolism, drawn from Church Fathers, pseudepigrapha, and world religions Deluxe edition with striking photographs of fonts, vestments, veils, and sacred art “We too often assume God will just give us the meaning of the symbols that overlay the rites and rituals we participate in.”Perfect for a temple-attending Latter-day Saint or gospel scholar fascinated by symbolism who wants to deepen their understanding of ordinances by studying the parallel rites of other faiths.
