Gramps,

What are the meanings of symbols or images of the Mormon Church?

Baby Marz, from Maasin City, Southern Leyte, Philippines

Dear Baby Marz,

Each symbol has its own meaning, and some symbols may have several meanings depending on how and where they are used. Take for instance the ordinance of baptism. Baptism is performed in the Mormon Church by immersion for the remission of sins It is performed by one having priesthood authority. The immersion process is fraught with symbolism. The person being baptized is placed under the water, representing the burial of the worldly person. Being raised from the water represents the birth of the new person, devoid of all sin. Being placed under the water and coming forth out of the water also represents the burial and resurrection of the Savior, through whose great atoning sacrifice the forgiveness of sins is made possible. Those who are being baptized dress in white clothing, which represents purity.

One could find symbolic meanings in all the ordinances of the gospel. Symbolic meanings also are associated with signs and symbols designed into the architecture of the temples of the Church. In fact, you may be interested in acquiring a book entitled Celestial Symbols, Symbolism in Doctrine, Religious Traditions and Temple Architecture by Allen H. Barber, Horizon Publishers, Bountiful, Utah, 1989.

Gramps