Understanding Your Endowment
Understanding Your Endowment by Cory Jensen is a remarkable and insightful addition to the literature surrounding the temple ordinances of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Published on August 11, 2015, by Cedar Fort, Inc., this 160-page paperback has earned widespread praise for its approachable, reverent, and thought-provoking exploration of the temple endowment. With a 4.7-star rating from 445 reviews on Amazon and a 4.43-star rating from 274 reviews on Goodreads, Jensen’s work resonates deeply with readers seeking to enrich their temple worship and deepen their understanding of sacred covenants. This review delves into why this book is a must-read for Latter-day Saints, whether they are preparing for their first temple visit or are seasoned temple attendees.
A Clear and Respectful Approach to Sacred Topics
One of the standout qualities of Understanding Your Endowment is Jensen’s ability to discuss the sacred ordinances of the temple—covenant ceremonies, initiatory ordinances, the endowment, and temple sealings—in a manner that is both accessible and deeply respectful. The book avoids the pitfalls of being overly academic or esoteric, which can alienate readers, while also steering clear of oversimplification that might undermine the temple’s profound significance. Instead, Jensen strikes a perfect balance, offering insights grounded in scripture and personal reflection that invite readers to ponder the temple’s symbolism and its application in their daily lives.
Jensen’s approach is particularly commendable for its reverence. He acknowledges the confidential nature of temple ordinances and carefully crafts his explanations to honor their sanctity. This makes the book an invaluable resource for those who may feel overwhelmed or mystified by the temple experience. As one reviewer noted, the book “unravels some of the mystery” while helping readers “more fully appreciate the beautiful purposes for these ordinances.”
A Personal and Empowering Perspective
A central theme of Understanding Your Endowment is the idea that the temple endowment is not just a ritual but a personal, sacred journey between the individual and the Lord. Jensen emphasizes that the endowment can serve as a “modern-day Liahona,” providing spiritual direction in one’s mortal journey. This metaphor is particularly powerful, as it frames the endowment as a dynamic, living guide rather than a static ceremony. One of the book’s most memorable insights is Jensen’s suggestion that “your real endowment is your life.” This perspective encourages readers to see their daily choices, faith, and agency as integral to the covenants they make in the temple, making the experience deeply personal and empowering.
Jensen’s inclusive and flexible approach to temple symbolism further enhances the book’s appeal. He encourages readers to find personal meaning in the ordinances, acknowledging that different individuals may interpret symbols differently, and both interpretations can be valid. This is particularly evident in his discussion of gender roles, where he asserts that both men and women are called to become “kings and priests, queens and priestesses unto God.” This egalitarian perspective is refreshing and resonates with readers who seek a more inclusive understanding of the temple’s teachings.
Addressing Sensitive Topics with Care
For many Latter-day Saint women, the temple can be a complex experience, sometimes marked by discomfort or confusion due to its symbolic nature or perceived patriarchal elements. Jensen addresses these concerns with sensitivity, offering interpretations that reframe potentially challenging aspects of the temple. For example, he reinterprets the veil not as a symbol of exclusion but as a covering for that which is most sacred, suggesting that “some things about women and their role in eternity are simply too sacred to yet be revealed.” This perspective provides hope and invites readers to seek further revelation, aligning with the Church’s emphasis on personal inspiration.
While some reviewers noted minor omissions, such as a lack of detailed exegesis on female figures like Sarah in the discussion of name changes, these are overshadowed by Jensen’s overall inclusivity. He incorporates references to female voices, such as Sylvia Allred and M. Catherine Thomas, which sets a tone of inclusion often absent in other temple-related texts. This makes Understanding Your Endowment particularly appealing to readers who value diverse perspectives within the framework of LDS theology.
Practical and Spiritual Enrichment
The book is structured to guide readers through key aspects of the temple experience, with chapters dedicated to covenants, gospel ordinances, initiatory rites, the endowment itself, temple sealings, and practical applications in daily life. This organization makes it easy for readers to navigate and apply Jensen’s insights to their own temple worship. The inclusion of scriptural references grounds the book in doctrine, while Jensen’s personal anecdotes and experiences as a temple worker at the Mount Timpanogos Temple add authenticity and warmth.
Readers have praised the book for its ability to “connect the dots” and provide clarity on often-overlooked rites and rituals of ancient Israel. By shedding light on the cultural and historical context of these practices, Jensen helps modern Saints appreciate the temple’s relevance today. As one reviewer put it, “This book is invaluable for deepening your understanding of divine covenants.”
A Book for All Stages of Temple Worship
Whether you are preparing to receive your endowment for the first time or are a regular temple attendee, Understanding Your Endowment offers something valuable. For newcomers, it provides a foundational understanding that demystifies the temple without overwhelming them with scholarly jargon. For seasoned worshippers, it offers fresh perspectives that reinvigorate their temple experience. The book’s brevity—160 pages—makes it an approachable read, yet its depth ensures that it remains a resource to revisit time and again.
Additionally, Jensen’s decision to donate all proceeds from the book to Mentors International and other global charitable organizations adds a layer of goodwill to the project, reflecting his commitment to service and the gospel’s broader mission.
Conclusion
Understanding Your Endowment by Cory Jensen is a treasure for Latter-day Saints seeking to deepen their temple worship. Its clear, respectful, and insightful approach makes it a standout in LDS literature, offering both practical guidance and spiritual inspiration. By framing the endowment as a personal Liahona and encouraging readers to find their own meaning in its symbols, Jensen empowers individuals to make their temple experience more meaningful. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to enrich their understanding of the temple and its role in their spiritual journey. I highly recommend it to all who wish to approach the temple with greater reverence, understanding, and joy.
You can buy Understanding Your Endowment by Cory Jensen with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4ozRNSM
A Clear and Respectful Approach to Sacred Topics
One of the standout qualities of Understanding Your Endowment is Jensen’s ability to discuss the sacred ordinances of the temple—covenant ceremonies, initiatory ordinances, the endowment, and temple sealings—in a manner that is both accessible and deeply respectful. The book avoids the pitfalls of being overly academic or esoteric, which can alienate readers, while also steering clear of oversimplification that might undermine the temple’s profound significance. Instead, Jensen strikes a perfect balance, offering insights grounded in scripture and personal reflection that invite readers to ponder the temple’s symbolism and its application in their daily lives.
Jensen’s approach is particularly commendable for its reverence. He acknowledges the confidential nature of temple ordinances and carefully crafts his explanations to honor their sanctity. This makes the book an invaluable resource for those who may feel overwhelmed or mystified by the temple experience. As one reviewer noted, the book “unravels some of the mystery” while helping readers “more fully appreciate the beautiful purposes for these ordinances.”
A Personal and Empowering Perspective
A central theme of Understanding Your Endowment is the idea that the temple endowment is not just a ritual but a personal, sacred journey between the individual and the Lord. Jensen emphasizes that the endowment can serve as a “modern-day Liahona,” providing spiritual direction in one’s mortal journey. This metaphor is particularly powerful, as it frames the endowment as a dynamic, living guide rather than a static ceremony. One of the book’s most memorable insights is Jensen’s suggestion that “your real endowment is your life.” This perspective encourages readers to see their daily choices, faith, and agency as integral to the covenants they make in the temple, making the experience deeply personal and empowering.
Jensen’s inclusive and flexible approach to temple symbolism further enhances the book’s appeal. He encourages readers to find personal meaning in the ordinances, acknowledging that different individuals may interpret symbols differently, and both interpretations can be valid. This is particularly evident in his discussion of gender roles, where he asserts that both men and women are called to become “kings and priests, queens and priestesses unto God.” This egalitarian perspective is refreshing and resonates with readers who seek a more inclusive understanding of the temple’s teachings.
Addressing Sensitive Topics with Care
For many Latter-day Saint women, the temple can be a complex experience, sometimes marked by discomfort or confusion due to its symbolic nature or perceived patriarchal elements. Jensen addresses these concerns with sensitivity, offering interpretations that reframe potentially challenging aspects of the temple. For example, he reinterprets the veil not as a symbol of exclusion but as a covering for that which is most sacred, suggesting that “some things about women and their role in eternity are simply too sacred to yet be revealed.” This perspective provides hope and invites readers to seek further revelation, aligning with the Church’s emphasis on personal inspiration.
While some reviewers noted minor omissions, such as a lack of detailed exegesis on female figures like Sarah in the discussion of name changes, these are overshadowed by Jensen’s overall inclusivity. He incorporates references to female voices, such as Sylvia Allred and M. Catherine Thomas, which sets a tone of inclusion often absent in other temple-related texts. This makes Understanding Your Endowment particularly appealing to readers who value diverse perspectives within the framework of LDS theology.
Practical and Spiritual Enrichment
The book is structured to guide readers through key aspects of the temple experience, with chapters dedicated to covenants, gospel ordinances, initiatory rites, the endowment itself, temple sealings, and practical applications in daily life. This organization makes it easy for readers to navigate and apply Jensen’s insights to their own temple worship. The inclusion of scriptural references grounds the book in doctrine, while Jensen’s personal anecdotes and experiences as a temple worker at the Mount Timpanogos Temple add authenticity and warmth.
Readers have praised the book for its ability to “connect the dots” and provide clarity on often-overlooked rites and rituals of ancient Israel. By shedding light on the cultural and historical context of these practices, Jensen helps modern Saints appreciate the temple’s relevance today. As one reviewer put it, “This book is invaluable for deepening your understanding of divine covenants.”
A Book for All Stages of Temple Worship
Whether you are preparing to receive your endowment for the first time or are a regular temple attendee, Understanding Your Endowment offers something valuable. For newcomers, it provides a foundational understanding that demystifies the temple without overwhelming them with scholarly jargon. For seasoned worshippers, it offers fresh perspectives that reinvigorate their temple experience. The book’s brevity—160 pages—makes it an approachable read, yet its depth ensures that it remains a resource to revisit time and again.
Additionally, Jensen’s decision to donate all proceeds from the book to Mentors International and other global charitable organizations adds a layer of goodwill to the project, reflecting his commitment to service and the gospel’s broader mission.
Conclusion
Understanding Your Endowment by Cory Jensen is a treasure for Latter-day Saints seeking to deepen their temple worship. Its clear, respectful, and insightful approach makes it a standout in LDS literature, offering both practical guidance and spiritual inspiration. By framing the endowment as a personal Liahona and encouraging readers to find their own meaning in its symbols, Jensen empowers individuals to make their temple experience more meaningful. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to enrich their understanding of the temple and its role in their spiritual journey. I highly recommend it to all who wish to approach the temple with greater reverence, understanding, and joy.
You can buy Understanding Your Endowment by Cory Jensen with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4ozRNSM
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