Dear Gramps,

My job that I have been at for many years now requires me to work on Sunday I have Friday and Saturday off. I have a Temple calling as a Patron. I now have the option to switch to Sunday/Monday off. I love my calling and have kept myself worthy (even excluding Sunday Services)to continue my Temple calling. But having just read your last post expressing the importance of the Sacrament I find myself questioning which I should do. Stay with Friday/Saturday and enjoy the Temple calling I Love or switch to Sunday/Monday and attending Sacrament meeting (Sunday meetings)?

Jeff

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Dear Jeff,

You have a very unfortunate dilemma in which you must choose between two very good things. Many people would give a quick answer. But most likely their answer would show more about their needs and priorities then yours. You need to be more focused on what the Lord would have you do. Ideally you wouldn’t need to choose between them, but since you do then it should be a matter for serious reflection, study and prayer.

Perhaps my post was something the Lord used to prompt you in the direction he wants you to go… Or maybe not. That is a question that only you can answer. Therefore my answer is to take it to the Lord and maybe some trusted friends/church leader if you need to talk it over with someone.

Gramps

A non-member relative living about 2,000 miles from me has asked this question: “I find it interesting to see the intensity of interest devoted to this (family history) by the Mormon Church. Does the interest arise from the religion or is this happenstance?” As a member raised in the LDS Church with a good education and also a researcher of Family History I have too many things going on in my mind to be able to ‘narrow’ it to just what he has asked. I encompasses EVERYTHING we believe! Can you suggest or give me an answer that would explain clearly and to the point that could be understood by a nonn-member?

Thanks so very much.

Coleen

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I would use the article on Mormon.org as a template for your response (Family History | Mormon.org). Mention that family is very important to those of our faith, and that we believe that these relationships we forge in this life should remain in the next. From there, you can mention some of the things you’ve learned about your own ancestors and how you look forward to meeting them and swapping stories.

You should also briefly mention the doctrine behind our emphasis on families – either the coming of Elijah, or temple work. I would just pick one that your cousin would be more familiar with. For most people our temples are recognizable, so it’s probably best to mention that in our temples we are sealed together as families so that when we all make it to the other side we will continue as a happy family. As appropriate (you know your cousin better than I do), share the account of Elijah visiting the Kirtland Temple to give Joseph Smith this authority for joining families (D&C 110:13-16). Point out that it is not just the hearts of the Latter-day Saints turning to their fathers, but this turning is happening to people outside of our faith as well. Your cousin is a fulfilment of prophecy! You should keep this brief so that your cousin can follow up with additional questions on the parts that interest her.

Finally, refer your cousin to the article I linked above and let him know that he can ask you any additional questions.

Can you tell me the date that construction on the SLC Mormon Temple was begun and when the work was completed?

Cole

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Cole,

Groundbreaking for the Salt Lake Temple was done on 14 February, 1853. The cornerstone was laid on April 6th of the same year.

The capstone was laid on April 6th 1892. Exactly one year later the Salt Lake City temple was dedicated. This was exactly 40 years to the day from ground breaking to dedication.

Here is a link to an excellent site that gives a wonderful history of the Salt Lake City Temple.

Salt Lake City Temple History

Every temple has the inscription “Holiness to the Lord, the House of the Lord”. When we read that, is “Lord” referring to the Father or the Son. Jesus called the temple “My father’s house”, but other references seem to suggest that it is the Savior’s house (D&C 110:6-7). What is your understanding?

Paul

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Paul,

My understanding is that the Lord Jesus Christ is the one by which the new covenant is established and the name under heaven by which we can be saved.

When Jesus called the temple “my Father’s house”, it was before the Atonement and before His resurrection. In my opinion, this made all the temples in the name of the Father, not the Son.

Temples are dedicated for the Lord’s work, but the dedicatory prayers, like all prayers, are addressed to the Father, in the name of Christ.

However, this is just my own opinion and interpretation of these verses as we are really talking about semantics. God the Father is free to visit these houses of worship, just as the Jesus Christ is able to.

It may not really matter, but I hope this give you additional perspective.

-Gramps

I am hearing several stories re: Foreclosure or Short Sale preventing the receipt of a Temple recommend. The Church is telling us to rid/reduce our debts. A Short Sale or a Foreclosure is a termination of a contract that can no longer be honored due to financial circumstances. I have heard that a Stake President has refused a Temple Recommend and that another is encoraging their members to Forclose or Short Sale to eliminate debt, with no repercussions or denial of a Recommend. Please advise.

Gib

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Gib,

The question of financial stewardship in a temple recommend interview are usually under 3 questions:

1) Are you a full tithe payor?

2) Are you current with spousal &/or child support? (Not always asked of married couples)

3) Are you honest in all your dealings?

There are many news stories about how some people stay in their homes without making payments of any kind for years. To me, this is NOT being honest in all your dealings. You are, in effect, stealing the time you spend in the home.

A foreclosure or short sale is a way to terminate the contract, as you said. So is a bankruptcy.

I also keep in mind that the financial laws of the land seem to favor those who don’t make their payments for a period of time… and then that’s when the financial institutions can ‘negotiate’ or ‘renegotiate’. This seems like a battle of ethics on both the payor and the financial institution. The institutions may not budge until you show by non-payment that you are having financial problems… yet we want to honor our commitments and make the payments that we need to make.

I think it comes down to knowing the individual’s circumstances. Is the individual trying to ‘game the system’ for their financial benefit? Or, are they trying to adjust their finances due to a financial blow that happened in their life? Depending on the person’s circumstances, advice can be given in either way.

Let’s let the Stake Presidents continue to guide and interview their members for their temple recommends as they have done. They are the judges in Israel. Let’s honor and sustain them as they help our members do the best they can with what they have.

-Gramps

Dear Gramps,

We had a lesson about baptism in our Theology class. And I ask my professor what are his thoughts about “Baptism for the Dead” or as he calls it “Proxy Baptism”.. He says its not valid because the spirit of the one being baptized is not anymore inside the body.  So my question is that is it necessary that the spirit should be inside the body to have a valid baptism?

-Jamaron

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Jamaron,

Let me see if I can separate a few points in your professor’s statement, and then we can examine them.

1. The spirit and the body are united in mortality

2. Death separates the spirit from the body

3. The spirit and the body must be together for the ordninance of baptism to be valid. If the spirit leaves the body, that person cannot be baptized.

I think in this respect your professor is accurate in that we cannot baptize dead people. The good news is we don’t baptize dead people. What we do is a proxy baptism, where someone still living goes through the ordinance for, and in behalf of someone who is dead. They cannot do it themselves because of the condition your professor brings up. However someone yet living can, under the proper authority of God, perform the ordinance for them. In this way, the ordinance can be performed with a living subject, and the ordinance can then be either accepted or rejected by the dead in the spirit world.

I think the real point your professor is making is that once someone dies, there is no way to perform an ordinance that would apply to them because they are dead. In this respect, the issue is one of accepted doctrinal beliefs. It’s not surprising either, since I can’t think of another Christian religion that preaches the reality of proxy baptisms, let alone the other ordinances needed to return to the presence of Heavenly Father.

So, in one view your professor is correct, the spirit does need to be in the body for a baptism to be effectual. However in another view, God has provided an ordinance that allows us to extend baptism to those who have passed on by having a living, righteous person stand in their place.

-Gramps

I just came back from a meeting with a member of the stake presidency to renew my temple recommend. We chatted for a minute or two, just small talk. He then said to me, “I presume that your bishop did a thorough interview with you?” I replied Yes. He then asked, “Have any of your answers changed to the questions he asked you?” I said, “No”. And then the brother preceded to sign my recommend without conducting the actual interview with questions himself. I looked in the church handbook when I came home but did not find an answer to my question, Is this okay for a member of the Stake Presidency to not ask the list of questions (or any for that matter) for a temple recommend? I have never had this experience and it struck my husband and I as unusual and has made me a bit uncomfortable.

Mindy

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Mindy,

I can understand your position. I can also see the other side as well. From your description, though, I don’t see a serious problem. I’ve had a stake president do the same thing with me, and I felt that as long as I could answer honestly that I was still worthy, the process itself is just details.

If you would prefer having the full interview, you can always request that it be done, and I think it’s a fine option to use in your case.

The thing is there’s a good chance this man was a bishop before being in the stake presidency, and no doubt he’s got the entire interview memorized from before the conclusion of his first year as a bishop. It may be that he knows your bishop to be a thourough and spiritual man and that he trusts his judgement. All he needs to do from that point is to make sure you feel comfortable saying you are worthy. If the bishop feels you’re worthy, and you feel your worthy, that may have been enough for him to have the spirit confirm that you are indeed worthy.

-Gramps

Hello

I have been a rape victim for most of my life starting at 5 ending at 17. My question is I’m a convert been having been baptised two years and I refuse to go to the temple because I was raised to believe the rape and beatings were my fault and I refuse to forgive myself for being too weak. I don’t believe I deserve to be in the temple and I don’t believe I deserve God’s love and forgiveness. I’m scared that if I don’t forgive myself God will not be able to. People talk about passing burdens onto the Lord. I do not believe I deserve my pain to be lifted nor do I belive God deserves to feel my pain. What do I do??

Jessica

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Jessica,

This is something you need to bring to your Bishop. I’m assuming the abuse happened within your family, and that is a very sad tragedy.

1. You are not guilty of anything whatsoever. You are the victim of a horrible act.

2. This in no way at all renders you unworthy of the temple.

3. You deserve every ounce of God’s love he can send you, and he wants to send you a very large amount.

What you have been through is not your fault, and should not be endured by anyone. There’s not a person on earth that deserves rape and beatings at five to seventeen years of age. This is something you can overcome, but it will take time and patience. Patience with yourself and with the timing of Heavenly Father.

Only Satan would have you surrender and give up on yourself. Absolutely place this burden upon the Lord and trust that he is there for you. A sincere talk with your Bishop about everything will be a tough step, but he is there for expressly this reason. You need help and he has the tools to help you.

Finally, I pray that you will feel the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as you strive to overcome your suffering. As you lean upon him you will feel that love, and he will strengthen you greatly.

-Gramps

Does a spouse of a non member need their permission to receive a temple recommend? I am a former Bishop and I thought I remember in the handbook that if a women wanted to go to the temple, she needed the permission of her husband to get a temple recommend and take out her endowments. Has this changed or was I mistaken?

Rod

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Dear Rod,

You are not mistaken. According to the Church Handbook of Instruction 2010 for Bishops and Stake Presidents, when a man or woman is married to someone who is unendowed, the bishop must receive written permission from the spouse.

It doesn’t matter if the spouse is a member or a non member. The bishop and stake president must also be certain that taking on the responsibility of the endowment will not impair marital harmony.

Gramps

Gramps,

What’s going to happen to deceased people who we cannot perform temple work for? Being that we cannot trace their names that far back or simply records for them don’t exist? And even when the 2nd coming occurs there would still be names for whom we didn’t perform temple work for.

Thanks,

Alex

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Alex,

Temple work will continue on through the 2nd coming and well into the Millennium. There are a lot of people that need work done, and the temples will be in full operation throughout the Millennium.

As for the ones we lack records for, that is where revelation will come in handy. When Christ returns getting information from those waiting on the other side will become much easier.

Gramps

My wife’s brother is getting married in the temple. He and his wife have been married civilly for 3 years. I believe that Temple mariage is not only essential to our salvation, but also that it is a source of the greatest happiness we can know. My question is about who should attend the temple marriage. In my wife’s family alot of the immediate family (brothers and sisters) and even the parents have bitter feelings with one another.Everyone wants to attend the sealing to support the brother. I am of the opinion that the ones with bitter feelings should show their support by being at the temple, but not at the sealing. My understanding was that those type of feelings could keep the spirit out. Also, I have always been under the impression that the Savior walks in the temple, and I cant see any of them wanting to run into Him they are while feeling like that. What is your opinion on this?

Beau

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Beau,

My opinion is that you keep out of your wife’s family’s affairs for a happier marriage and relations with her family and your wife. Let your brother-in-law worry about how they want their ceremony to be.

If you truly want to support, then keep out of it. Show up (if invited) and be happy for them!

-Gramps

How can an illegal alien qualify for a temple recommend if they are not “honest in their dealings with their fellowmen:” they do not “obey, honor and sustain the law;” and are not “honest and true” as directed in the recommend questions and 12/13 articles of faith. The church’s recent murky response to the illegal alien issues seems hypocritical!

John

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John,

I can understand how you would feel about the issue and how the Church has responded with their press releases. And I cannot guarantee that you will like my own response to your question to make you feel at peace with it either.

When a family is considering crossing the border illegally, they must have made some decisions based on certain information.

1) Can they support their family where they are?

2) Are things going to get better anytime soon where they are?

3) Isn’t supporting a family and helping their kids an honorable intention?

So, they can either come across the right, legal way (which may take many years due to the immigration system in the US), or they can just get here, risk their own lives and see what happens.

Things must be really bad where they are to risk their lives through tunnels, rivers, fences, etc.

Is wanting to support a family an honorable thing? I would say yes.

I also believe that the Church made this statement to clearly show that they are not part of law enforcement, that confessing to this to a Bishop or Stake President means that they aren’t going to be reported to local immigration authorities.

The Church needs to be a safe place for all of God’s children. Those who have temporal needs need to feel comfortable in counseling with their Bishop for those needs.

Those who are eligible for temple recommends are also those people who are contributing members of society. They pay tithes. They contribute in church service. They are teachers. They are leaders. It’s not like we have a bunch of drug-selling, murdering gang members who are forming a line to get into the temple.

If one was here illegally, but is contributing to society, I would hope that they were working towards citizenship as well. I would say that this is part of the repentance process.

-Gramps

Dear Gramps,

Why are temples closed on Sundays? According to me, that would be a perfect day to serve the Lord in his House. And as a temple worker, I would be honored to serve the Lord in His House and His Day. So why do they close temples on Sunday?

Thank you for your answer!

Riccardo from Italy

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Dear Riccardo from Italy,

The Temple is a Holy place. However, it is only one component of the Gospel. For example, you do not receive the Sacrament in the Temple. Priesthood ordinations, baby blessings, and many areas of teaching and organizing members for service are only done in our wards and stakes.

The Sabbath Day is a great day for home teaching, visiting others and organizing and preparing for the needs of the members. Our visitors centers are open on Sundays to help with missionary work and to explain the importance of temples in our faith.

If the temple was open on Sunday, couldn’t you just think of how many of the members would be serving in the temple instead of their other callings? The temple is closed for a purpose, and that is for the benefit of all the members, and those who are inactive in the gospel. We need to enrich those around us with the Light of Christ, and Sunday is one of the best days of the week to do exactly that.

-Gramps

Why are divorced men excluded from becoming temple sealers?

Ray

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Dear Ray,

I can find no doctrinal reason why. If someone is worthy of a temple recommend then any potential problems or sins related to the divorce should all be taken care of.

So the question of why they are not allowed becomes very interesting. Assuming there isn’t some doctrine or commandment that we haven’t been made aware of, the Church is left to do what it thinks is best.

In this case I offer as possible explanation that some members truly don’t understand how Priesthood ordinances and the requirement for worthiness work. In my experience it is very likely if someone found out that that their temple sealer was divorced, they could start doubt the sealer was worthy for some reason. If this happened, then it is followed by further doubt that their sealing is legit. Which would then have them thinking everything is wasted, ruined or untrue.

This is simply not true. But sometimes the best path is simply to remove the source of potential doubt and confusion. Perhaps this is why.

One suggestion next time you are at the temple. Ask one of the temple workers there if they have an answer.

Gramps

How many temples were built in Jerusalem and when?

Elizabeth

Dear Elizabeth,

The bible tells us the first temple was the Temple of Solomon built around 957 BC. This was to replace the portable tabernacle that they had used while wandering in the wilderness.

After a few sackings by hostile forces the Temple was completely destroyed around 586 BC by the Babylonians.

The second temple was the Temple of Zerubbabel built starting around 538 BC. This temple also came under attack and was nearly destroyed several times. This caused it to be repaired and rededicated, latest being done by Herod the Great. Which is how it was in the time of Christ.

It was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

There has been a few attempts in building a third temple. They have not been successful.

Gramps

Dear Gramps,

I have a friend who grew up as a member of the LDS church and served a mission and then went on to be sealed in the temple. Unfortunately this friend chose to live a life not in accordance with the teachings of the gospel. He is now divorced and is no longer active in the church. I was speaking to one of our mutual friends about our other friend and I was just asking about his life and what not and my friend told me that our other friend has been released from his temple covenants. I was wondering if this happens very often and what the process is.

Thanks Gramps.

-Orville

Orville,

The term “being released from temple covenants” is rather creative. The only thing I can think of, is that he has been excommunicated from the church. That sounds like the only way a member who has received temple ordinances and blessings can be “released” from them. When this happens, a previously endowed member is to no longer wear their temple garments.

The only other way to do it, is to “voluntarily” release yourself from your covenants. You stop wearing your garments, attending your church meetings and doing anything remotely spiritual. In this case, you are “rejecting” your temple covenants, not necessarily have been “released” from them.

I hope this helps.

Gramps

Why can’t Prince William and Catherine Middleton marry in the temple instead? If they did get married in the temple will this hurt their image and their reputation?Does D&C 76:75 apply to this by their actions?

Wondering,

Dear Wondering,

I have a simple answer to your question concerning Prince William and his new bride. They are not LDS and therefore can’t get married in the temple.

In England, it is required by law to have a public wedding. If they were LDS, they’d have their wedding first, then a sealing ceremony at the temple.

Also, King Mosiah and King Benjamin come to mind as examples of Kings who were faithful to the end.

Gramps

I have been a member my whole life. I was “molly” mormon growing up. I knew all the answers and where to find scriptures just by subject. I was inactive for a while when I left home and joined the military. I have been active now for years and was even married and sealed in the temple. I am now divorced again. I have been searching for answers to various questions. One of my biggest questions is why are we doing all of this if when we die it will be offered to us? People put the LDS religion down all the time, people even deny that Heavenly Father exists, yet when they die someone here on earth will do the work for them and then they will be able to accept it. Why are we required to do all this here on earth when someone who denies it will be able to achieve the celestial kingdom if someone does their work for them after they die? I hope this is not to confusing for you. Thanks

Confused

Dear Confused

Why run all 26 miles when you can just show up at the finish line?

If no one is here to labor for the dead, then who will do the baptisms for the dead, let alone all the other ordinances?

Who is to serve as an example to others so they may want to accept the gospel in this life or the next?

Even if you’re a silent example, you’re still an example of one of the believers.

The dead cannot move on in the next life without the believers tarrying on in this life.

Now, you might naturally be wondering “what is OUR reward for doing this?”

LDS.org – Melchizedek Priesthood Chapter Detail – Becoming Saviors on Mount Zion

We become saviors on Mount Zion by performing sacred ordinances for the dead.

The dead need us. We need the teachings and spirit of the temple for guidance. It’s a great “win-win”.

Gramps

Dear Gramps,

OK, wife #1 kicked me out of the house for my following my leader and not being sealed to her youngest son.  The problem is that wife #1 does not want divorce, and the marriage is recognized in Spain and in the Temple.  If I didn’t really make anything of it.. would there be a problem with getting married and sealed to another woman in second country?

International Romeo

Dear International Romeo,

There are several implications to your question.

The first one is that being married to two women at the same time would be considered bigamy which is illegal in most western countries. This is also against the standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Second, moving to another country to bypass the system shows your lack or willingness to follow the laws of God currently in place.

What you choose to do is up to you. I would not want to be in your shoes at the final judgment should you choose to lie (which would be what it would take) to follow the course of action you are considering. Especially considering that you are wanting to make covenants with someone in the temple.

My suggestion is to do what you can do legally in Spain before committing to something that is illegal.

Has the church ever come out with revelation denying temple work for the dead? For example; can Osama Bin Ladens work be done?

Justin

Justin,

Part of your question is “public relations” as well as doctrine of the church.

We know that God is a just and fair judge of our souls. We know that even if Hitler had his temple work done, that God would judge that soul appropriately. This is the doctrine of the church.

In the interests of public relations, some deceased people will not have their temple work done for them.

I say this is part of public relations because of the way the church can be viewed by others who don’t know our faith and our beliefs of how the spirit world works and operates.

There are others who will not have their temple work done who are not evil souls. For example, unless you are related to Jews who were in the Holocaust, their work won’t be done. This is in part with the Jewish traditions of their faith. They believe that the Jews are a “hunted” people on earth… and here we go baptizing them when they’re dead. This is the way those who are Jewish view the history of their people.

In my opinion, our Heavenly Father will ensure that all those who have the chance to hear the gospel will have their opportunities. All those who should be sent to Outer Darkness, will also be judged accordingly – regardless of any Temple work done.

Gramps