What is the meaning of the tree of life? The symbolism involved may furnish clues. Trees have several standard symbolic meanings. Green trees often represent the righteous, whereas dry trees can symbolize the wicked. 76 M. Catherine Thomas noted that "most often in scripture . . . the tree is an anthropomorphic symbol. A tree serves well as such a symbol because it has, after all, limbs, a circulatory system, the bearing of fruit, and so forth. Specifically, scriptural trees stand . . . for Christ and his attributes."77 Elsewhere we read, "In ancient times, sacred trees . . . were [representative of the] attributes of the gods." 78 Susan Easton Black wrote: "The tree of life is connected with the cross, the two having somewhat the same significance. Both relate to the resurrection, eternal life, the Lord, and the 'Love of God.' . . . Before the crucifixion of Christ, the tree of life symbol was used extensively. After the crucifixion the cross seems to have replaced it to a degree." 79 When Nephi wished to know the meaning of the tree that his father saw in his dream (1 Nephi 11:9–24), the angel showed him a vision of the birth of Christ. The angel then said to Nephi, "Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?" (1 Nephi 11:21). To this Nephi responded, "It is the love of God" (1 Nephi 11:22). Jesus is the "love of God" (John 3:16) and the "tree of life."

Since territorial continuity is somewhat problematic in Jerusalem, the city does not have what one might call urban continuity. Instead, Israel’s capital consists of enclaves of isolated communities. One of those enclaves is the Mormon University, or, as it is officially known, Brigham Young University’s Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies, which is located on a prime location on the southern slopes of Mount Scopus, adjacent to Augusta Victoria hospital. The Jerusalem Center is a quiet enclave that overlooks the city’s stunning landscape, which includes not only the Old City of Jerusalem, Mount of Olives and Kidron Valley, but also cemeteries and the black water tanks on the roofs of houses in theneighborhood of A-Tur.

A little after 10:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, Mitt Romney got out of a black SUV with his wife, greeted a couple in the parking lot, and walked into a Mormon chapel to take their seats with a small congregation of wealthy vacationers and native New Hampshirites. And I followed him in.

This cute little box is just big enough to hold a treat and cute enough to bring a smile to the face of someone who is under the weather.

Several years ago I began a project identifying African-American emancipation records in the traditional antebellum northern United States. It started while I was conducting research for one of my genealogy clients and found their Native American ancestors residing with black slaves in Rhode Island. As a professional genealogist, my curiosity was piqued, and I began searching for information about slavery in each of the northern States. I began a journey of discovery through genealogy that has led me to more fully understand real freedom, real emancipation. Journey of Discovery

Elder William Walker slipped white booties over his black wing-tip shoes and instructed his guests to do the same as he led them into the newest Mormon temple in the world. This day was the first chance the public had to see inside the sacred space for the area’s 49,000 Mormons, and it was also one of the last.

During an on-air exchange Friday afternoon, Fox News political analyst Juan Williams commented with some intensity about how a person could walk into a black church and see what is going on but he couldn't do that in a Mormon Temple, in essence asking why not? In fairness he’s not the only person who still doesn't understand the distinction between regular churches and temples in the Mormon faith. Hopefully if he did, he wouldn't have been so condemning of the church on national TV.

Nadia Cates is on a mission. Literally. She and her husband are mission leaders of the Costa Rica San José West Mission. But long before putting on the black name tag she now wears, she felt a desire to create something that would preserve the hispanic heritage she has grown to love and cherish—a heritage that has given her power and confidence. But on this week’s episode of “All In,” she explains why that was not always the case.

Eugene Orr passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025, in Alberta, Canada.

Have you seen the journal editions of the scriptures? Did you know that there are also journal editions of some of Deseret Book’s most popular gospel classics? Whether you want to enhance your learning with notes and cross-references or are trying to keep a lasting record of your personal insights, these study tools will inspire you as you dive deeper into gospel topics.