LDS Temple Prep - Lesson 5: The Temple & the Symbols

The course materials for this lesson are available here:

Lesson 5: The Temple & the Symbols - PowerPoint Presentation
Lesson 5: The Temple & the Symbols - Lecture Notes

Objectives of this lesson:

• Introduce the class to the importance of symbolism in temple ordinances and teachings.
• Help the class understand that unlike sacrament meeting and other Sabbath meetings, temple worship is much more ritualistic and formal. Teach the class that while this may be unfamiliar the first few times, they will become more comfortable as time goes on, and gain valuable insights from this type of worship.
• Review the setting, characters, and events taught in the endowment, and help the class to understand that all of these teachings are symbolic. The endowment is not a documentary; the things we learn aren't meant to be a history lesson of literal events. It is meant to give us a chance to symbolically place ourselves in the plan of salvation.
• Teach the class that there are other sacred symbols we learn about in the temple. At their core, these symbols remind us of the sacred covenants we are making.
• Reassure the class that it is over the course of many years of attending the temple that we will understand and gain appreciation for the symbols.