What is the relationship between ancient and modern temples?

Join Terryl Givens and Matthew Grey as we discuss this Big Question, and find the link to watch the livestream here!

Temples are an integral aspect of the restoration, yet do we really understand their significance? How much of my current temple experience is connected to an ancient practice and how much of it came from modern revelation? Does that matter? How should we think about temple covenants and ordinances?

​Joining us for this important conversation is Dr. Matthew Gray (Phd, UNC), and archeologist and expert in antiquity. We think it will be a fascinating evening.

​We invite you to participate, either in person or virtually, as we discuss some of the most fascinating theological and historical questions that will come up during this year’s study of the Doctrine and Covenants. We hope you find these conversations enriching and supportive as you walk the journey of faith.

​In-person attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of these remarkable speakers. It’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss!

If attending Big Questions is cost-prohibitive, please email events@thecompassgallery.com for details on need-based discounts. Standby seating is available for free (subject to availability) to students and young adults.

Dr. Matthew Grey is a professor of ancient scripture and the coordinator of the ancient Near Eastern studies program at Brigham Young University. He received a B.A. in Near Eastern studies from Brigham Young University; an M.A. in archaeology and the history of antiquity from Andrews University; an M.St. in Jewish studies from the University of Oxford; and a Ph.D. in ancient Mediterranean religions from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

​For over twenty years, Dr. Grey has been actively involved in archaeological research relating to the world of the Bible in Israel, Jordan, and Italy. Dr. Grey's research on various biblical, historical, and archaeological topics appears in volumes published by Oxford University Press, Brill, De Gruyter, Vandenhoek & Ruprecht, the Israel Exploration Society, and Fortress Press.

​Terryl Givens did graduate work in intellectual history (Cornell) and comparative literature (PhD UNC). He is the Neal A. Maxwell Senior Research Fellow at Brigham Young University and Professor Emeritus of Literature and Religion, University of Richmond (where he held the Jabez Bostick Chair of English for many years). He has published several books on Latter-day Saint history, theology and culture as well as intellectual history. His current project is As I Have Loved You: A New Interpretation of Christian History.

Stay up-to-date with future Faith Matters events at The Compass by subscribing to our in-person events newsletter:

We are deeply grateful to our Faith Matters donors for providing the financial support that allows us to host events like this—as a thank you, please enjoy access to the livestreams and recordings of this series: