Gramps,

What is the Church policy for those who gender transition?

Kay

Answer

Kay,

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains clear doctrinal stances regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. According to Church teachings, identifying as a member of the LGBTQ community is not inherently sinful. Instead, the sin is perceived to lie in acting upon same-sex attractions or engaging in behaviors that contradict traditional gender roles as defined by Church doctrine. This distinction emphasizes the importance of personal agency and the belief that individuals can choose to live in accordance with Church teachings despite their innate attractions or feelings.

The Church has this official stance:

“Those who feel their inner sense of gender does not align with their biological sex at birth … often face complex challenges. They—and their family and friends—should be treated with sensitivity, kindness, compassion, and Christlike love. …

 

“Worthy individuals who do not pursue surgical, medical, or social transition away from their biological sex at birth may enjoy all the privileges of Church membership.

 

“Church leaders counsel against pursuing surgical, medical, or social transition away from one’s biological sex at birth. (Social transitioning means intentionally identifying and presenting oneself as other than one’s biological sex at birth, and may include changing dress, grooming, names, or pronouns.) Leaders advise that taking these actions will result in some Church membership restrictions. These restrictions include receiving or exercising the priesthood, receiving or using a temple recommend, and serving in some Church callings. …

 

“Members who have taken steps to transition and then transition back to their biological sex at birth and are worthy and committed to keeping God’s commandments may enjoy all the privileges of Church membership.

 

“Circumstances vary greatly from person to person and can change over time. Members who feel their inner sense of gender does not align with their biological sex at birth or who identify as transgender, as well as the parents or guardians of minors facing such circumstances, are encouraged to seek counsel from their bishop. Bishops counsel with the stake president to address individual circumstances with sensitivity and Christlike love. Stake and mission presidents seek counsel from the Area Presidency” (General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 38.6.23).

The Church’s position is encapsulated in official statements and doctrinal teachings that promote chastity and adherence to traditional gender norms. For instance, Church leaders have reiterated that while same-sex attraction is not a sin, engaging in homosexual behavior is contrary to God’s commandments. Similarly, regarding gender identity, the Church acknowledges the complexities individuals face but maintains that gender is divinely ordained and immutable. These positions are intended to guide members towards lives of righteousness while upholding the Church’s understanding of divine law.

For LGBTQ members of the Church, reconciling their gender identity or sexual orientation with their faith can be a deeply challenging journey. The expectation to live according to the Church’s teachings, which may conflict with one’s personal understanding of self, can lead to significant emotional and spiritual struggles. Many individuals grapple with the fear of judgment, ostracization, and the internal conflict of loving their faith while feeling misunderstood or marginalized by its doctrines.

The pressure to adhere strictly to Church teachings often places LGBTQ members in a difficult position, especially when societal norms evolve toward greater acceptance and understanding of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. For many, choosing to live in alignment with the Church’s teachings rather than embracing their sexual attractions or gender identity can seem impossible, leading to feelings of isolation and despair. This tension underscores the need for a compassionate dialogue within the Church that recognizes the humanity and inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their identity.

Despite doctrinal differences, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints consistently emphasizes the importance of compassion, kindness, and love in all interactions. Church leaders have counseled members to reflect on the Savior’s love, especially when engaging with those who have differing views or are going through personal struggles. This call to embody Christ-like love serves as a cornerstone for fostering understanding and reducing stigma within the Church community.

Prophetic counsel encourages members to approach conversations about gender identity and sexual orientation with empathy and respect. Recognizing that many individuals who undergo gender reassignment are dealing with profound emotional and psychological challenges, the Church advocates for a supportive and non-judgmental approach. By prioritizing kindness and understanding, the Church seeks to create an environment where all members feel valued and accepted, even amidst doctrinal disagreements.

Moreover, the Church acknowledges the complexity of individual experiences and the importance of personal revelation in navigating these issues. Members are encouraged to seek personal guidance through prayer and scripture study, allowing them to find peace and clarity in their relationship with God [8]. This emphasis on personal spirituality aims to empower individuals to live authentically while remaining committed to their faith.

Gramps

Gramps,

If we are truly repentant, on judgement day, will our sins still be spoken for all to hear even though the scriptures say our Heavenly Father will remember them no more?

Raydeen

Answer

Raydeen,

The concept of repentance is central to the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a profound process that not only seeks forgiveness but also transforms the individual. Many wonder about the implications of true repentance on Judgment Day, particularly regarding the remembrance of sins. If Heavenly Father promises to remember our sins no more, will they still be spoken aloud during our final judgment?

Repentance is more than merely confessing one’s sins; it requires a complete transformation of heart and character. According to Doctrine and Covenants 58:42, “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.” This profound promise highlights that true repentance involves a sincere desire to forsake sin entirely and to turn toward God with a renewed heart.

True repentance is characterized by deep sorrow for wrongdoing and a commitment to change one’s actions.  A critical aspect of repentance is that it is an ongoing process. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland emphasizes that this transformation is not merely about feeling guilty or sorrowful; it is about making a conscious decision to avoid sin and align oneself with God’s will.

1. Recognition of Sin: Acknowledging wrongdoing is the first step towards repentance. This recognition allows individuals to understand the gravity of their actions.

2. Sorrow for Sin: Genuine remorse for one’s actions is vital. This sorrow should lead to a desire for change rather than just a wish to avoid punishment.

3. Confession: This may involve confessing to God in prayer and, in some cases, to Church leaders, depending on the nature of the sin.

4. Forsaking Sin: A commitment to change behavior is crucial. It is not enough to feel regret; one must actively strive to avoid repeating the sin.

5. Restitution: Whenever possible, individuals should make amends for their wrongs.

6. Forgiveness: Finally, individuals must accept the Lord’s forgiveness and move forward in faith, trusting in the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

According to the teachings of the Church, when individuals sincerely repent, they are judged based on their current character and actions, not their past sins. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf noted that the Lord’s judgment combines both mercy and justice, emphasizing that those who have truly repented are made new in God’s eyes, as encapsulated in Isaiah 1:18: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

Remembering past sins does not necessarily imply that one is not forgiven. The act of remembering can serve as a powerful reminder to avoid repeating past mistakes. Elder Tad R. Callister discussed how feelings of guilt and shame can be used by Satan to deter individuals from their progress in faith. Believers are encouraged to trust in the Atonement and recognize their inherent worth in God’s eyes. This understanding fosters a sense of hope and allows individuals to learn from their past while moving forward in faith.

Through understanding these principles, individuals can gain clarity on the process of repentance, the nature of God’s forgiveness, and the hope that exists in striving for spiritual growth. Ultimately, the promise of forgiveness and the assurance that sins can be forgotten is a source of profound peace for all who seek to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Gramps

Gramps,

We read from the Book of Mormon every night and I can’t help but notice the pattern with the pride cycle. Something that is also consistent is God’s anger. Do you feel that God does get angry with us when we sin? Is this a misunderstanding of the people in the scriptures both the Book of Mormon and the bible? I know blessings are predicated upon certain commandments lived but is there some punishment that comes from the anger of God?
Bryant

Answer

Bryant,

God’s anger is portrayed in scripture as a righteous response to injustice and wickedness. Unlike human anger, which is often impulsive and driven by personal offense, God’s anger is calculated and purposeful. It reflects His divine attributes—justice, holiness, and love. The scriptures affirm that God’s anger is not capricious; rather, it is a necessary part of His justice system. For example, in the Book of Mormon, the destruction of wicked civilizations, such as the Jaredites, is attributed to the Lord’s righteous anger (Ether 14:25). This illustrates that God’s anger is directed toward the consequences of sin and the choices made by individuals and groups.

In the Bible, God’s anger is also evident. In Exodus 12:12, He states, “For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt,” demonstrating that His judgments are closely tied to the actions of His children. This righteous anger serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for accountability.

The teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasize that understanding God’s emotions can help believers navigate their feelings of anger and frustration. For example, Church leaders often encourage members to differentiate between righteous anger, which can motivate just action, and sinful anger, which can lead to harm and destruction. The Church teaches that while God can be angry, His anger is always just and purposeful, aimed at fostering repentance and justice.

The notion that God’s anger is a form of divine judgment is balanced by His mercy. For example, in the context of suffering, God is depicted as a loving Father who grieves for His children when they suffer the consequences of their sins. This duality of God’s nature encourages believers to view anger not merely as a punitive emotion but as part of a divine relationship that includes grace, mercy, and the hopeful promise of redemption.

In summary, while God’s anger at sin is a necessary aspect of His justice and desire for righteousness, this anger is always accompanied by compassion and a desire for repentance. The teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints portray God as a loving Father who desires His children to choose the right and return to Him. His anger serves as a reflection of His holiness and justice, aimed at guiding His children back to a path of righteousness and peace.

Gramps

Related articles:

Does God get angry?

Is anger a sin?

Your Sins Will Never Surprise God

Gramps,

If someone commits a “grievous” sin, and repents, are they still turned over to the buffetings of Satan? Is it true that after that buffeting they will come forth in the next resurrection and still be able to inherit celestial glory – or will it be the first resurrection?  I believe that you taught at one time from Joseph Fielding Smith that even after repentance there is a punishment attached. I’m sealed (but not currently married) to someone who has committed adultery more than once.

Gloria

Answer

Gloria,

In our scriptures, we can read the following from our Lord in multiple versus of scripture:

1) Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

2) Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5, “Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him— Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.

3) Doctrine and Covenants 58:12-13, “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them.”

I think these scriptures are sufficient to give evidence to those that repent (which means to forsake) are covered in and through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, our Savior. This means they will be partakers of the “first resurrection.” This means they will not have to endure the space of time where they will suffer for their own sins, and thus be partakers of what you describe as the “next” or second resurrection, but if they have not sufficiently repented then there will be a space and time where they will need to repent, suffer for their own sins, and then be partakers of the resurrection after the first.

I’m not sure what article you are referring to regarding Joseph Fielding Smith specifying a punishment attached; however, if people have not repented then yes they will receive punishment as described above. If a person has repented (confessed and forsaken) of their sins, then we can safely assume they will be part of the first resurrection.

As to your ex-husband, this isn’t anything I could make a judgment regarding, except with what is already specified and shared in scripture. I would recommend reading or listening to the following talks provided by President Dallin H. Oaks in the last two general conferences:

1) The Teaching of Jesus Christ

2) Kingdoms of Glory

Gramps

Dear Gramps,

I am confused with the death of Sherem. Why is it that even though he recognized his sinful ways and was deceived of the devil that he died immediately after? Why is denying Christ an unpardonable sin? I feel like I hear people denying Christ all the time. Are they all lost forever? How come the atonement doesn’t apply in this situation?

Natalee

Answer

Natalee,

I need to point out that the unpardonable sin is not denying Christ, it’s denying the Holy Ghost.  (Jacob 7:19) Sherem believes that the unpardonable sin he committed was lying to God (denying Christ is one of the ways he lied to God).

We don’t really get any insight into why Sherem died.  Was he an old man who died from the stress of this experience?  Did God condemn him to death but give him time to repent and make restitution?  If so, death at this point may have been merciful – to save him from further sin. It seems like once a person has gone this far, it’s hard for them to not go back to the same sins (per similar stories in the Book of Mormon).   Or was it something else?

Here are some previously answered questions and answers regarding the ‘unpardonable sin’ that might also interest you.

Have I committed the unpardonable sin?

Have I committed the unpardonable sin by having an abortion?

What sins will keep us from gaining exaltation?

Are the only sins that can’t be forgiven murder and denying the Holy Ghost?

So again Natalee, denying Christ isn’t an unforgiveable sin.  Denying the Holy Ghost is.  I hope this helps you to understand this better.

Gramps

Gramps,

I recently had a seminary student ask me if it was a sin to cohabitate. I have not been able to find anything on this subject.

Christopher

Answer

Dear Christopher,

While cohabit sounds like it just means “live together”, both the dictionary and traditional definitions mean to live together in a sexual relationship without being married. This would involve fornication (or adultery if either is married to a third party), which we know is a sin. See for example section 38.6.5 Chastity and Fidelity in the General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Chastity entry of Topics and Questions on the Church website.

I’m going to assume both you and the student know that the above is sin.  I’m also going to assume your student is not asking about having a same-sex roommate (something BYU housing is designed for, for example).  This obviously is not sinful. (Though if the issue of same-sex attraction is involved, then please consider that in light of the principles below.)

Another possibility is that the student was asking whether two people of different sexes who are not romantically involved in any way can cohabit without committing sin.  My answer to this is basically the same as my answer to the next possibility with the addition that it is only slightly less dangerous.

The final possibility is that the student is asking whether it’s a sin for two people who are attracted to one another (or even dating) to live together so long as they aren’t engaging in sex or other behaviors contrary to the law of chastity. I expect you know both the answer, but you don’t know how to “prove” it.  So let’s go with principles instead and let the Spirit speak to both you and the student.

Matthew 5:28 reads:

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

There is a principle here beyond the literal words – a principle found throughout this chapter: Don’t just avoid sins that involve action, avoid even the thought of sin, or thoughts that lead to sinful actions.  A similar principle is taught in D&C 59:6:

6 Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Thou shalt not steal; neither commit adultery, nor kill, nor do anything like unto it.

In essence, the Lord is telling us to use our brains, recognize that one thing leads to another, and avoid the entire path of sin. Now I can imagine a teen saying, “well, I can live with this other person without lusting after them.”  To which I say, “my eye” (I don’t believe it).  Living together, even just as “roommates” with separate bedrooms is an intimate thing.  The temptations are guaranteed to come eventually.  In Matthew 6:14 (JST) the Lord, teaching his disciples how to pray, says:

And suffer us not to be led into temptation…

Do you pull up the pornography site on your phone, and only then pray for God to help you avoid pornography?  Do you light up the joint and then ask God to help you not to get addicted?  The Lord tells us to pray for help to not be led into temptation.  We can only sincerely do that if we have not deliberately or willfully put ourselves in temptation’s path.

In the vision of the Tree of Life, the angel tells Nephi:

17 And the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost.

To cohabit with a member of the opposite sex is to invite the mists of darkness – to blind your own eyes.

This brings us to the question of what is sin. Your student’s question approaches sin as if there were a list of what is and isn’t acceptable and as long as it’s not on the list, you’re free and clear.  Though a common idea for young people, this is the wrong approach.  As King Benjamin taught:

29 And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them.

Rather, one should approach the question looking for principles. In Approaching Zion (Chapter 3 “Zeal Without Knowledge”), Hugh Nibley gives a definition of sin that I have liked from the moment I first read it, though it’s brutal in that it leaves no room for doubt or escape:

Sin is waste. It is doing one thing when you should be doing other and better things for which you have the capacity. Hence, there are no innocent, idle thoughts. That is why even the righteous must repent, constantly and progressively, since all fall short of their capacity and calling.

D&C 88:21-22 says this differently, and yet it’s basically the same idea:

21 And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, even that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom.

22 For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory.

In essence, sin is anything less than living the celestial law. Now we may not know and understand all celestial law right now, but we have more than enough to go by and any who progress beyond what we have will surely be given more (see D&C 59:4 & D&C 71:4-6).

So, do you think unmarried people of opposite sexes cohabit in the Celestial Kingdom?  I think not.  Either they are sealed as husband and wife, or they remain separate and single (see D&C 131:1-4 and D&C 132:15-17).

If more study is needed, I recommend the resources the Church has already provided on its website.  Here are a few:

Topics and Questions: Sin

Topics and Questions: Chastity

For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices (particularly the “Your body is sacred” portion)

“Good, Better, Best” by Elder Dallin H. Oaks, October 2007 General Conference

I hope this helps you and your student understand how to approach questions like this.

Gramps

Gramps,

When King Benjamin was speaking in Mosiah 4 verse 3 it reads that the Spirit of the Lord came upon the them and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins.  I just want to know how can they have remission of their sins if Christ hasn’t been born yet. I am a member and I have read the Book of Mormon a few times. I would just like clarification.  Thank you.

Debbie

Answer

Debbie,

Your question is one many have had, and in the October 1996 General Conference, then Elder Russell M. Nelson spoke about the Old Testament practice of animal sacrifice and its limits, since the sacrifices were offered continuously:

In preparatory times of the Old Testament, the practice of atonement was finite—meaning it had an end. It was a symbolic forecast of the definitive Atonement of Jesus the Christ. His Atonement is infinite—without an end. It was also infinite in that all humankind would be saved from never-ending death. It was infinite in terms of His immense suffering. It was infinite in time, putting an end to the preceding prototype of animal sacrifice. It was infinite in scope—it was to be done once for all. And the mercy of the Atonement extends not only to an infinite number of people, but also to an infinite number of worlds created by Him. It was infinite beyond any human scale of measurement or mortal comprehension.

 

Jesus was the only one who could offer such an infinite atonement, since He was born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father. Because of that unique birthright, Jesus was an infinite Being.

Alma’s son Corianton. In Alma 39’s chapter heading we read that “Christ’s redemption is retroactive in saving the faithful who preceded it.” The relevant verses, 17-19, read,

And now I will ease your mind somewhat on this subject. Behold, you marvel why these things should be known so long beforehand. Behold, I say unto you, is not a soul at this time as precious unto God as a soul will be at the time of his coming?

 

Is it not as necessary that the plan of redemption should be made known unto this people as well as unto their children?

 

Is it not as easy at this time for the Lord to send his angel to declare these glad tidings unto us as unto our children, or as after the time of his coming?

In 2 Nephi 9:7 Jacob describes the atonement of Jesus Christ as “infinite” and it truly is, not only effective for all mankind, but also through all time. A few verses later from the one you referenced in Mosiah 4, verses 6 and 7, King Benjamin states the atonement was prepared from the foundation of the world. Recall how in the Grand Council in Heaven, Christ stepped up to carry out the Father’s Great Plan of Happiness. He would accomplish His Father’s work and since it is an infinite atonement, it applies to “all who would ever live upon the Earth.” (The Living Christ, the Testimony of the Apostles).

Gramps

Dear Gramps,

In a class we were discussing resurrection and our teacher gave us the names of four people and asked us if any of them would not be resurrected.  We answered the question, however, the discussion turned to sins and whose were worse.  Two of the people on the list were Hitler and Cain. I say that although Cain had a full knowledge of the gospel, killed his brother and then lied about it, it doesn’t quite measure up for being directly and indirectly responsible for 11 million deaths.  The boy I was arguing with says that Cain will be held more responsible than Hitler and will be sent to outer darkness while Hitler will not. This just doesn’t seem right to me.  So I guess my question is: whose sins were worse?

Chelsey

Answer

Dear Chelsey,

It would be difficult to argue that what either Hitler or Cain did was worse than the other.  What they both did was horrible and incomprehensible.  How could anyone be responsible for the suffering and deaths of so many people as what occurred during Hitler’s reign of terror.  How could Hitler or Cain  having accepted the Lord’s plan in the pre-existence and then turned so evil in this life.  There have been and are many other dictators and rulers that fall into this same category.  Some that we hardly hear of have been responsible for many deaths and continue in power.  The principles taught in D&C 121:39 apply to all men not just those holding the priesthood,

We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.

I am sure that the punishment given to Hitler, as well as others who have caused so many deaths, will be severe.  They will be judged by the Lord whose children these people are.  As to this punishment we do not know.

Cain’s punishment is known for he will become a son of perdition for whom there is no forgiveness.  Cain was taught the gospel, knew of the Father’s Plan of Salvation.  He was baptized, held the priesthood and was even taught by Deity.  Cain loved Satan more and rejected the Lord after having had the heavens opened to him.  The Lord told Cain in Moses 5:23:

If thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted. And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door, and Satan desireth to have thee; and except thou shalt hearken unto my commandments, I will deliver thee up, and it shall be unto thee according to his desire. And thou shalt rule over him.

In this verse, the Lord tells Cain that if he does not repent, that if he continues to reject the Lord and does not turn from his sinful ways the worse of which was to murder for gain, Cain will rule over Satan.  Cain entered into a secret pact with Satan, which secret was that he could murder for gain by killing his brother Abel.  For this he became know as Master Mahan and gloried in his wickedness.  Since Cain there has been many secret combinations on this earth that the Lord has warned us about.  Without doubt Hitler and many others have been involved in these same secret combinations and have killed for gain.  Lamech, who was of the lineage of Cain also entered into a secret covenant with Satan.  When Irad, his great- grandfather began to reveal these secrets to the sons of Adam, Lamech slew him to protect their secret combination and secrets.

Gramps

Gramps,

I used to not believe in the church but still stayed in it. Recently I gained an even stronger testimony of the church.  I repented of all my sins and I can feel the Holy Spirit.  Is the fact that I privately denied the doctrine mean I have to see my bishop or that it’s a sin?

Kayden

Answer

Kayden,

Here is the Church’s counsel to the youth regarding confessing sins to their bishops,

“I know that you have tried to be obedient, but maybe you have made some mistakes—even some serious mistakes. Most of the mistakes people make can be resolved through personal prayer and sincere repentance. Some mistakes, especially those regarding immorality, require confession to the bishop before you can receive the Lord’s forgiveness.”

They also provide the following counsel,

“You may be thinking, “That all sounds good, but how can I know if what I have done is serious enough that I need to talk to the bishop?” The short answer: “Your conscience will tell you.” When you feel the sting of conscience, act immediately (see Alma 34:31–34).”

When we are in our youth, even as adults, this seems to be good counsel. If you are unsure, speak with your bishop, so you don’t bring any unnecessary turmoil to your heart and mind for something you could have prayed to receive forgiveness between you and the Lord.

Some sins put your membership in God’s kingdom at risk. and therefore must be confessed to your bishop. These include sins such as adultery and fornication, incest, sexual abuse, major (felonious or misdemeanor) criminal activity such as robbery and embezzlement, familial abuse, and other such serious actions that harm others. What you are describing does not sound like it rises anywhere near that level; rather, it was a private crisis of faith, not one of the “must confess” sins. Nevertheless, your bishop is there to help you; talking with him about this might just put your mind at ease and help you forgive yourself and get past it.

Gramps

Gramps,

What if a member of the church becomes mentally ill and sins while suffering in the symptoms of their mental illness-are they accountable for those sins? An example would be the disassociation from developing C-PTSD and a brain injury of Post Concussion Syndrome from an abusive spouse.

Collins

Answer

Collins,

It is certainly true that C-PSTD, other dissociative disorders and brain injury can cause the sufferer to commit sin they would not normally do to varying degrees of severity. But before, I answer your question, I need to clarify something for readers. You mentioned disassociation in C-PTSD; another closely related dissociative disorder is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Movies, TV series and books love to sensationalize this disorder by making one of the alters of the afflicted person a murderer, or otherwise violent.  This is really just Hollywood fantasy.  People who suffer from DID or C-PTSD have suffered repeated violence, usually as a child.  Dissociation occurs as a way to protect the person from memories so painful it would be hard for them to function in daily life.  With this dissociation, some are able to be successful in their chosen pursuits.  An example of this is  Robert Oxnam, an internationally renowned scholar on China.  Hershel Walker, a pro-football player and Heisman Trophy winner, also suffers from DID.

You asked if a person with mental illness will be held accountable for their sins.  There is one thing I can promise you, the Lord will be just and fair in His judgments.  In our church, one must be eight years old before they can be baptized.  This, we are taught, is the age of accountability.  In other words, younger children are not held accountable for their sins because they are not old enough to understand.  I believe that in some cases mental illness can make someone not accountable for their actions.  Naturally, this would be on a case by case basis, something between that individual and the Lord, our merciful Judge.  We can trust that His judgments will be just and fair.

It is such a blessing to know that Christ will be fair in His judgment because so much in this life is not fair. For now we live in a fallen world where often things are not fair.  When I get frustrated with the injustice I see around me, I think about the Savior.  He, who was perfect, did not deserve to suffer and die as He did.  But He was willing to do so, in order to succor us, heal us and yes, judge us.  Because of His atonement He understands not only about sin, but about all the pain that comes to us in this life.  This makes Him not only our merciful judge, but the Great Physician and Healer.  We can  trust His judgment and His healing.  Until such time, may we all try to be more patient with one another.

Gramps

P.S.  There is a wonderful article in the Ensign, titled simply Mental Illness by Jan Underwood Pinborough  that you might also find helpful.

Gramps,

I think I have committed the unpardonable sin. I have worried about it for a month. I was reading your article about it, and you said someone who commits it will not be deceived or confused. When I read that I felt certain that I had done it. I worry that I have denied Christ while I have known full knowledge of him. I am only 15 years old. I hope I have not committed it and become a son of perdition. Please help if you can.

Caroline

Answer

Dear Caroline,

Had you committed the unpardonable sin, you would not be unsure whether you had – by definition, you must know exactly what you are doing.  Further, you wouldn’t worry about it, nor hope otherwise.  Here’s how Joseph Smith described this sin:

ll sins shall be forgiven, except the sin against the Holy Ghost; for Jesus will save all except the sons of perdition. What must a man do to commit the unpardonable sin? He must receive the Holy Ghost, have the heavens opened unto him, and know God, and then sin against him. After a man has sinned against the Holy Ghost, there is no repentance for him. He has got to say that the sun does not shine while he sees it; he has got to deny Jesus Christ when the heavens have been opened unto him, and to deny the plan of salvation with his eyes open to the truth of it; and from that time he begins to be an enemy. This is the case with many apostates of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Joseph Smith, in History of the Church, 6:314).

Note the parts about having the heavens opened to you, and about becoming an enemy.  You are not acting as an enemy.  You are reaching out, seeking hope that you can be forgiven, and I feel confident that you can.

I encourage you to counsel with your bishop.  Don’t be afraid – he’s there to help you feel the love of Christ, and to understand and accept Christ’s atoning power into your life.  If you can’t talk to your bishop, talk to your parents or a trusted leader.  Their greater experience can help you to put your actions into context, and help you plan how to change whatever needs changing.  I think you’ll find they’ll understand far better than you imagine.

As long as you desire to come to Christ, there is hope.  Satan is the only one who doesn’t want you to feel hope.  Reject Satan.  Turn to Christ and let him bless your life.  Here are a few scriptures to remind you that the Lord is merciful and forgives those who repent:

D&C 61:2 … I, the Lord, forgive sins, and am merciful unto those who confess their sins with humble hearts;

Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

D&C 109:53 But inasmuch as they will repent, thou art gracious and merciful, and wilt turn away thy wrath when thou lookest upon the face of thine Anointed.

D&C 76:5 For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.

I encourage you to study the scriptures, looking particularly for the loving mercy of Jesus Christ.  Stories such as the ones of Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah, or the people of Ammon (the Anti-Nephi-Lehies) are good examples of how forgiving the Lord is, and how through him, we can be enabled to turn away from sin and accomplish amazing good.

The Lord loves you, Caroline.  Your soul is precious to him.  Trust him to heal you and speak peace and comfort to your soul.

Gramps

Gramps,

At our recent General Conference Elder Cook used the term non consensual sin. I’m very confused by this. What is non consensual sin. If it’s non consensual like abuse or rape surely that is not a sin on the victim. Did he just get a bit confused in his choice of words? It doesn’t come across very favourably for the Church.

Anna

Answer

Dear Anna,

Elder Cook’s term was “nonconsensual immorality.” In context, it was obvious that he was talking about someone who abuses or defiles another without permission. This is a grave sin indeed, and pretty much everyone acknowledges that it’s sinful and evil. Of course, the sin and evil lie with the perpetrator, not the victim.

Elder Cook then went on to point out that performing a sinful act, even if both parties consent to it, is still immoral. This lesson seems to be lost on many of our generation. For example, fornication is wrong and sinful, even if both parties consent to the act.

As for the Church’s favorable look, don’t worry about that. Gordon B. Hinckley once observed that today is the age of the gifted pickle-sucker. Many are only too happy to criticize the Church for any perceived defect. Joseph Smith said that calumny may defame, but the work of God will go forward. The Church looks just fine to all sincere and honest seekers after truth. Christ’s sheep hear his voice. Those who would condemn the Church over Elder Cook’s word choice are people whose opinions do not matter in the eternities, people looking to criticize that which they hate and don’t understand. The Church has always been in this position, and will always be. Being a member of God’s kingdom means being rejected by the worldly sophisticates. So do as Nephi said he and others did when, in his vision, they were mocked by those who stood in the great and spacious building: Heed them not.

Gramps