Temple and Cosmos

Book Notice

Temple and Cosmos, by Hugh W. Nibley, vol. 12 in the Collected Works of Hugh Nibley (Deseret Book and Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, 1992)

If the temple is to be seen as the cosmic mountain, then think of this book as a mountaineering guide. A good guide knows the terrain, the routes of ascent, the weather, the equipment, and everything necessary to lead a party successfully to the summit. More than that, a good guide loves to climb.

Temple and Cosmos puts the temple on the map and marks all the main features of its idealized topography and eternal coordinates. It discusses temple gear, clothing, compasses, symbols, holy ground, and the rules of the trail as one makes the step-by-step journey upward into the presence of the Lord. It expands the enjoyment of each vista that opens beneath the rising trekker, and it exults in the view from the top. It reminisces with others like Adam, Moses, Benjamin, apostles of Jesus, and the Prophet Joseph, who have left their names in the registry at the cairn on the lofty summit. The book contains sixteen chapters, essays, talks, articles, notes, and comments, together with copious illustrations.

No guide is perfect, but every page of this book reflects the wisdom of an old man of the mountains—one whose deep love of the peak and whose constant attention to its details have produced remarkable insights and the impelling desire to share them with others. I can’t think of a better guide to do some climbing with. And after all, you wouldn’t want to climb Mt. Everest without an expert along.

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Print ISSN: 2837-0031
Online ISSN: 2837-004X