Why should we believe Joseph Smith saw God or Jesus?
Gramps, Have you ever seen Satan? Have you ever seen God or Jesus? If you are honest, you will answer, "no." I have to ask myself whether or not Mormons should believe Joseph Smith did. The church doesn't like us to talk about it, but he did have a reputation for...
What is the Church’s position on tattoos, rhinoplasty and other cosmetic surgery?
Question Dear Gramps, I've written before and I have another question. Is there an official church position in regard to tattoos? Before I joined the church I had one and am considering having it removed. Also, how about things like rhinoplasty and other...
What is the Church’s belief on suicide?
Gramps, What is the Church's belief on Suicide? A Catholic friend of mine recently took his own life and his wife and child asked me what our church believed is his fate. Their Priests said because he took his own life he was going to hell. How can I help this family?...
Is there an official Church statement concerning talking about doctrine outside of Church meetings?
Gramps, Is there any official Church statement or quote from the brethren concerning talking about Church doctrine outside of Church sanctioned meetings. It seems I heard something like this, that it is requested so we don't start talking about things we shouldn't or...
Does it mean I won’t get married if not mentioned in my Patriarchal Blessing?
Question Dear Gramps, I am pretty worried because in all my friend's patriarchal blessings it's written that the Lord is preparing a good husband for them and that one day they will get married. But in mine there is nothing about that. Does it mean that I won't get...
Are members discouraged from being organ donors?
Question Gramps, I do have a question for you! I remember being taught at some point that as LDS we were discouraged from being organ doners. If this is correct (and I might have just heard something wrong) could you please tell me why? Are there scriptures or...
Does it mean anything if a tribe was not mentioned in my Patriarchal blessing?
Dear Gramps, In my Patriarchal Blessing there was not a tribe mentioned. Do you know what this means? Thanks Lorraine, from California Dear Lorraine, It has no significance. Normally, one's tribe is mentioned in a patriarchah blessing. It would not be out of place for...
Isn’t the living allowance that General Authorities receive considered pay?
Question Gramps, I have had a few people ask the question, "How can your church continue to say you have a lay ministry when your general authorities receive a living allowance. Is this not considered pay?" Bob Answer Dear Bob, Certainly at least...
Did Joseph Smith die a poor man?
Question Gramps, I am always arguing with my mother on The Book of Mormon and other LDS issues. She is a nonmember who tries to prove that Joseph Smith is a fraud and that the whole church is a fraud. I love her arguing because it makes my testimony stronger every...
What happened to Hyrum Smith’s five children?
Dear Gramps, My husband and I teach an adult institute class on the History of the Church. Someone asked us what happened to Hyrum Smith's five children that he had by his first wife Jerusha. Jerusha died and then Hyrum married Mary Fielding who was the mother of...