Thoughtful answers from Gramps

Thoughtful answers for everyday questions, curiosities, and challenges.

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Pre-Mortal Spirits

Pre-Mortal Spirits

How old is the pre-mortal spirit? I have the impression that we are about 2 1/2 billion years in the making. Leland ____________ Leland, When we contemplate the age of our spirits some of our leaders have postulated a similar age you have provided. Elder WW Phelps...

Anime and Nudity

Anime and Nudity

Gramps, I have a question regarding depictions of nudity in Japanese anime and a gospel perspective on it. I'm told in Japanese culture, that nudity in anime often signifies Japanese animesome supernatural happening or some other pseudoscientific event that signifies...

Earthbound Spirits

Earthbound Spirits

Two times now people have told me that earthbound spirits,family, etc. are attached to me, as to say living on me or in my energy. Don't all spirits go right to God? Have some goodly spirits remained here and attached and not crossed over the veil? Thank you. I am...

Hebrew and Greek Scholars

Hebrew and Greek Scholars

Are there any Hebrew and Biblical Greek Scholars in the Mormon church today? I know that Joseph Smith was really into studying Hebrew to get to know the Bible better. Sara ______________ Sara, You’ll be pleased to know that we’ve had several well-versed biblical...

Patriarchal Blessing Invalid?

Patriarchal Blessing Invalid?

When I got my patriarchal blessing several years ago, I was not worthy. I deliberately lied during the interview. I have since confessed and have been working to correct my behavior (struggles with pornography and masturbation) and have made some progress in the year...

Married wrong man?

Married wrong man?

Hi, I was very much in love with a non-member before I married my husband. This non-member was everything a Mormon man should be. My patriarchal blessing is unusually detailed about the person I should marry, even stating I would be in love with this man. I still...

What is God’s glory?

What is God’s glory?

Question   Gramps, What is God's "glory?" I don't mean metaphorically or allegorically. I've heard from many sources and over the years I've spent in seminary, church and a couple institute classes, I've come to think of God's "glory" being an energy that...

Privacy of one’s home

Privacy of one’s home

Is there a church policy that suggests or allows a Bishop or Stake President to require a member not to discuss faith/repentance/baptism with other members and non members in the privacy of their own home, even if that is all that is discussed? And if so why? P. Smith...

LDS Scriptures true or not?

LDS Scriptures true or not?

I was raised Protestant and have a Masters in Theology. That being said, it is hard for me to believe Joseph Smith's testimony. Can you suggest any books from a theologian's perspective or converts perspective?  Thank you. Tommy _____________ Tommy, It's not...

Serving Missions

Serving Missions

Gramps We were listening to NPR about Mormon Missions. A call came in from a caller from Utah that stated that missions are necessary for our young men to eventually go to the Celestial Kingdom.Is this true? Is this a requirement? Richard _____________ Richard,...

God Must Change?

God Must Change?

Gramps, This is my second time asking a question, the first was about blessing babies and whom we should address in the blessing prayer. You advised me to address Heavenly Father throug the entire blessing was the appropriate way. I have since blessed my 2 boys this...

When we die will our spirits all look alike?

When we die will our spirits all look alike?

Question   Gramps, Growing up, I was always amazed by a picture I saw in the Richland, WA Stakehouse. It showed Peter, James and John with their hands on the head of Joseph Smith. We all know the story but all of these persons looked identical. Does that mean as...

Is 666 the number or mark of the beast?

Is 666 the number or mark of the beast?

Question   Gramps, Why is 666 the number of the beast? Is it symbolic?  Is the mark simply the fact that these people worship Satan and, therefore, not an actual visible body marking, such as a tattoo or colored skin? Cam   Answer   Cam, I have...

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This website is not owned by or affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon or LDS Church). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. The views expressed by individual users are the responsibility of those users and do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. For the official Church websites, please visit churchofjesuschrist.org or comeuntochrist.org.

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