When we hear the phrase “baptism by fire,” what is fire referring to?
Question Gramps, What is meant by "baptized by fire and the Holy Ghost?" What does "fire" refer to? Claudette Answer Dear Claudette, Pres. Boyd K. Packer once gave a wonderful talk on this topic called, The Gift of the Holy Ghost: What...
Is it ever appropriate to speak negatively of another religion from the pulpit?
Question Gramps, Is it ever appropriate for a speaker from the stand to refer to the Catholics belief in transubstantiation as "preposterous"? I felt it was in appropriate and brought it to the bishop (the son of the speaker in question) who told me that since...
Did church members own slaves?
Question Gramps, I am not sure of dates but it seems that the church existed before slavery was fully abolished. Are there any instances known about where members had slaves? Liz Answer Dear Liz, Yes, the Church was established during the...
Should we allow sinners into our home?
Question Hey Gramps! I have a family friend who's daughter is a lesbian. Her parents love her just the same and though they don't support her actions they still invite her and her significant other over for dinner. I think that they are making the right...
How many references in the Book of Mormon refer to the name of Jesus?
Question Gramps, How many references in the Book of Mormon refer to the name of Jesus besides "The Great I Am." Lynne Answer Dear Lynne, Great question. I don't think the answer is written down anywhere, but I recall hearing that there are over...
Why do we sing Come, Come Ye Saints if the scriptures warn us about saying all is well?
Question Gramps, I know we can, otherwise the First Presidency and the 12 wouldn't keep the hymn "Come, Come ye Saints" in the hymn book. But many times in the scriptures it explicitly says to not say "all is well". I just want to know how this is explained....
Is it okay to say “Oh my gosh” or is that taking the Lord’s name in vain?
Question Gramps, Is it okay to say "Oh my gosh" or is that taking the Lord's name in vain? Kelly Answer Kelly, Kelly, I am going to give you an answer you are probably not expecting. Although words like fetch, heck, gosh, even darn and dang are...
Is abstaining from fasting due to medical reasons a lack of faith?
Question Gramps, I have read many questions and comments in various forums including lds.org, and have yet to find someone else having the same thought about fasting that I have. Is the idea of refraining from fasting all together or partial abstaining,...
What if my personal revelation doesn’t match that of my husband’s?
Question Gramps, My husband and I have been married for many years. We have 5 children and I have felt for quite some time that we need to add to our family. My husband does not feel the same. I have prayed with much sincerity to know my Heavenly Father's...
Why are we not encouraged to pray for those in the spirit world?
Question Gramps, Why are we not encouraged to pray for those in the spirit world? Whenever someone passes away, we are always encouraged to pray for the family, but we are never told to pray for those who have passed on to make the right choices in the spirit...
