Patheos Featured Writers

Alonzo L. Gaskill, Phd
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD

Dr. Alonzo L. Gaskill is a seasoned professor specializing in Church history and doctrine. His educational background includes a bachelor's degree in philosophy, a master's degree in theology, and a PhD in biblical studies. He has been a dedicated faculty member at Brigham Young University (BYU) since 2003, having previously served as the director of the LDS Institute of Religion at Stanford University.

Notable Works

  • "Sacred Symbols: Finding Meaning in Rites, Rituals and Ordinances"
  • "The Truth About Eden: Understanding the Fall and our Temple Experience"
  • "Miracles of the New Testament: A Guide to the Symbolic Messages"

Academic Contributions

  • Doctrine and Covenants 129:8 and Satan's Physicality
  • The Seal of Melchizedek
  • Scriptural & Temple Symbolism
  • Early Christian History & Doctrines
  • World Religions, including Various Christian Traditions

Teaching and Expertise

At BYU, Dr. Gaskill has taught courses including Survey of World Religions, Christian History, Book of Mormon, New Testament, Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants. His areas of expertise encompass Scriptural & Temple Symbolism, World Religions, and Latter-day Saint Theology.

Language Skills

Dr. Gaskill possesses proficiency in New Testament Greek, Middle Egyptian, and Biblical Hebrew, enabling him to engage directly with sacred scriptures.

In conclusion, Dr. Alonzo L. Gaskill is a distinguished academic with a significant impact in the fields of Church history, doctrine, and symbolism. His extensive teaching experience and scholarly contributions have enriched our understanding of religious traditions and their deep significance.

Works by Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD
Does Confucianism Have a God?
Alonzo Gaskill | April 26, 2024
It is not a simple yes or no. It is more nuanced than what you would expect....
Are You A Cultural Christian?
Alonzo Gaskill | April 16, 2024
It is up to God to decide the degree to which "cultural Christianity" is acceptable. It......
What is a Quaker?
Alonzo Gaskill | April 09, 2024
Rather than “Quakerism,” the proper name of the faith is actually the “Religious Society......
Who Is The Quaker Oats Guy?
Alonzo Gaskill | April 05, 2024
The real international man of mystery who has graced pantries for over a century may not......
Does The Bible Say The Earth Is Flat?
Alonzo Gaskill | April 01, 2024
There is no question, a literal reading of the Bible could give one the impression that......
What Does The Bible Say About Abortion?
Alonzo Gaskill | March 22, 2024
Gain clarity on the abortion debate within Christianity—what the Bible doesn't say may......
What Does The Bible Say About Hell?
Alonzo Gaskill | March 21, 2024
Hell is a nuanced dance of mercy and might at the heart of divine judgment. Understand......
What Does The Bible Say About Sex Before Marriage?
Alonzo Gaskill | March 19, 2024
Unravel what the Bible really says about sex before marriage, exploring the nuanced......
What Does The Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol?
Alonzo Gaskill | March 01, 2024
Are you a certified boozer? Do you do keg stands during the tailgate parties? It may be......
What Does The Bible Say About Sex?
Alonzo Gaskill | March 01, 2024
While the sexual union of a man and woman has more than one purpose, it is the closest......
What Does The Bible Say About Marriage?
Alonzo Gaskill | March 01, 2024
Marriage is what brings us to click here today. The Bible is very clear on what marriage......
What Does The Bible Say About Love?
Alonzo Gaskill | February 29, 2024
According to the Bible, righteous love helps us become more like Jesus Christ....
What Does The Bible Say About Divorce?
Alonzo Gaskill | February 26, 2024
Essentially, the Bible says divorce was never what God wanted for families and couples....
What Does The Bible Say About Judging Others?
Alonzo Gaskill | February 26, 2024
Judge not lest ye be judge. Judge a righteous judgement. God wants us to judge others......
What Does The Bible Say About Fear?
Alonzo Gaskill | February 08, 2024
As it relates to fears of failure, in life, work, school, or otherwise, the Lord......
What Does The Bible Say About Gambling?
Alonzo Gaskill | February 07, 2024
Divine Roll of the Dice: Unravel the Bible's profound wisdom on gambling. Is it a......
What Does The Bible Say About Aliens?
Alonzo Gaskill | February 07, 2024
Although the Bible makes no mention of stereotypical green aliens with large heads and......
What Does The Bible Say About Forgiveness?
Alonzo Gaskill | February 02, 2024
Unpack the biblical teaching on forgiveness, a divine gift reflecting God's grace that......
What Does The Bible Say About Tithing?
Alonzo Gaskill, Ph.D | January 23, 2024
Dive into the biblical roots of tithing, its significance in faith, and the spiritual......
What Does The Bible Say About Pride?
Alonzo Gaskill | January 23, 2024
Explore the Bible's insights on pride, its spiritual dangers, and the path to humility,......
What Bible Verses Prophesy Jesus' Birth?
Alonzo Gaskill | December 15, 2023
Christians for nearly two thousand years have been reading the Old Testament as a......
What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?
Alonzo Gaskill | December 15, 2023
According to Paul, gossipers are "God-haters."...
What Does The Bible Say About Baptism?
Alonzo Gaskill | December 14, 2023
The Bible is clear about baptism. Learn how many religions practice baptism and how even......
What Does The Bible Say About Anxiety?
Alonzo Gaskill | December 14, 2023
Not only does the Bible teach about anxiety, but also many of the world's sacred texts......
Is Christmas Jesus' Birthday?
Alonzo Gaskill | December 13, 2023
Jesus’ birthday has been celebrated on December 25th for nearly two millennia. And yet,......
What is the Nation of Islam?
Alonzo Gaskill | November 28, 2023
Today, the Nation of Islam as approximately 50,000 members spread throughout the world. ...
What Language Do Jewish People Speak?
Alonzo Gaskill | November 28, 2023
Yiddish? Hebrew? English? Learn about the cultural significance of language for Jewish......
How Does One Become Jewish?
Alonzo Gaskill | November 20, 2023
There is not a singular path to becoming a Jew. Some denominations, like the......
What Religions Don’t Celebrate Christmas?
Alonzo Gaskill | November 14, 2023
We understand which religions do celebrate the holiday, but do you know which ones do......
What is Bodhi day?
Alonzo Gaskill | November 14, 2023
Bodhi Day is an annual holiday, most commonly commemorated by Mahayana Buddhists living......
What does Psalms 122 mean? Pray for Jerusalem?
Alonzo L. Gaskill | November 06, 2023
Psalms 122 calls for the people to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Learn how David's......
Ise Grand Shrine
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Ise Grand Shrine has been called “the most important Shinto site in Japan.” Often......
St. Basil's Cathedral
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Reims’ Cathedral of Notre-Dame is one of more than 100 French churches bearing the......
Church of Mary Magdalene
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Church of Mary Magdalene is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Christian......
Glastonbury Tor
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Legend claims that the first abbey in Glastonbury was built by none other than Saint......
Sulayman Mountain
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Sulayman Mountain is an ancient sacred site for Muslims. Dive into its history and......
Gergeti Trinity Church
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Georgia’s Holy Trinity Church is like an icon of Georgian culture and history.......
Jordan River
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The River Jordan is where Christ was baptized by John the Baptist and its is a......
Mount Sinai
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
The fact that the Ten Commandments—principles germane to Jewish, Christians, and......
Kiyomizu-dera
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Kiyomizu-dera was the brainchild of a Buddhist priest known as Enchin Shonin. In the......
Shrine Of Our Lady Of Walsingham
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Shrine Of Our Lady Of Walsingham is an Anglican Church build in 1938. It......
Capernaum Synagogue
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
According to the Bible, the synagogue in Capernaum was an important focal point for the......
Uluru
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
With a circumference of 5.8 miles, this massive red monolithic red rock mesa has been......
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
This basilica was commissioned in AD 326, immediately following the First Council at......
Via Dolorosa
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
Via Dolorosa is a Latin term, which means the “way of suffering.” It is the route......
Mariazell Basilica
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The current edifice is one of the most visited Roman Catholic shrines in Europe and the......
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
St. Patrick's Cathedral, in midtown Manhattan, is the seat of the Archbishop of New......
The Western Wall
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
The holiness of the Western Wall is not so much found in the wall itself but, instead,......
The River Ganges
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
Because of the sacral nature of the Ganges River (in the minds of Hindus, but other......
Sistine Chapel
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
The Sistine Chapel is located in the Apostolic Palace of Vatican City. It is the chapel......
Sensō-ji Temple
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
The Sensō-ji Temple—sometimes referred to as the Asakusa Kannon Temple—was founded in......
Hill of Crosses
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
In Lithuania, a hill covered with crosses has no definitive link to antiquity but......
Shri Amarnath Cave Temple
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Amarnath Temple is a cave that functions as a Hindu shrine, and which is located in......
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
The Reims’ Cathedral of Notre-Dame is one of more than 100 French churches bearing the......
Paro Taktsang
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Tucked in the cliffs of the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, the Paro Taktsang......
Itsukushima Shrine
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Itsukushima Shrine (in Hatsukaichi, Japan) is iconic because of its 50-foot red......
Batu Caves
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Batu Caves—and particularly the central “Temple Cave”—have become an important......
Po Lin Monastery
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
A little over a century ago (in 1906), three Zen masters visiting from the Chinese......
Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Located very near India’s southern tip—on an island which is part of the Palk Straits—is......
Duomo di Milano
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
This Roman Catholic Cathedral sees 5,000,000 visitors a year and was dedicated in AD......
Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine is the most important and most sacred Shinto shrine in......
Meiji Jingu
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Meiji Shrine constitutes “sacred space” in that it is believed to be a place where......
Lake Titicaca
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in all of South America—and is said to be......
The Sacred Grove
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Sacred Grove, just outside the Smith Family Farm is where young Joseph Smith had a......
Naritasan Shinsho-ji
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Founded by Kanchō Daisōjō, the Narita-san Shinshō-ji Temple is a mid-10th century temple......
Temple Mount
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
Located in Jerusalem, perhaps no sacred site in the history of the world has had so much......
Hanging Gardens of Haifa
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Baháʼí Terraces, or the Hanging Gardens of Haifa, are garden terraces on Mount......
Temple Square
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Shortly after members of the Church of Jesus Christ arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, the......
Mt. Zion
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Known today as Ophel (or “Hill,” in Hebrew), the biblical text indicates that it was......
Mont Saint-Michel
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is the most famous site on France’s Normandy coast. Learn......
Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Acre’s Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh is a 19th century house which today holds the remains of......
Lake Atitlán
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
For those who feel closest to God when in nature, and for those who feel that nature is......
Church of St. George
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Church of Saint George, or Bet Giyorgis, as it is called in Amharic—the official......
Yamunotri Temple
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Yamunotri Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to the goddess Yamuna—who is an avatar......
The Blue Mosque
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Its massive size and......
Meenakshi Amman Temple
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Meenakshi Temple complex, often referred to as the Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundaraswarar......
Higashiyama Jisho-ji
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Jishō-ji (or the “Temple of Shining Mercy”) is a Zen Buddhist temple which rests along......
The Mount of Olives
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
On the slope of the Mount of Olives are several important sites. Near the top is what......
Badrinath Temple
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
One Hindu holy text claims that the Badrinath Temple is one of the most sacred......
Great Mosque of Mecca
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
The Kaaba is a black, cube-shaped building that sits in the center of the Masjid......
Mahabodhi Temple
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
For Buddhist, the lost understanding of how to achieve enlightenment, the forgotten path......
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
The Sri Venkateswara Swami Vaari Temple is a holy site dedicated to the Hindu god, Lord......
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
This Hindu temple is situated on the western bank of the Ganges river, in Varanasi—one......
Puri Jagannath Temple
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Jagannath Temple complex is large, with thousands of priests functioning therein.......
Angkor Wat
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
Angkor Wat is one of the most unique “sacred spaces” in the world. Not only is it......
Jokhang Temple
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Jokhang temple has been called the “most sacred temple” in all of Tibet, but also in......
Mapang Yongcuo
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The River Jordan is where Christ was baptized by John the Baptist and its is a......
La Sagrada Familia
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Under construction for more than 130 years, it has been used for the majority of that......
Kinkaku-ji
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The official name of this Zen Buddhist temple is Rokuon-ji, which means “Deer Garden......
Spanish Synagogue
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
While the Spanish Synagogue is Czech, not Spain-affiliated, its name comes from its......
Westminster Abbey
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
Since 1066, when William the Conqueror was coronated in the Abbey, every single British......
Church of Nativity
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
The Church of Nativity supposedly is where Christ was born, this unassuming basilica......
St. Peter's Basilica
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
One of the most popular pilgrimage sites for Roman Catholics, it is also one of the most......
Gangotri Temple
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
The Gangotri Temple is located in a northern Indian town by the same name. It rests in......
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes was founded because of a series of 19th century......
El Ghriba Synagogue
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The El Ghriba Synagogue is an Orthodox Jewish house of worship located on the Tunisian......
Kedarnath Temple
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Situated in the Himalayan mountain range, and surrounded by towering and often......
Parinirvana Stupa
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Mahaparinirvana Temple is situated at the site where the historical Buddha......
Vaishno Devi Temple
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Vaishno Devi Temple is a natural mountaintop cave in Katra, India. A popular......
The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The basilica’s name—Sacré-Cœur—refers to the “Sacred Heart” of Jesus, a familiar Roman......
Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The original name of the Basilica is “Christ the Savior” (sometimes rendered “Most Holy......
Dazaifu Tenmangu
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a sacred Shinto shrine also visited by Buddhists and sees......
Cologne Cathedral
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Cologne Cathedral is Northern Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral. In addition, it is......
Santuario de Chimayo
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
While this is formally a Roman Catholic church and “sacred site” for practitioners of......
Newgrange
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Newgrange has been referred to as a “place of astrological ritual.” There is no......
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
The shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe has been called “the world’s largest place of......
Danjō-garan Buddhist Temple Complex
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Mount Kōya is the world-headquarters of the Koyasan sect Shingon Buddhism—one of the......
Lumbini Province
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The name “Lumbinī” means “the lovely,” and is the location of a popular Buddhist......
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is an 11th century basilica in Galicia, Spain. It has......
Lotus Temple
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Lotus Temple in Delhi, India is a Baháʼí house of worship dedicated in 1986, and one......
The Holy Island
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Learn all about this ancient Celtic Christian site and why it is so sacred to Christian......
Basilica of San Vitale
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
This 6th century church—formally granted the honorific title of “basilica” because of......
Međugorje
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
This Roman Catholic pilgrimage site is quite new, having only been a popular place of......
Koutoubia
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Marrakesh’s Koutoubia Mosque was founded by the Islamic caliph, Abd al-Mu’min,......
Bahá'í House of Worship
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
For Baháʼís, the Illinois temple is a symbol of the ideal world, where religions are all......
Chartres Cathedral
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
Chartres’ Notre Dame Cathedral is a 12th-13th century High Gothic/Romanesque edifice......
The Garden Tomb
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
Though there are two sites traditionally referred to as the “Tomb of Jesus,” one (found......
Shri Krishna Janmasthan
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
According to Hindu tradition, around 3,000 BCE, the god Vishnu was born (in Mathura,......
Sarnath
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
As a site of significance for Buddhist from the 3rd down to the 7th centuries, Sarnath......
Sri Harmandir Sahib - The Golden Temple
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
The Golden Temple is the most important gurdwara in Sikhism, and the most important......
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
In what was once a small and inconsequential village in Portugal, now stands the......
Kirtland Temple
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Kirtland Temple was the first temple constructed by the restorative Church of Jesus......
The Church of the Beatitudes
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Mount of the Beatitudes is actually not truly a mountain, but a sloping hill on the......
Shree Dwarkadhish Temple
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The pilgrimage to the Dwarkadhish Temple (and the other three sites in the circuit) is......
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Sanchi Stupa is an ancient Buddhist site in the small town of Sanchi—in the Indian......
Church Of Annunciation
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
The Church of the Annunciation was built to commemorate the angel Gabriel’s appearance......
Abbey of Montserrat
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
During the hermitic era (of the early Middle Ages), the cliffs surrounding Santa Maria......
Shrine of Padre Pio
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
The Shrine of Padre Pio is a Roman Catholic Church and pilgrimage center, dedicated (in......
Metéora
Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD | March 23, 2023
Metéora is not only the inspiration for Linkin Park's album, but also has been home to......
Varanasi
Alonzo Gaskill | March 23, 2023
Varanasi is one of Inda’s oldest cities, and the most sacred of Hindu municipalities. ...
Do Muslims Believe in Jesus Christ?
Alonzo L. Gaskill PH.D. | January 27, 2022
While He is not worshiped by Muslims, He is greatly revered and reverently spoken of....