Why were the Samaritans outcasts?
Question Gramps, Why were the Samaritans outcasts? Ruth Answer Ruth, When we read the New Testament, it can be surprising to see how often there was tension between the Jews and the Samaritans. We see this in stories such as the woman at the well,...
What can we, as Latter-day Saints, do to help keep religious freedom?
Question Gramps, With everything going on in our nation and in the world today, where our rights are being threatened, what can we do to make sure that religious freedom is kept and sustained? Jackson Answer Jackson, Religious freedom is a topic...
Why doesn’t my Patriarchal Blessing mention a specific tribe?
Question Gramps, My patriarchal blessing states,” Your lineage is of the House of Israel of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” No specific lineage is mentioned. Do I need to get a blessing, or is it okay? Thank you very much. Richard Answer Richard, A...
Will our pets be with us in heaven?
Question Gramps, Pets and the hereafter, and our association with them, are a sensitive thing for my soul. With all due respect to family and friends, I have deep love and bonds with my pets. Primarily Dogs. I, and others, have publicly stated that "I would...
Do we believe that Jesus slew an animal to make the coats of skins for Adam and Eve?
Question Gramps, Do we believe that Jesus slew an animal to make the coats of skins for Adam and Eve? I have never heard or read anything from one of our Apostles or Prophets that says such a thing. I know so others have said it, but I have never heard it...
What does the LDS Church say about wars, whether on our soil or foreign soil?
Question Gramps, I have heard that the US should not make the first attack in war, on their own soil, and that the Lord will not be with them if they do. If invading enemies enter but don't strike, I have also heard that they will not have the Lord backing...
Is the Book of Abraham false and really the Book of the Dead as claimed by Egyptologists?
Question Gramps, Egyptologists said the Book of Abraham is false and said it's the Book of the Dead instead. Yet, I heard that there is evidence that the first facsimile image is indeed a sacrifice, not a mummification. Of course, we ultimately rely on our...
Why did God have to sacrifice His son to make redemption possible for us?
Question Gramps, Why did God the Father formulate a plan of salvation that required the sacrifice of one of his sons in order for redemption to be made available? Why was there no other way that could not include the immense suffering of one individual? Which...
Was Satan cast down to our planet only?
Question Dear Gramps, We know that Christ’s Atonement was infinite, and eternal, and that He died for the sins of all Of Heavenly Fathers planets and creations. I have also heard that our world was the only one wicked enough to crucify Our Lord. So my...
Who do the Ten Virgins represent?
Question Gramps, Who do the Ten Virgins represent? Are they those who say they are Christians? Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Active members of the Church? How can we be certain we have oil in our lamps? Shadow Answer ...
Why are we making the Salt Lake Temple earthquake proof?
Question Gramps, Why are we making the Salt Lake Temple earthquake-proof? Should we not have faith that Heavenly Father can protect his temple using divine means? If God isn't concerned about protecting his temples from natural disasters. Why are we worried?...
What are the blessings given to each tribe of Israel?
Question Gramps, Hey Gramps, What are the blessings given to each tribe of Israel? How is it decided what tribe one belongs to? Elder Pope Answer Elder Pope, The tribes of Israel trace their origins back to the twelve sons of the prophet Jacob,...
Is there a more relaxed look at modesty with change in garment styles?
Question Gramps, I can't find anything official from the Church about recent changes to the temple garment related to a relaxed view of modesty. Have modesty standards been lowered? Connie Answer Connie, The recent changes to temple garments in...
When did Jesus Christ receive the gift of the Holy Ghost?
Answer Gramps, When did Jesus Christ receive the gift of the Holy Ghost? Ashton Answer Ashton, The short and sweet answer is that we do not know. No scripture specifically identifies the moment when Jesus received the gift of the Holy Ghost, nor...
What are the differences/similarities between a Latter-day Saint temple and a Shinto shrine?
Question Gramps, Can you provide comparisons and differences between Japanese Shinto shrines and temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, when Church missionaries are assigned to Japan to teach investigators who are practitioners of the...
When did Joseph Smith actually become a prophet?
Question Gramps, Joseph Smith was foreordained to become a prophet. Did he become a prophet when he had the First Vision or when he received the Priesthood? Thank you. Bonnie Answer Bonnie, In the Book of Mormon, Joseph of Egypt prophesied: “A...
Can Latter-day Saints play the organ for pay on Sundays?
Question Gramps, Is it appropriate for an LDS member to play the organ at a different church for compensation on Sundays? Michael Answer Michael, According to the theology and teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the...
Why is permission required from a non-member spouse to receive endowments?
Question Gramps, My grandma wants to go to the temple more than anything, but her bishop says she isn't allowed because her husband (who isn't a member and has never been) won't let her. Why does a non-member get to dictate her eternal salvation simply because...
What does Alma mean by spiritual death in Alma 12?
Question Gramps, In Alma Chapter 12, it discusses temporal and spiritual death. What is a spiritual death? Joel Answer Joel, When people read Alma 12 for the first time, one phrase tends to stand out: "spiritual death." Alma talks about both a...
Is there a correct position of hands on someone’s head during temple ordinances?
Question Gramps, Is there a correct positioning of hands and fingers on the head of a person being blessed, i.e., laying on of hands on the head or top of the head and side of the head in temple ordinances? Is there a protocol that is being violated if not done...
How are Jesus and John related?
Question Gramps, How are Jesus and John related? Kathy Answer Kathy, According to the Bible and Latter-day Saint understanding, Jesus and John the Baptist were relatives through their mothers, Mary and Elisabeth (Elizabeth). The scriptures do not...
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