Gramps,

I remember reading that someone (I believe it was Spencer W Kimball) said that the earth is female, but I cannot find anything about that now.

Vicki

Answer

Dear Vicki,

While I don’t know what source you’re referring to, it’s probable that it stems from the account found in Moses 7:48-67 where Enoch is conversing with the Lord about the salvation of the earth.  Verse 48 reads:

And it came to pass that Enoch looked upon the earth; and he heard a voice from the bowels thereof, saying: Wo, wo is me, the mother of men; I am pained, I am weary, because of the wickedness of my children. When shall I rest, and be cleansed from the filthiness which is gone forth out of me? When will my Creator sanctify me, that I may rest, and righteousness for a season abide upon my face?

While there are various interpretations of this verse, some take it literally.  For example, in Journal of Discourses (as found in the Scripture Citation Index), Heber C. Kimball is recorded as having said:

Some say the earth exists without spirit; [D&C 88:25-26, Moses 7:48-49] I do not believe any such thing; it has a spirit as much as anybody has a spirit. How can anything live, except it has a living spirit? How can the earth produce vegetation, fruits, trees, and every kind of production, if there is no life in it? It could not, any more than a woman could produce children when she is dead: she must be alive to produce life, to manifest it, and show it to the world.

And the cited verses in the Doctrine and Covenants say:

25 And again, verily I say unto you, the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation, and transgresseth not the law—

 

26 Wherefore, it shall be sanctified; yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened again, and shall abide the power by which it is quickened, and the righteous shall inherit it.

Supporting the belief that the earth has a spirit and agency.

We each must draw our own conclusions from these verses, but they seem to suggest that the earth is indeed female.

Gramps

Gramps,

I have heard various people say differing things about plants, trees, and shrubs having souls. They’re living right? Shouldn’t they have souls?

Haley

Answer

Haley,

According to the scriptures, particularly in the Book of Moses, all living things were created spiritually before they existed physically on Earth. Moses 3:4-5 states, “And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth.” This foundational belief suggests that every plant and animal has a spirit, a concept echoed by early church leaders. Orson Pratt, for instance, articulated that both animals and vegetables were created spiritually, emphasizing their inherent spiritual essence.

This understanding aligns with the broader theological perspective that all creation is imbued with life and spirit. The teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints affirm that the earth and its inhabitants are part of a divine plan, where every element plays a role in the grand tapestry of existence. The earth itself is described as a living entity, capable of expressing sorrow and joy, as illustrated in the account of Enoch, who heard the earth lamenting for its inhabitants.

The Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, is often understood as a divine presence that interacts primarily with humanity. His mission includes guiding individuals to Christ, testifying of the Father and the Son, and sanctifying those who seek to follow the covenant path. However, the question arises: can the spirit of the Holy Ghost be felt in the same way through plants and animals?

While the Holy Ghost’s mission is humanistic, the light of Christ, which is present in all creation, may be perceived through our interactions with the natural world. Doctrine and Covenants 88:6-13 teaches that the light of Christ is in all things, including the sun, moon, and stars, suggesting that this divine light permeates the entirety of creation. Thus, while the Holy Ghost may not directly inhabit plants and animals, the spiritual essence of these beings can still evoke feelings of connection and reverence in those who are attuned to the divine.

Recognizing the spirit in plants and animals can lead to a deeper appreciation of the natural world. Many individuals report feeling a profound sense of peace and connection when surrounded by nature, which may be interpreted as an experience of the light of Christ. This phenomenon is not merely emotional; it can be seen as a spiritual awakening that allows individuals to perceive the divine in the beauty and complexity of creation.

Elder James E. Faust once remarked on the light that shines in the eyes of those who live by correct principles, suggesting that this light is a reflection of the divine spirit within. This concept can be extended to our interactions with animals and plants, where recognizing their spirit can foster compassion and respect. The idea that every living thing has a spirit encourages a sense of stewardship over the earth, prompting individuals to treat all forms of life with kindness and reverence.

The question of whether one should feel bad for consuming plants and animals with spirits is complex. Early church leaders acknowledged that even vegetables have spirits, which raises ethical considerations regarding consumption. However, the counsel provided by leaders like Joseph Smith and Brigham Young emphasizes moderation and respect rather than guilt. Joseph Smith taught that animals should not be killed except to preserve life, indicating a principle of stewardship rather than exploitation.

Brigham Young further advised that families should reduce their meat consumption, focusing instead on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains. This guidance reflects a broader understanding of health and well-being rather than a direct concern for the spirits of animals. The Word of Wisdom, a health code observed by members of the Church, encourages the use of meat sparingly and emphasizes the importance of treating animals humanely.

A significant aspect of Latter-day Saint theology is the belief in resurrection, which extends beyond humanity to include all living things. Doctrine and Covenants 29:23-25 states that all creatures will be resurrected, affirming the idea that animals and plants, like humans, are part of God’s eternal plan. This belief underscores the inherent value of all life and the interconnectedness of creation.

Joseph Smith articulated a vision of heaven that included all creatures, suggesting that God’s glory is manifested in the salvation of every being He has created. This perspective invites individuals to view their relationships with animals and plants as part of a larger spiritual journey, where every act of kindness and respect contributes to the divine plan.

Gramps

Gramps,

In Mormon doctrine by Bruce R McConkie he says that cards shouldn’t even be allowed in the home. Now I understand the situation of the time but is this still what the brethren want? Are we not worthy to participate in ordinances if we play cards? Now when I ask my question I am not asking about gambling. I know gambling is wrong but I am curious to the other card games we can play with playing cards like rummie, bridge, crazy 8 and so on..

Joshua

Answer

Dear Joshua,

You are absolutely right about the gambling question. Gambling of any type is gravely wrong and our modern day prophets and apostles have told us such. One does not need to be a sociology expert to see that gambling causes many, many evils in our society like bankruptcy, family break up, and even crime. So you are correct Joshua, gambling is wrong and yes, a Latter-day Saint should not partake in any form of it.

Card playing is a bit different. I’d like to remind you and the readers that Ask Gramps is a team and we all have different interests in our personal lives. Some of us might like knitting, some of us might like hunting, and some might like playing card games with our families. While it’s true, the prophets and apostles have in the past cautioned us against playing cards, the main reason was because card playing back then usually revolved around gambling.

As far as what Elder McConkie had to say about this, I am sure he got the thoughts and information from his father-in-law Joseph Fielding Smith who got it from his father Joseph F. Smith.  On lds.org it has this to say:

CARD PLAYING.

 

See APOSTASY, GAMBLING, RECREATION. President Joseph F. Smith has stated the position of the Church with reference to card playing in these words: “Card playing is an excessive pleasure; it is intoxicating and, therefore, in the nature of a vice. It is generally the companion of the cigaret and the wine glass, and the latter lead to the poolroom and the gambling hall…. Few indulge frequently in card playing in whose lives it does not become a ruling passion…. A deck of cards in the hands of a faithful servant of God is a satire upon religion…. Those who thus indulge are not fit to administer in sacred ordinances.…. The bishops are charged with the responsibility for the evil, and it is their duty to see that it is abolished…. No man who is addicted to card playing should be called to act as a ward teacher; such men cannot be consistent advocates of that which they do not themselves practice.

 

“The card table has been the scene of too many quarrels, the birthplace of too many hatreds, the occasion of too many murders to admit one word of justification for the lying, cheating spirit which it too often engenders in the hearts of its devotees….

 

“Card playing is a game of chance, and because it is a game of chance it has its tricks. It encourages tricks; its devotees measure their success at the table by their ability through devious and dark ways to win. It creates a spirit of cunning and devises hidden and secret means, and cheating at cards is almost synonymous with playing at cards.” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed., pp. 328-332.)

 

Members of the Church should not belong to bridge or other type of card clubs, and they should neither play cards nor have them in their homes. By cards is meant, of course, the spotted face cards used by gamblers. To the extent that church members play cards they are out of harmony with their inspired leaders. Innocent non-gambling games played with other types of cards, except for the waste of time in many instances, are not objectionable.

Elder John A Widstoe said,

“It must be added that relaxation from the regular duties of the day is desirable and necessary for human well-being. Wholesome games of recreation are advocated by all right minded people. Moreover, the objections to card playing are not directed against the many and varied card games on the market not employing the usual ‘playing cards’. Most of these furnish innocent and wholesome recreation, and many are really instructive.” (Evidences and Reconciliations, 1943)

Brother Boyd Thomas (a former stake president) also said something interesting.

“My personal experiences indicate that our family has enjoyed many benefits from playing games with cards. At at time when amusements are generally enjoyed alone, for example TV watching and video game playing, we in our family like to play card games together.”  How should I feel about playing cards?

It’s important to ask yourself how you are playing cards. Are you using it bring your family closer together and to have a good time enjoying the company of one another? It’s an inexpensive and family friendly hobby, and by using it that way you should feel no guilt whatsoever in playing the occasional card game.

Gramps

Gramps,

Where are we supposed to draw the line with being subjected to an ever increasing corrupt government? Does this mean that we are supposed to submit to knowingly accepting “the chip”? Are we expected to?

Raymond

Answer

Raymond,

Within the United States of America we are able to read the following words from “The Declaration of Independence” regarding being subject to corrupt/destructive governments, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

Thus the question, when has a government been destructive enough toward these liberties such that it can be changed or abolished? How far must the pendulum swing that people will change or abolish said “Form of Government”? Our first objective would be through proper methods already established within the government for said grievances. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we find ourselves in a more peculiar position as we are not just subject to rule and law of mortal governments, we are also subject to a higher law — God’s law — and we are accountable to God for all our earthly thoughts, words, and actions. Even if we feel we are in the right, if our decision is in direct violation of God’s law then we have reason to pause and think more soundly upon our decision.

The most honest answer I can give is, “I don’t know,” and I am not sure anyone has a definitive answer as to when our rights, our liberties, and our pursuit of happiness is truly being denied. This does not mean that we can’t see signs of these “unalienable Rights” being inhibited. What then about “submitting” to the changes that are occurring? In some cases, and we have scripture which confirms this, yes we are expected to “submit” to changes within government that appear to be undermining our “Rights.” In our Book of Mormon we have the following experience of Alma and his people as they endured a destructive government (Mosiah 24:13-15):

“13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.

 

14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

 

15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.”

In light of these verses of scripture, yes, at times, the Lord does indeed expect us to submit with patience and long-suffering as we endure destructive policies, rules, and laws from earthly governments. When Russia took over East Germany and established the wall, the Church expected the members to submit cheerfully, willfully, and obediently to the laws of the land. As with the people of Alma the Lord strengthened the members, and because of this and their willingness to submit to the government and the honor the counsel from the Lord’s servants upon the earth they were given privileges due to their obedience.

If we find ourselves in a position where we personally feel our “Rights” are being abused, I would give the counsel Alma gave to his people by lifting your heart to God in prayer, and then wait patiently for His instruction, and should we find ourselves in a position, as some of our brethren have, confronting our government and the leaders of the Church speak out against it; then, the Lord bless us to have a humble heart to pause and think more soundly upon our decision.

Gramps

Gramps,

Why do so many Mormons have trampolines? There are a lot of Mormons in my hometown and it’s something I’ve always wondered about. I’ve been told two totally different theories. One, jumping on a trampoline is just good clean fun, and because Mormons have tons of kids, it’s a good way to keep them all busy, fit, and tired. Second, that there’s some kind of quasi-spiritual benefit of “jumping” closer to God. I would really appreciate any insight or information you could provide on this topic!

Natalie

Answer

Dear Natalie,

Weird myths about the Mormon Church and the Mormon people never cease to circulate. I thought that I had heard them all, but this idea of jumping on a trampoline to get closer to God is one that I had never heard before, and it tops the list of ridiculous, unfounded concepts attributed to the Mormon people.

It’s true that the Mormon people have a strong affinity for the home as being the foundation of society, and adhere strongly to the traditional notion that one of the sacred purposes of marriage is to bring children into the world and provide for them a healthy, happy and productive home life. But the idea that Mormons have “tons of kids” is, of course, stretching things a bit. Mormon families are indeed somewhat larger than the average U.S. family, but that difference stems much more from the limitation that modern society has put on bearing children and raising them in a traditional family setting than it does on any supposed undue size of Mormon families. The average household size for the U.S. in the 2000 census was 2.59. We can compare that household density with that of a typical small Mormon community in central Utah. The population of Manti, Utah in the year 2000 was 3,042. The average household size in this typical Mormon community in the year 2000 was 3.25–slightly more than half a child per household more than the national average. That difference would hardly qualify for the description of “tons of kids.”

Now back to the trampoline. It is obvious that with an average household density not that much higher than the national average, trampolines are not used by Mormon families as an energy outlet because of an inordinate number of children in the family. However, there may be a reason for a higher number of trampolines in Mormon families that is related to their culture. Sports activities are part of the youth programs for both the young men and young women in the Mormon Church. Basketball leagues are sponsored for young men between the ages of 16 and 18, and also for young adults. Volleyball leagues are sponsored for the young women. So the youth of the Mormon Church are rather sports oriented, and trampolines are nothing more than an additional recreational activity that would appeal to any sports oriented youth.

Gramps

Gramps,

Your article posted on July 30, 2013, about the Garden of Gethsemane contained a picture of the Savior in the Garden. Can you tell me more about the source of that picture? Your help is greatly appreciated!!

Rand

 Answer

Rand,

It’s a beautiful painting isn’t it? The artist in question is Liz Lemon Swindle.

According to information I can find about her, she started painting in first grade. She was encouraged by her father who proudly displayed her work on their refrigerator.

In the 1980’s she tutored under renowned wildlife artist, Nancy Glazer. Her paintings of wildlife soon grew into paintings of her children, though, according to her, she was never quite sure if there was much of a difference.

In 1992, she decided to pursue a different genre, paintings of her faith. Her works can now be seen all over the world. Her paintings are held in corporate and private collections and have been featured in countless magazines and articles.

In describing her journey she has said:

“The Lord has a plan for our lives even if we don’t always recognize it. What I thought were dead ends and failures were actually stepping-stones, each one lifting me closer to God.”

She and her husband have 5 children and 15 grandchildren.

You can find more of her work here.

Gramps

Dear Gramps,

Are Buddhist beliefs anti to Christian beliefs?

Diane

Answer

Gramps,

I heard that President Uchtdorf endorses Harry Potter. I am troubled to think that an Apostle would endorse Harry Potter. Is that true? Has the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made a stance in terms of Harry Potter?

Malea

Answer

Malea,

I don’t think there has been an official statement from the General Authorities about the Harry Potter books. I don’t really expect one either because they don’t really address anything that would cause concern to the doctrines and principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I can understand the concern you have. I cannot recall President Uchtdorf endorsing the Harry Potter books, but it makes sense from a certain perspective. Let me explain it this way.

The world is an increasingly hostile and harmful place for children. Good examples and good influences are becoming more and more rare. The Harry Potter books do indeed contain much about the world of wizardry and witchcraft, about spells and potions, and magical powers.

However, these are not what the books are actually about. The books are fictional, and I think the audience they are targeted at understands this more than we give them credit for. It’s what the books do with this magical setting that is beyond commendable. The books teach consistently of several truths in life.

– Doing the right thing is always the right thing to do.

– Friends are important and friends help each other through even the most difficult of times.

– Sometimes children are better at making good choices than adults.

– Having a good example to follow in life is a blessing.

– Being a good example is what happens when you do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.

– Doing the right thing is not always the easy choice.

– Honoring your parents is more important than trying to fit in, or trying to ‘be cool’ in the eyes of others.

There are others of course, but my point is that the Harry Potter books use the imagination of children to help them understand countless positive ideas and truths they otherwise may never be taught.

Gramps

Message: I heard in church last Sunday that all the animals will be
resurrected with the righteous.  I know that the righteous who are
resurected, come back and rise from the grave.  Do animals come back
where they died?  Do our pets get to be with us again?  How will they
find us or, how will we find them?  I had a cat and a dog that I
really, really loved that died and if the animals are resurrected, I
would want them to be with me again.  Your thoughts?

Sue

Dear Sue,

The following was given in the Liahona, March 1979.  It was written by Gerald E. Jones an institute instructor.  It is of  “General Gospel Interest, answered for guidance, not an official statement of the Church.”

A number of questions have been asked concerning the place of animals in the gospel plan:

Do animals have spirits and are they resurrected? Yes. The Prophet Joseph Smith received information concerning the eternal status of animals. Answers to questions he posed are in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 77. He also spoke about the resurrection of animals in a sermon but did not expand on the subject. (History of the Church, 5:343.)

To what degree of glory do animals go? The scriptures speak only of animals being in the celestial kingdom. Whether they go to other kingdoms is a matter of conjecture. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith on one occasion said the distribution of animals into all three degrees of glory is “very probable.” (Improvement Era, Jan. 1958, p. 16–17.) To my knowledge, no other prophet has published an opinion on the subject.

Are animals judged and resurrected according to their obedience to laws? According to Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, animals do not have a conscience. They cannot sin and they cannot repent, for they have not knowledge of right and wrong. (Man: His Origin and Destiny, Deseret Book Co., 1954, pp. 204–205.)

Can animals be with their owners in the hereafter? There is no revealed word on this subject. Reason would tell us that a rancher or farmer may not want all of the cattle he has owned during his life. On the other hand, emotional ties may be honored and family pets may well be restored to their owners in the resurrection, Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote that Joseph Smith expected to have his favorite horse in eternity. (Improvement Era, August 1927, p. 855.)

Just what is the relationship between men and animals? Men are children of God. Animals are for the benefit of man. This does not mean, however, that man is not to have a concern for this part of his stewardship. The prophets in all ages have indicated that man will be accountable for his treatment of animals and that justice and mercy should be exercised concerning them. Alma encourages us to pray over our flocks. (Alma 34:20, 25.) There are numerous examples in Church history of animals being administered to by the anointing of oil and their resultant healing. In the best-known incident, Mary Fielding Smith’s oxen were spared to bring her pioneer family, including a future President of the Church, Joseph F. Smith, to Utah. (Preston Nibley, Presidents of the Church, Deseret Book Co., 1959, pp. 234–34.)

Though the prophets have spoken frequently about man’s responsibility to treat animals properly in this world, very little detail is known about the states of animals in the eternities. Greater emphasis is rightly placed upon man’s need to live the gospel and be worthy to return to his Heavenly Father where he will then learn the answers to such questions. Quoting again from the editorial cited at the beginning of this article: “Men cannot worship the Creator and look with careless indifference upon his creations. The love of all life helps man to the enjoyment of a better life. I exalt the spiritual nature of those in need of divine favor.” (Juvenile Instructor, April 1918, p. 182.)

As indicated in the above article, very little has been given on the subject of animals and their status in the hereafter, but the Brethren continue to counsel us on the proper treatment of animals, including a talk given by President Kimball while he was President of the Church concerning killing animals for sport and the treatment of animals.

Gramps

Question: Do you feel the inhabitants of these other worlds went through the same process of a pre-existent state, were given a choice to follow the Savior and if so chosen would gain a mortal state, then an immortal state and will face a final judgment such as we have been promised. If so, after their mortal existence ended, perhaps many millions of years ago, have they been awaiting the atoning sacrifice that Jesus made on this earth, in order to gain their eternal or other rewards?

Gene

Dear Gene,

Since very little has been revealed about the other worlds, there is little that can be said from any kind of an authoritative basis. But what has been revealed can form the base for some conjecture in that realm. So let me suggest a few thoughts for your consideration.

My belief is that there is one God, one Lord Jesus Christ and one gospel. The principles of the gospel are eternal in nature. They all point to the Celestial Kingdom and prepare us to qualify for residence with our Father in that Kingdom. It would be difficult to believe that different standards would be given to different groups of people to prepare them for eternity.

All who progress to eternity must pass through mortality to gain a physical body and to prove themselves before the Lord. Their faithfulness in obeying the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ in mortality will determine whether they will inherit telestial, terrestrial or celestial kingdoms in eternity.

Not all the spirit children of our Father in Heaven will work out their mortal sojourn in a telestial environment. Some will be born into terrestrial worlds. In fact, during the Millennial reign of the Lord on this earth, it will be transformed into a terrestrial kingdom. Those who are alive when He comes, and who will not be destroyed because of their wickedness, will continue to live, and the race of mortals will continue through the Millennium, living on a terrestrial sphere. During this time Satan will be bound and will not be allowed to tempt the children of men. However,

when the thousand years are ended, and men again begin to deny their God, then will I spare the earth but for a little season D&C 29:22).

For Satan shall be bound, and when he is loosed again he shall only reign for a little season, and then cometh the end of the earth (D&C 43:31).

and Satan shall be bound, that old serpent, who is called the devil, and shall not be loosed for the space of a thousand years (D&C 88:110).

So those who have lived in mortality during the millennial reign will yet have to opportunity to prove themselves by resisting the temptations of the Adversary.

I would suggest that before the Savior’s resurrection on this earth no one in the universe would have been resurrected. He was the first fruits of the resurrection. He alone had the power to overcome death, and after his mortal life had been taken away, He initiated, by his matchless power, the resurrection process, entering again into his body and causing it to come to life. So powerful was that event that its effects were made universal, so that all who live in mortality and who die, without exception, will live again, possessing their own bodies transformed to an immortal state-never again subject to death.

One can imagine the anticipation, the anxiousness of all humanity that had lived on all the infinite number of worlds, as the events of the crucifixion and resurrection were unfolding. That other worlds were aware of that which occurs on this earth, the sphere of the Savior’s mortal sojourn, is attested to in the scriptures-

For all flesh is corrupted before me; and the powers of darkness prevail upon the earth, among the children of men, in the presence of all the hosts of heaven–Which causeth silence to reign, and all eternity is pained, and the angels are waiting the great command to reap down the earth, to gather the tares that they may be burned; and, behold, the enemy is combined (D&C 38:11-12).

There is no doubt that no one was resurrected before the Savior, but one may wonder at the thought that there were no resurrections in the universe prior to the year 33 AD on this earth. There is much that we don’t know about eternity, and it would be hazardous to try to project mortal concepts into eternal conditions. This much we do know, that time is different from eternity, and that time is measured only unto man (Alma 40:8). So I would not attempt to read too much into the concepts that have been suggested above.

Gramps

I enjoy reading your column quite a bit. I have just read with great interest the two most recent questions, the two regarding millions of earths and Christ the Savior for all for them. My question is would you please explain in conjunction to those answers if Satan is also allowed to tempt the people of other earths or only this one and if not, are we the only part of the human family that are tempted? Thanks in advance.

Will, from Idaho

Dear Will,

There is undoubtedly much in the works of God that he has chosen not to reveal to us. To Moses he said,

And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten. . . . But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you. (Moses 1:33-35).

So I believe that you will not find in the scriptures any specific reference that reveals that Satan influences the inhabitants of other planets. We may conjecture about such things, but the truth will only be known when it is revealed from heaven. Nevertheless, let us conjecture for a moment.

We do know that the Lord, Jesus Christ provided an infinite atonement, and is the Savior of all the worlds. We know that in the pre-mortal spirit world Satan held great sway with many of the children of the Father, and many followed after him. It is unlikely that all those who love Satan more than God and seek to promote his works were sent here to this one world. We know that there are many telestial kingdoms. Wickedness and opposition to truth are characteristic of the telestial kingdom. It would seem that wherever wickedness exists it is authored, sponsored and promoted by the Adversary.

Although, as we mentioned above, we find nothing in the scriptures that specifically declares the influence of Satan on other worlds, there are come apocryphal writings that do make that declaration. Hugh Nibley in his Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, 1,7, p.195-96, records a statement from the Psalms of Thomas as follows:

“When God sent forth a ship of light ‘laden with the riches of the Living,’ Satan and his pirate crew coming ‘I know not from where’ seized ‘the treasure of the Mighty One’ and ‘distributed it among their worlds,’ until they were forced to give it up” (Psalms of Thomas 3:1-15).

Gramps

Have just read your reply to the question. “Is the planet kolob 300,000 light years from the earth”? During your reply you stated that “Kolob was one of three planets that were close to the celestial kingdom.” I have not come across this in my studies, would you please elaborate?

John, from Ohio

Dear John,

If you will examine Facsimile No. 2 in the Book of Abraham, you will find the following:

“Fig. 1. Kolob, signifying the first creation, nearest to the celestial, or the residence of God.”

“Fig. 2. Stands next to Kolob, called by the Egyptians Oliblish, which is the next grand governing creation near to the celestial or the place where God resides;”

“Fig. 5. Is called in Egyptian Enish-go-on-dosh; this is one of the governing planets also.”

These appear to be the three grand governing stars that appear next to the celestial kingdom of God.

Gramps