
Was Jesus really a carpenter?
Question Gramps, Jesus is continually referred to as a "carpenter" (woodworker). However, I find no reference to the Savior actually working with wood. If anything, Christ was probably a mason, as nearly all of his references and parables seem to focus on...
How do I ask non member relatives for permission to do temple work?
Question Gramps, How do I ask my very staunch Catholic, born again Baptists, and non believer relatives for permission to do temple work? Can I take cousin Billy's name to the temple? Can I baptize your dead dad to be a Mormon? Your family needs to be...
Why aren’t we set apart as visiting teachers?
Question Hello there Gramps, I really enjoy your questions and answers. Thank you for all your shared wisdom. My question is regarding visiting teaching. I am wondering why we are not set apart and given a blessing for this important church calling? Thank...
Does baptism provide automatic forgiveness?
Question Dear Gramps, When a person is baptized, is God forced to forgive them of sins they have not repented of? Or does everyone come out of the font with just a few sins unforgiven? Is baptism truly a one-time blanket "get out of jail free" card? Or how...
Is the idea of Christ having nails driven through his wrists unique to the LDS Church?
Question Dear Gramps, While waiting in a hospital lobby today, I glanced through the March 2014 issue of "War Cry", a magazine published by The Salvation Army. The picture on the cover shows what appears to be Christ reaching out to a young woman. Christ's...
Why does the Church not have a standard procedure during the Sacrament for those with Celiac disease?
Question Gramps, I have Celiac disease and cannot eat regular Sacrament bread. At my ward I place my cracker in a pill bag and place on the appropriate tray prior to the Sacrament. Unaware to me, at my son's ward they have a special tray for the Celiacs. I...
Will I receive a greater blessing for enduring a specific trial?
Question Gramps, Do I get a greater blessing for successfully enduring a trial? For example I don't have a family. I was not blessed with children and my relatives are dead. I hear about how important family is. Will I get a greater blessing if I successfully...
Is it bad to read controversial LDS material?
Question Dear Gramps. I just recently re-joined Facebook and I have noticed a lot of topics that pop up on my time line that are somewhat negative about the gospel. I am so tempted to read up on what is happening in the Church and its disciplinary actions...
Should I make the Bishop aware of someone violating church standards?
Question Gramps, If someone I know is openly violating what our Church stands for, at what point do you decide to make the Bishop aware of the situation. I.e. Adultery, pornography, alcoholism. It bothers me to sit in Church with this person. Especially...
Why did Jesus need to be baptized?
Question Gramps, Some say that Jesus was baptized just to set an example for the rest of us. Others say that even though he was perfect it was still required of him to be baptized. Although it did set a great example, I can't understand why he actually needed...
Will the Priesthood save the Constitution or is it an urban legend?
Question Gramps, Is there a prophecy that the constitution would hang by a thread and then be saved by the church or priesthood? Richard Answer Dear Richard, There is such a prophecy. In a 1950 General Conference address, President Joseph...
What version accurately represents John’s record written on parchment?
Question Gramps, In response to Joseph and Oliver’s questioning about whether John the Beloved had died or not, Joseph translated in D&C 7 a "record made on parchment by John and hidden up by himself.” The original document and the Book of Commandments...
Is desire enough for baptism?
Question Gramps, I am unable to say, for sure, that I believe that the LDS Church is the true church of God or that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. But, I do believe that Jesus is the Christ, and I do want to be baptized. Is the desire to be baptized enough...
Was there same sex marriage during Noah’s time?
Question Hi Gramps, I've heard that in the time of Noah the term "giving in marriage" back then meant that there was same sex marriage occurring during that time. Is that true? I also heard that it was the final straw before God sent the flood. And since...
How should we handle hostility shown towards the LDS Church?
Question Gramps, Howdy! I've run across a few instances where people outside our faith have been offended of our view on other churches. They specifically reference 1 Nephi 14:10. What's the best way to handle that situation and possibly diffuse their...
Should we pay tithing on Social Security?
Question Gramps, My wife and I recently retired. We have begun receiving Social Security and Medicare. What do you advise regarding tithing? Jack Answer Jack, Tithing is an important commandment for several reasons. The obedience of the...
I get angry for no reason. What can I do?
Question Gramps, Sometimes I get mad for no reason. What should I do? Nathan Answer Hello Nathan, Anger is a natural emotion necessary to our individual progression toward becoming Godlike; however, anger is not an emotion that occurs without an...
Do we have all of the translations from the Book of Mormon?
Question Gramps, Do we have all the translations from the Book of Mormon or is there some missing or info we don't have? Kyle Answer Kyle, I am not sure what you meant by translation, but it is very clear from the records that there are some parts...
Can I receive my temple endowments at the age of 19?
Question Hello Gramps, I'd like to ask about the temple ordinance. I have heard that there have been recent changes about receiving temple endowments. I heard that I could get it sooner. I'm only 19, and probably not going on a mission or getting married soon....
Why aren’t the national anthems of all countries included in the hymnbook?
Question Gramps, Why is the US National Anthem included in the LDS hymnbook? Does it mean that the national anthems of other countries are less worthy (for want of a better word) to be included? Jose Answer Dear Jose, I had to do a little research...
How is dedicating a home done by a Priesthood holder?
Question Gramps, How is the performing of a dedication of a home by a Priesthood holder done? Does he have to raise his hand? Thanks. Luis Answer Dear Luis, I would follow the Church Handbook of Instructions on this one: 20.11 Dedicating Homes...
- Be courteous
- Be patient
- Before you ask Gramps, search the site for your answer
- Do some research
Read More