This illustrated lecture takes as its subject a superficially documented and misunderstood feature of Mormon iconography, the pentagram. This symbol, as it appears on Mormon temples, takes two forms: one pointing up, and one down. The latter type is referred to as the star of Mendes and is often simplistically interpreted by detractors to have a satanic meaning in connection with Mormonism. In this session, I will: (1) outline Pythagorean and Platonic symbologies as they relate to the pentagram and other relevant imagery; (2) illustrate and interpret the use of this symbol on Mormon temples, specifically the Salt Lake temple and the recently rebuilt temple at Nauvoo; and (3) relate the pentagram and associated symbols to the Mormon doctrines of redemption and salvation.

Alex Caldiero, Allen Roberts