structure

Several scholars, both LDS and members of other faiths, have noted that the temple is a model of the universe:

• The temple is a scale model of the universe… ((Hugh Nibley, Temple and Cosmos, 14-15))
• …the temple represents the principle of ordering the universe. ((ibid.))
• [The temple is] for the purpose of taking our bearings on the universe… ((ibid.))
• …the temple reflects things as they exist in heaven-things as they really are. ((Andrew Skinner, Temple Worship, 2))
• The temple embodies “the structure of the universe, so that ascent through the heavenly levels [is] also a journey ‘inward’ through the temple’s concentric areas of increasing holiness to the Holy of Holies at the center.” ((Qtd. in Matthew Brown, The Gate of Heaven, 7))
• …the temple (whether earthly or heavenly) is a miniature imitation of the structure of the universe. ((ibid.))

God’s perception of time and space are incomprehensible to our mortal and finite minds (Isa. 55:8-9).  However, if the temple is an accurate model of the universe, then it should be possible to reproduce an approximate visual representation of the universe from what we learn from the temple, which is what I’ve attempted above. [Read more…]