The Hidden Symbolism of the Temple Baptistry | Oxen, Water & the Reeds (LDS Temple Symbolism)

THINNING OF THE VEIL · Jun 3, 2026 · 1h 3m

Send us Fan MailWhat does the temple baptistry actually symbolize — the 12 oxen, the font, the water, even the reeds? In this deep-doctrine Thinning of the Veil episode, host Tia Smith shows that the baptistry, often treated as the "vanilla" part of the temple, is layered with Latter-day Saint (LDS) symbolism that points to Jesus Christ and the gathering of Israel. She teaches that the baptismal font is a similitude of the grave, placed on the lowest level of the temple, and that going into and out of the water mirrors the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Tia unpacks who the 12 oxen…