Dear Gramps,

Does it make a difference whether you die an Elder or High Priest? Do they perform different duties in the Spirit World?

Sincerely, Karen

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Karen,

It makes no difference to your salvation whether you die a worthy Elder or High Priest. For a little perspective, I refer you to Elder McConkie’s address Only an Elder:

“Brethren, what think ye of the office of an elder? Someone asks: ‘What office do you hold in the Church? What is your priesthood position?’ An answer comes: ‘Oh, I’m only an elder.’

Only an elder! Only the title by which a member of the Council of the Twelve is proud to be addressed; only the title which honors the President of the Church, who is designated by revelation as the first elder (see D&C 20:2, 5); only the office to which millions of persons are ordained in the vicarious ordinances of the holy temples.

Only an elder! Only the office which enables a man to enter the new and everlasting covenant of marriage and to have his wife and children bound to him with an everlasting tie; only the office which prepares a man to be a natural patriarch to his posterity and to hold dominion in the house of Israel forever; only the office required for the receipt of the fullness of the blessings in the house of the Lord; only the office which opens the door to eternal exaltation in the highest heaven of the celestial world, where man becomes as God is.

Only an elder! Only a person ordained to preach the gospel, build up the kingdom, and perfect the Saints; only a minister whose every word is scripture; only the holder of that office which carries the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, of having the heavens opened, and of communing with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn, and of enjoying the communion and presence of God the father and Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant. (See D&C 107:19.)

Only an elder! Every elder in the Church holds as much priesthood as the President of the Church. No apostle can or will rise higher in eternity than the faithful elder who lives the fullness of the gospel law.”

The responsibilities of Elders and High Priests in the next life have not been revealed to us.

Gramps

I know LDS members who do NOT vaccinate their children by claiming “religious beliefs.” Where does the church stand on vaccinations? Has there ever been a statement one way or another? Doesn’t the church help provide vaccinations for those in need?

May

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The LDS church is very much in favor of taking advantage of modern medicine available to us today. Elder Russel M. Nelson, one of the Apostles, is a world-renown heart surgeon. I’m not sure where vaccinations could be seen against official church doctrine, but personal beliefs are another matter, and very individual.

The church has given great resources of time and money for vaccination programs in Africa, and they continue such programs even now.

As for those who refuse to accept them citing religious beliefs, it’s their call in the end.

-Gramps

I recently read an answer in which you stated that one should not consume something, even if it is healthy, if they cannot get through the day without it. I understand that there are limits, as anyone knows that even if you don’t NEED alchohol, it is still bad for you. But does this mean that caffeine in small and not frequent is okay?

Jamie

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Jamie,

Caffeine is a stimulant, and can be found in some prescription medicines. As such, it is not forbidden, because medicine is intended to increase our health.

The trick comes in at ‘small amounts’. What exactly is a ‘small amount’? One can of pepsi every other day? Perhaps some tea on occasion? This line of thought strikes me as a ‘how close can I get to the line without crossing’ approach. Instead we ought to be avoiding the line by as wide a margin as possible.

It is common knowledge that caffeine can be habit-forming for many people. Why take the risk? What can caffeine give you that you cannot obtain any other way?

My personal take is this; our bodies don’t need it unless we give it so much it learns to depend upon it rather than use the natural chemicals made by the body itself. I’d rather let my body work the way it was meant to instead of depend upon outside chemicals to do it.

-Gramps

I believe that I am one of the rare people who can sense spirits. Example, I have walked to other’s homes or general buildings and had an instant knowledge as to whether there is good there or not (not necessarily the people themselves but I seem to sense an “over-riding” presence or emotion or something). I know that this ability can be used by the adversary and I try to be watchful for signs of his presence; and I plan to reread D&C 129 when I’m through here. My question is that I have a feeling that one of the three Nephites who asked Jesus to remain until his return has come to see me several times. Do you think this is possible or could it be a trick? I have not felt any urge to veer from God’s path when he is near. Please answer directly, if you can (though you can post it too). Concern has entered my mind that he is not who I feel him to be.

Diane

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Diane,

I don’t think it’s out of the question, but I do think the experience needs to be examined very carefully, prayerfully even.

In general terms, when we have a great spiritual experience, we tend to recognize it quickly. There are times we may need to look back on it before we realize what happened, but the key to it all is the core of what I want to discuss with you, and that is the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

I can recall two specific times in my life the Holy Ghost spoke to me in an unmistakeable way. One was in confirmation of prayer, and another was in warning me of great spiritual danger. Both times were quite different in relation to each other, both in situation and what I was feeling at the time. What they have in common is that both times I had no doubt at all who was speaking to me, and what was being said. No audible voice was heard, but the message was crystal clear.

Another part of this is what we are to do once we have had a great spiritual experience. Sometimes the greatest spiritual experiences of our lives are for us alone, and are to be kept private. After some events in his ministry, Jesus told those present to not tell anyone about what happened.

I’m not saying that your experience is one of them, but it certainly could be. Prayerfully seeking your answer is the best tool you have. God will never mislead you, and if it was indeed one of the three nephites, he will let you know at the right time.

-Gramps

If the same god who is the author of the Bible is also the author of the Book of Mormon, why do we pray to see if the Book of Mormon is true but not the bible?

James

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James,

An excellent question.

I think it’s a great idea to pray for knowledge that the bible is true, as well as the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.

The reason it isn’t typically pursued in missionary work is mainly because the bible is already accepted as scripture by Christians in general, and at this time, most of the people missionaries talk with are Christian.

Another reason is because the Book of Mormon has been under attack from critics and nay-sayers from before it was even published. Thus the invitation has been extended sincerely in the spirit of ‘don’t take our word for it—pray to God and ask him.’ Thus people can determine on their own whether it is what we claim it to be.

Both of these reasons are also part of an over-arching point that the bible has been around for centuries, while the Book of Mormon is just over 180 years old since the translation was completed. It’s the new kid on the block, and it hasn’t yet built up enough credibility in the eyes of those who accept the bible without a second’s hesitation.

Gramps

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

Do you know anything about a Course In Miracles? They claim that it is devinely inspired. I have studied it a bit, and I think it might have some good points. Please give your opinion, if you have one. Thank you!

Samantha

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Dear Samantha,

I have not read or studied the work ‘A Course In Miracles’ therefore I can not make any direct comments about it.

In general though once we have a solid foundation in the principals of the gospel the 13th Article of Faith encourages us to seek out things that are good. It is possible that ‘A Course In Miracles’ has some good ideas, and suggestions. We just need to be careful to compare what we find with gospel truths so we can be sure of what is good and what is not.

Gramps

Dear Gramps,

According to you, is it allowed to pray to our Heavenly Mother? Can we talk to her as we talk to our Heavenly Father? Thank you in advance for any help you may provide.

Ric

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Dear Ric,

We need to be very careful when we try to fill in the blanks in our understanding of doctrine. The existence of Heavily Mother has been deduced by taking what we understand of the plan of salvation and extrapolating her existence. She has not be revealed to us, at least not to the extent were we can safety change one of the foundational pillars of the gospel. Which is what you would be doing if you pray to her.

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the gospel. Its importance has been repeatedly stated and examples given. It is clear that we are to pray to the Father in the name of Christ. This is the pattern, the way, the path for prayer that we have been given.

Should you choose to pray to Heavenly Mother, do realize that you are putting your own wisdom and knowledge ahead of God’s and that rarely ends well.

Gramps

A friend of mine said the other day that it appears you have to have a PHD to be an apostle these days. What happened to the idea of the humble being selected to a high ranking office in the church.

John

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Of the fifteen current apostles, all have a degree of some kind, from bachelors to masters, seven also served in the military, none of which were drafted.

To me, a college degree does not automatically mean one is not humble. It’s just a reflection of the current society we live in today. Back in the beginning years of the Church, college was for the upper class. Today is different however. Today going to college is all but expected as a regular extension of one’s education.

Also, I seriously doubt any of the current General Authorities are not humble. Having met a few of them now and then in my life, I can personally tell you they are indeed quite humble. The spirit I have felt in their presence has left me no doubt of it.

-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.

Will some of the saints be called to go inherit certain lands and areas of ancient Israel?

Doug

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Doug,

At the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, Joseph Smith prayed for “mercy upon the children of Jacob, that Jerusalem, from this hour, may begin to be redeemed; And the yoke of bondage may begin to be broken off from the house of David; And the children of Judah may begin to return to the lands which thou didst give to Abraham, their father” (D&C 109:62-4) One week after this prayer was given, Moses appeared to Joseph and gave him the keys for the gathering of Israel (D&C 110:11). Ephraim has been given the charge to take the lead in this gathering. The land of Zion is the land of inheritance for Ephraim and Manasseh. The American promised land, however, does not negate the Palestinian land that was promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land of Canaan has been promised to Abraham’s covenant children for an everlasting possession (Gen 17:8). As the Second Coming approaches and everyone is called to flee Babylon, Ephraim and the Gentiles will gather to the land of Zion while Judah will gather to Jerusalem (D&C 133:12-14).

-Gramps

Dear Gramps.

Here is a question that came to my mind during the past couple of weeks. I have been taught that all living beings on the Earth have spirits. Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother are the parents of all of our spirits. Who are the parents, if any, of the various animals on the Earth…Are there heavenly horse parents or cow parents or ant parents? If not where do the animals spirit come from?

George

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George,

We don’t know if there is an exalted prototypical Cow that is the Father of all cow spirits. Joseph Smith did teach that animals have spirits and will be exalted in their own sphere. He used the example of the four beasts in Revelation, as well as the praise coming from all animal creation as evidence that animals will be glorified and found in heaven. From Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (291-2):

John saw curious looking beasts in heaven; he saw every creature that was in heaven,–all the beasts, fowls and fish in heaven,–actually there, giving glory to God. How do you prove it? (See Rev. 5:13.) “And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.”

I suppose John saw beings there of a thousand forms, that had been saved from ten thousand times ten thousand earths like this,–strange beasts of which we have no conception: all might be seen in heaven. The grand secret was to show John what there was in heaven. John learned that God glorified Himself by saving all that His hands had made, whether beasts, fowls, fishes or men; and He will glorify Himself with them.

… The four beasts were four of the most noble animals that had filled the measure of their creation, and had been saved from other worlds, because they were perfect: they were like angels in their sphere. We are not told where they came from, and I do not know; but they were seen and heard by John praising and glorifying God.

Gramps

Doctrine and Covenants 121:21 says that all generations of the sinners who reject the prophets shall not hold the priesthood…the way I understood was that no matter a parent’s choice, men are free to choose for themselves. Please explain.

Drew

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Drew,

While it is true that children have agency, it is also true that a parent’s choice has consequences for a several generations. There are individuals in my own family tree who have left their gospel roots, and that entire branch follows in the same tradition. The Book of Mormon gives a similar example of the Lamanites loosing the gospel (and of course the priesthood would be included in this) because their forefathers wholly turned away from it.

The verse you quoted reminds me of a similar promise given in the Old Testament when the Lord established the 10 commandments. He warned Israel not to make any graven image, because he visits “the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me” (Exodus 20:5). I don’t think this is divine retribution as much as it is natural law. Parents who cling powerfully to a principle will find that same principle guiding grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

This works conversely as well. At the same time that God gave that warning, he also assured that he shows “mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments” (20:6). As a positive example, the happy Nephite society set up under Christ lasted until the fourth generation. The principles instilled in the 4th Nephi saints permeated the lives of their children and their grandchildren.

-Gramps

Hello Gramps,

First I would like to thank you for your time in answering my question. A friend asked me why you need the Priesthood authority to be baptized? I am a Mormon and feel I don’t have the correct answer for her. I can’t locate anything in the scriptures that will help me.

Thanks! Sarah

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Sarah,

Through baptism we enter into a covenant with our Father in Heaven. We show our willingness to follow Christ and accept him as our Savior. Our Father promises us that our sins are remitted. Through baptism, we yoke ourselves to Christ. Unfortunately, not everyone is familiar with the term “covenant” and what it means (basically a two-way promise). If your friend is unfamiliar, you can compare it to a marriage. Both the husband and wife pledge strict fidelity and loyalty to each other. They are, in essence, yoked to each other for life.

Similar to a marriage, baptism is invalid unless it is performed by someone who has proper authority to do so. A marriage isn’t just performed by a close friend that knows both people; it is not performed by a lawyer who is well versed in marital law; it must be performed by someone authorized by the State. Baptism cannot be performed by a close friend; it cannot even be performed by someone well versed in scripture; it must be performed by someone who has been authorized by God.

Jesus thought it was important enough to be baptized by someone with the proper authority that he travelled from Nazareth (Mark 1:9) to Bethabara (John 1:28) – a distance just shy of 80 miles (130 km) – to have John baptize him. God thought it was important enough in modern times to send John the Baptist as a resurrected angel to give Joseph Smith the authority to baptize.

-Gramps

I understand there is four versions of the First Vision. I know about the one in the Pearl of Great Price, but heard that there was one by the prophets own hand earlier. If you know, where can I find it?

Elliot

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Elliot,

Dean C. Jessee has written a paper about early accounts of the First Vision. You can find it here:

Jessee includes the transcript of 3 versions, including the one that has been canonized as Joseph Smith History. These accounts talk about the pillar of light appearing as a pillar of fire. There was even some suprise that the trees around him didn’t catch fire. Not only was Joseph visited by the Father and the Son, but angels prepared him for that appearance.

Another brief account can be found in the Wentworth Letter (which is also the source of the Articles of Faith). It has been reprinted in the Ensign:

LDS.org – Ensign Article – The Wentworth Letter

-Gramps

I wonder what does it mean a Sealed book (I can not read a sealed book)?

mormon4life

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Dear mormon4life

When Joseph Smith received the Golden Plates from Moroni, he immediately noticed that about two-thirds of the plates themselves were wrapped in two golden bands, preventing them from being opened and read. Joseph called this part of the plates the ‘sealed portion’. To this day, we don’t know what is written on those plates but there may be a time in the future when they will be unsealed and then be translated. The portion of the plates that were not sealed is what we have, and call, the Book of Mormon.

The quote “I cannot read a sealed book” comes from a couple places, but I’ll start with the event as recorded by Joseph Smith during the process of translating the Book of Mormon. This is from Joseph Smith-history which was written by Joseph himself.

62 By this timely aid was I enabled to reach the place of my destination in Pennsylvania; and immediately after my arrival there I commenced copying the characters off the plates. I copied a considerable number of them, and by means of the Urim and Thummim I translated some of them, which I did between the time I arrived at the house of my wife’s father, in the month of December, and the February following.

63 Sometime in this month of February, the aforementioned Mr. Martin Harris came to our place, got the characters which I had drawn off the plates, and started with them to the city of New York. For what took place relative to him and the characters, I refer to his own account of the circumstances, as he related them to me after his return, which was as follows:

64 “I went to the city of New York, and presented the characters which had been translated, with the translation thereof, to Professor Charles Anthon, a gentleman celebrated for his literary attainments. Professor Anthon stated that the translation was correct, more so than any he had before seen translated from the Egyptian. I then showed him those which were not yet translated, and he said that they were Egyptian, Chaldaic, Assyriac, and Arabic; and he said they were true characters. He gave me a certificate, certifying to the people of Palmyra that they were true characters, and that the translation of such of them as had been translated was also correct. I took the certificate and put it into my pocket, and was just leaving the house, when Mr. Anthon called me back, and asked me how the young man found out that there were gold plates in the place where he found them. I answered that an angel of God had revealed it unto him.

65 “He then said to me, ‘Let me see that certificate.’ I accordingly took it out of my pocket and gave it to him, when he took it and tore it to pieces, saying that there was no such thing now as ministering of angels, and that if I would bring the plates to him he would translate them. I informed him that part of the plates were sealed, and that I was forbidden to bring them. He replied, ‘I cannot read a sealed book.’ I left him and went to Dr. Mitchell, who sanctioned what Professor Anthon had said respecting both the characters and the translation.”

Forgive the long quote, but it connects in a fascinating way with what we find in Isaiah

Isaiah 29:11

11 And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed:

In fact, Isaiah 29:9-14 presents some interesting reading when considering the Book of Mormon, how it came about, and the restoration in general.

-Gramps

Dear Gramps,

A question arose during priesthood class this week and nobody knew the answer. Once a male member has had the Melchizedek priesthood conferred upon him, and is ordained to the office of Elder, he receives the line of authority from the person who conferred it. When he later is ordained to the office of High Priest, does he then take upon himself the line of authority of the priesthood holder who ordained him to THAT office of the priesthood, or does he always retain his first line only?

Phil

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Dear Phil,

According to an Ensign article:

Priesthood Line of Authority

If a priesthood bearer desires to trace his own line of authority, he should pursue his current office in the priesthood—not former offices. Bishops and patriarchs should trace their line of authority as high priests. In completing an authority line, each step should go back through the office held by the person at the time he performed the ordination.

It is not appropriate to trace the line of authority in cases of setting apart or for other ordinances.

Gramps

Where, in the scriptures, does it tell us that in the last days, good will be seen as evil, and evil, good?

Rich

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Dear Rich,

There is no scripture explicitly saying that in the last days good will be seen as evil and evil as good. However it is very easy to find support in the scripture that this will be the case.

First lets go to Isaiah 5:20

20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

It seems pretty clear that Isaiah is denouncing one of the many deceptions of his day. Then lets go to 2 Timothy 3:13 were we are warned about the perils of the last days.

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

It seems perfectly reasonable that in the last days when the deceptions are waxing worse and worse that one of the deceptions would be the attempts to swap around what is good and what is evil.

Gramps

Who were the “Sons of the Prophets” mentioned in 2 Kings?

Loren

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Loren,

Little is known of the Sons of the prophets. Scholars tend to equate this group with the “company of the prophets” featured in 2 Samuel 19:19-20. Because there is no mention of them before Samuel, it is supposed that he organized them to assist him in his duties and to offer religious instruction. They flourished as an organization until after the time of Elisha.

In modern church history, there was a “school of the prophets” in Kirtland set up to teach Priesthood holders their duties and the doctrines. Parley P. Pratt taught the similarly organized “school of the Elders”. Today the various quorums serve the roles that the schools did. For 50 years, the Quorum of the Twelve provided President Monson with opportunities to serve alongside and receive training from 14 more senior Apostles before he became the Prophet for the Church. Sons of the prophets indeed!

Gramps

Gramps,

Did any of the descendents of Cain survive the flood at the time of Noah? I’ve been studying the book of Moses and the Old Testament and it seems the descendants of Cain were extraordinarily wicked. Very few people survived the great flood and if none of Cain’s descendents survived, why did the early church seem to think black people were descendents of Cain and Black males could not hold the Priesthood?

Thanks,

Dave

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Dear Dave,

Contrary to what many people would like to claim the idea that Blacks were descendants of Cain does not have it beginnings in the LDS Church. It was a idea commonly used by many churches as part of how they explained slavery and the other treatments that Blacks at during the early days of the church. The early church leaders were converts from all over the place, and it is not at all surprising that they would be aware of this idea.

It seems to me that when faced with questions about Blacks and the Priesthood early Church leaders gave the best answer they had. Others then built off those answers when they answered. This continued on until the Lord corrected things.

You will still find some people teaching the idea, but then it has always been the case that people find it easier to follow a dead prophet then a living one.

Now to your question about Noah and the flood. The understanding of the time was that the curse of Cain was preserved through Ham’s wife and their son Canaan. This was also given to explain why Canaan was cursed in Genesis 9.

Gramps