Island of Tonga
Who were the first Mormons to step foot onto the island of Tonga? Thank you. Lava Dear Lava, On July 15, 1891 the first LDS missionaries, Brigham Smoot and Alva J. Butler arrived in Nuku'alofa. Due to political and religious circumstances the missionary efforts were...
What happened to the children of Hyrum and Jerusha Smith?
Question Gramps, I would like to know what happened to Hyrum's children by Jerusha. Mary Fielding was said to have taken them west, but I can't find any evidence of them on her trek west or when she arrived in the valley. Also when Joseph F. Smith left on his first...
Who were the giants in the Old Testament?
Question Gramps, I have always wondered what it means in the Old Testament when it says "there were giants on the earth." Who were these giants? Alverne Answer Dear Alverne, When it comes to the subject of giants in the Old Testament we have very...
Selection of earthly man to marry Mary and raise Jesus
I was recently teaching of the Divinity of Christ in a lesson, and was told by a young member that the priests in the temple threw down their rods to see if a branch sprouted to know who was to marry Mary. None of their branches sprouted, but Joseph who was not there...
Was it easier for Jesus to face His trials than it is for us?
Dear Gramps, When we came to earth, we went through a veil which made us completely forgot our pre-life in heaven. Thus, on earth we can only rely on Holy Ghost whispering for our testimony. However, Jesus' case might be a little bit different. I assume He knew and...
Who said that a bushel of wheat will have greater value than a bushel of gold?
Question Gramps, A quote often quoted is "A bushel of wheat will be greater in value than a bushel of gold." Was this really said and by whom? Joan Answer Dear Joan, This may answer your question. Brigham Young was quoted as saying this: “Were I...
How is it fair?
Question Gramps, I have a question I hope you can answer quickly concerning the sealing power that enables a wayward child to return to their parents so long as they repent and haven't committed the unpardonable sin. I am terminally ill and will soon leave...
Spiritual Gifts
Hi Mr. Gramps, I was wondering, my cousin and I have been extremely close since before he could talk. He's four years younger than I. Now, we are not allowed to speak to each other because of a family situation. I was wondering, whenever something is wrong with him, I...
Family Togetherness in Eternity
Hello Gramps, We are taught that as we live worthily we can live together as families in the Eternities. Obviously that cannot mean my little (nuclear) family as then I would not be with my parents nor my children with their children and so on. I have considered that...
Why is there a different organization than there was at the time of Christ?
Question Gramps, We have 15 prophets, seers, and revelators in the Church today (a First Presidency and the 12 Apostles). I do not see that a First Presidency existed in the time of Christ although we commonly accept Peter, James, and John were the acting...
Violins allowed on missions?
Hey Gramps, I am soon to receive my mission call but I was wondering about something. I have played the violin since I was a child, and to go two years without playing it would be a lot to ask of anyone who loves it like I do. I asked my bishop and he said it usually...
Electronic scriptures in the classroom
Dear Gramps, I teach the youth at seminary. Electronic Communication Devices are becoming a concern. Have the Brethren given any counsel on the uses of ECD in the classroom? I see them as a temptation to distract them rather than a blessing. What advice would I give...
Is the White Horse Prophecy true or false?
Question Gramps, Is the White Horse Prophecy a valid and true prophecy or is it false? John Answer Dear John, In short, it is false. There are many prophecies attributed to Joseph Smith that were written from memory, many after he was martyred. Most all of...
New Policy? If husband doesn’t pay tithing a wife can’t have a temple recommend?
Dear Gramps, Today my wife went to have her temple recommendation renewed and the counselor of the stake presidency ask her if I was paying tithing to whish she reply that yes. To this he replied that now is a new policy that if the head of the family is not paying...
Permission for sealing
Hi Gramps, Could you please tell me does my husbands ex wife need to give permission for he and I to be sealed in the temple? She is threatening this. She committed adultery on him as well. We know he needs a sealing clearance, but can she stop us from being sealed?...
Veil of forgetfulness
We know that a veil of forgetfulness is placed over us at the time of our birth. I'm wondering if the same happened to the Savior at his birth? Do we know if a veil was placed over his mind the same as ours? Grant Grant, Part of this answer is speculation and part may...
Naturally occuring caffeine
I have been reading a lot about the problems with energy drinks out there and the high amounts of caffeine in them. I drink a shake in the morning from a mix. The ingredients at the bottom say that this contains a natural caffeine. I called the company that makes this...
Blacks and the Priesthood
I was asked the question of why didn't all blacks get the priesthood. They said some did and referenced blacklds.org as their source. I reseached their site and yours as to verifiable sources. I found a talk by Marvin Perkins which references ordination dates and a...
Should politics ever be discussed in a Priesthood lesson?
Question Gramps, Thanks for your website. It is a valuable asset on the internet for LDS church members. I refer to it often and am impressed by your knowledge of the Gospel and your Spirituality. Yesterday in our priesthood quorum meeting, a brother gave the...
Mormons are Christians
I just read this question and answer: Are Mormons Christian? Yes, Latter-day Saints are indeed Christians. If this is true then it would hold that "Christians" are Mormons. Is this the case? Kevin Dear Kevin, If I were to tell you that siamese are cats... Would it...
Does Satan remember us?
Gramps, Does Satan remember us and/or did he retain any/all knowledge from the pre-existence? If so, is he able to use this knowledge to gain advantage in tempting us? I would also appreciate if you would reference any scripture or modern day revelation that answers...
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