After this life will there be any limitations to the knowledge that we may acquire?

Question

Dear Gramps,

I’ve been researching a subject that spans the years 1936-54 and much of the information – photos, written records, etc. – is either gone or unavailable. A church member told me it’s his understanding that, if we attain exaltation, in the eternities we’ll be able to view past history in such a way that it will seem as though we are there. I would presume that would mean we’ll be as Charles Dickens wrote in A Christmas Carol, that he was present as though (I think) a ghost at the reader’s elbow. I’m 55 and so much happened before my birth, as well as after – things I could not witness. I’d like to know if we will indeed be able to see events in this manner. Sure, it won’t help me now but if this is the case, I don’t mind waiting.  Thanks.

Bob

Answer

Dear Bob,

Not to fear. In the spirit world and post-resurrection we will have total recall. Not only that, but if we return to our Heavenly Father all the knowledge in the universe will be available to us. We learn from the Mormon scripture D&C 130:6-9 that

The angels do not reside on a planet like this earth;

 

But they reside in the presence of God, on a globe like a sea of glass and fire, where all things for their glory are manifest, past, present, and future, and are continually before the Lord.

 

The place where God resides is a great Urim and Thummim.

 

This earth, in its sanctified and immortal state, will be made like unto crystal and will be a Urim and Thummim to the inhabitants who dwell thereon, whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom, or all kingdoms of a lower order, will be manifest to those who dwell on it; and this earth will be Christ’s.

.Also, Brigham Young made some interesting comments with respect to the knowledge and ability we will have on the other side of the veil.

“The brightness and glory of the next apartment is inexpressible. It is not encumbered so that when we advance in years we have to be stubbing along and be careful lest we fall down. We see our youth, even, frequently stubbing their toes and falling down. But yonder, how different! They move with ease and like lightning. If we want to visit Jerusalem, or this, that, or the other place-and I presume we will be permitted if we desire-there we are, looking at its streets. If we want to behold Jerusalem as it was in the days of the Savior; or if we want to see the Garden of Eden as it was when created, there we are, and we see it as it existed spiritually, for it was created first spiritually and then temporally, and spiritually it still remains. And when there we may behold the earth as at the dawn of creation, or we may visit any city we please that exists upon its surface. If we wish to understand how they are living here on these western islands, or in China, we are there; in fact, we are like the light of the morning.” Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, selected and arranged by John A. Widtsoe, p.380

Gramps