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...
What books can I have my wife read to prepare her to attend the temple?
Gramps, My wife and I have been married for 3 years. We have both been married before. I had a Temple Marriage but she has never been to the temple. She has been treated very poorly buy a couple of bishops in the past and has had a very difficult time getting over it....
How can my patriarchal blessing be fulfilled in having my children sealed to me if I have never remarried?
Dear Gramps, My patriarchal blessing promises me (depending upon my faithfulness and obedience of course) that my children will be sealed to me while I sojourn on this earth. I am 59 years old and a single parent. My children are grown and have testimonies, but both...
Why aren’t servicemembers given a copy of the Bible?
Gramps, I have 2 sons in the military service. They were given servicemen scriptures which contain Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. Why don't they also get the King James Bible? Linda, from Idaho Dear Linda, The bible is universally...
What does the term “natural man” mean?
[emailaddress] Hey Gramps, When the scriptures talk about the "natural man" are they referring to our human nature, as opposed to the divine nature that Peter talks about in 2 Peter 1:4? Thanks, Noah, from Utah Dear Noah, I guess it depends on what you mean by "human...
Why did David remain so loyal to Saul?
Dear Gramps, I am an institute student in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Yes, there really is a Kalamazoo š) and we have loved your insights and have watched and followed you closely in Mormon Town. (Did your mother tell you as mine did, that you are always being watched? š)...
Why did some of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon leave the church?
Question Gramps, I don't understand why some of the original witnesses (of the plates) of the Book of Mormon left the Church, but never recanted their testimony. If they saw the plates, and knew they were authentic, how could they leave? If this is too lengthy to...
How would you answer questions about changes to the Book of Mormon over the years?
Gramps, I know people who would like to trap LDS people by asking questions that they might not know the answers to. One man said he had an original Book of Mormon. He asked a sister if there had been any changes in the Book of Mormon over the years. She answered no,...
What is the final disposition of the original papyrus that the Book of Abraham was translated from?
Question Gramps, I seem to find myself in need of asking you another question. The thing is that I have been asked about the Book of Abraham. I felt as if I were a child for not knowing the answer. Would you happen to know the final dispensation of the original...
In Alma what is the meaning of the word anti?
Dear Gramps, In Alma 23:17, in the name Anti-Nephi-Lehi, what is the meaning of the word 'anti' here? Thank you very much, Senen, from the Philippines Dear Senen, No reference is given in the scriptures to the definition of the term Anti-Nephi-Lehi. However, we can...
Is Cain still on the earth somewhere?
]Dear Gramps, I seem to remember reading that Cain is still on the earth somewhere. If this is true what do we know about it and where can I find out more information. Thank you Sue, from Australia Dear Sue, WRONG!!! The only thing known about Cain and his descendants...
According to the Book of Mormon, when did the Lamanites skin turn a dark color?
Gramps, In 1 Nephi 12:23 it tells of the Lamanites becoming a dark ..... people. Is this when their skin is turned colors to resemble the American Indian? Are there other references to this occurrence? Also, was this after they destroyed the Nephites, or just prior...
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