What did Joseph Smith mean when he mentions Old Major and Little Prattlers?
Question Gramps, A church friend gave me a copy of a letter written from the Prophet Joseph to his wife Emma while in Liberty Jail (dated Match 21 1839). Could you please interpret the beginning of the fourth paragraph for me? It reads: "I want you to try to gain time...
How do I tell my bishop I committed fornication when the pressure is there to go on a mission?
Gramps, I have had sex before marriage, and broke the word of wisdom. I am scared to tell my bishop, because everyone in my ward is pressuring me to go on a mission. What is going to happen when I tell him? Thanks Anon. Dear Anon. Well, you've broken the law of...
How do you comfort a parent who lost their first child and is not a member of the Church?
Gramps, What do you say to a mother who carried a little boy for six months. Gave birth to this premature little child, whose weight was only 1 lb. My friend saw and held this little boy, named him, and after only 2 days the little boy died. This child was my friend's...
How do you sustain a Bishop you feel is not acting in the proper way for his position?
Dear Gramps We are in a ward that is awaiting a church building. There have been several problems with a family and our bishop since he has been put into the position of bishop 3 years ago. I know we are to support our bishop, but this man is not doing his calling at...
Must you be set apart again if a ward changes?
Gramps, I have aways understood that when you were given a calling in the Church that you were to be set apart, and the next question is when a ward is changed to another ward and you have the same calling that you do not have to have a vote of thanks and then be...
Is it a requirement to take the Sacrament with the right hand?
Question Gramps, I am a primary teacher, and recently one of the presidency taught the children that it is necessary to partake of the sacrament with the right hand. I had never heard this until I moved here. I have also had a friend correct my "lefty" (who is...
What is the Church’ policy on giving blessings to pets?
Question Gramps, What is the Church's stand or policy on administering (giving a blessing of healing through the priesthood) to pets? Danney Answer Dear Danney, I know of no place in Church policy or practice that advocates administering to...
Why do Mormons not use crosses?
Question Dear Gramps, I have some friends that ask why Mormons have no crosses at church, or dont believe in wearing them around their neck. Can you please help me? Thanks. Johnny Answer Dear Johnny, The cross signifies the death of Jesus. We like...
What is the Church’ stand regarding burial?
Question Gramps, What is the Church's stand regarding burial? Is it better to have the traditional burial if cremation is not required where you live? Phyllis Answer Dear Phyllis, Although the Church takes no official position on the manner of the disposition...
Have you ever heard of someone being healed after performing baptisms for the dead?
Gramps, I have been reading a book of Temple Manifestations. There is a section relating to baptism in the Temples. A phrase was used of baptism and confirmation for the healing of the sick. It describes how endowed members would go to the Temple and be "baptized and...
