Thoughtful answers from Gramps

Thoughtful answers for everyday questions, curiosities, and challenges.

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Jesus’ real name

Jesus’ real name

What was Jesus' real name in his aramaic language? Thank you. Dave _____________ Dave, As far as we can tell, Jesus’ name in the Aramaic of his day was Yeshua, which corresponds to the Joshua of the Old Testament (Yĕhowshuwa`). An indication that we’re on the right...

The spirits who followed Satan

The spirits who followed Satan

Will the spirits who followed Satan in the pre-exostance ever be given the chance to partake of the blessings of the Atonement. To repent and receive bodies? Karen ___________ Dear Karen, To the best of my knowledge and understanding the answer is they already had...

Nephi’s baptism

Nephi’s baptism

If Jesus had already ascended to heaven, who baptized Nephi? 3rd Nephi, Chapter 19, verse 11. Joan ___________ Joan, The scriptures don't say who baptized Nephi in 3rd Nephi. What they do say, is that all 12 of the disciples were given the authority to baptize (3...

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Dear Gramps, I have obsessive–compulsive disorder(OCD). Sometimes I'm able to control it and sometimes I can't. It gets to the point that I think it's the Spirit telling me to do something when it can actually be my mind. For example, I have to go back to my car to...

Falling away

Falling away

Why so often when members fall away do they become so bitter and seek to destroy others' faith in the church. It is as though they become a different person with completely different values. It breaks my heart. Julie ___________ Julie, To answer this as I think you...

Missionary Work

Missionary Work

Should all church members proselyte? Doris ___________ Doris, For several years we have been told "every member a missionary". What I take from this is that we are all expected to have the spirit of missionary work within us, but we are not expected to go door-to-door...

White Stone

White Stone

After reading Rev. 2:17 and comparing it with D&C 130:10-11, then the new name which is found "inside" the mind of temple members and also the new name which is found in the white stone, then the white stone and temple goers who are also dressed in white are...

Was Jesus Christ both human and divine?

Was Jesus Christ both human and divine?

Question   Gramps, While Jesus was living on earth, was he both human and divine or did he set aside his divinity when he was born of Mary? Virginia   Answer   Virginia, When topics like this come up, I usually try to find out exactly what is meant by...

Is evil eternal?

Is evil eternal?

Question   Gramps, Will Satan who represents evil be bound forever for all of Heavenly Father's children and all earths? Will this struggle be an eternal one for all worlds as they are created and populated with mankind? My son asked me this question and I wasn't...

Will the prophet in the last days be named David?

Will the prophet in the last days be named David?

Question   Gramps, Is this a Wasatch front myth? It seems that I was taught that the name of the Church prophet at the time the Savior comes will be David. So, of course, I'm looking at David A. Bednar wondering. Jan   Answer   Jan, The closest quote I...

I offended someone

I offended someone

Dear Gramps, A few years ago I made a big mistake, not chastity related, one which gave someone cause to resent me greatly and to decide to stop going to church. I am currently in the process of being counseled by a priesthood leader in my ward about the mistake that...

Dress Code for the Chapel

Dress Code for the Chapel

I am the Primary president and we are going to have a practice for the children's program in the chapel. Do they need to wear Sunday dress or not? We will be eating afterwards in the gym. Vicky _____________ Vicky, I would think Sunday dress would be appropriate for a...

Spirit talking or fear?

Spirit talking or fear?

Lately I've had doubts about a decision my husband and I made a few years ago to prevent any more pregnancies. Each of my 6 pregnancies have gotten worse with the last one nearly taking my life and the life of our son. My husband and I decided for me to get a tubal,...

Personality disorders

I have been professionally diagnosed with Schizoid Personality Disorder. The disorder has made it almost impossible to live a full, happy life. Due to my inability to connect with others, I have been unable to fulfill my church responsibilities as expected. This...

How much should I tell my Bishop?

How much should I tell my Bishop?

I've self-harmed, attempted suicide, denied Christ, had more than one sexual relationship with guys I had no feelings for, allowed another girl to kiss me, been involved with drugs and alcohol, as well as several other things that I know are against the church. I know...

The Flood

The Flood

Is there a specific date for the time of the flood? Dave _______________ Dave, Here is an interesting article on the Church web site about the flood and tower of Babel: The Flood and the Tower of Babel - Ensign Jan. 1998 - ensign The article is by Donald W. Parry, and...

Is the washing of feet an ordinance?

Is the washing of feet an ordinance?

Question   Gramps, I just read your response to someone's question about the significance of the washing of feet. You didn't say much about it being an ordinance. In James E.Talmage's book "Jesus The Christ," he calls it an ordinance. In Joseph Smith's journals...

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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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