Thoughtful answers from Gramps

Thoughtful answers for everyday questions, curiosities, and challenges.

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When did baptism among the Nephites begin?

When did baptism among the Nephites begin?

Question   Gramps, When did baptism among the Nephites begin? They were living by the law of Moses, but Alma baptized others before the death and resurrection of Christ. Karie   Answer   Karie, Imagine yourself in ancient Bountiful: Jesus Christ, now...

Does Satan have power over things on this earth?

Does Satan have power over things on this earth?

Question   Gramps. Does Satan have power over things on this Earth? Spencer   Answer   Spencer, When considering the power of Satan, it’s important that our understanding is based on scripture and prophetic teachings. According to The Church of Jesus...

What is the purpose of prayer?

What is the purpose of prayer?

Question   Gramps, What is the purpose of prayer?  Do we actually influence God's will and the eventual outcome of a situation, or is it more to align our will with His? Carolyn   Answer   Carolyn, Prayer is not a magic wand to bend God’s will to ours,...

Will animals be resurrected?

Will animals be resurrected?

Question   Gramps, We are taught that there will be no more death after the Savior comes again and that all will be resurrected.  Does that mean animals also? Barbara   Answer   Barbara, The question of animal resurrection begins with a more fundamental...

What does the arm raised to the square signify or mean?

What does the arm raised to the square signify or mean?

Question   Gramps, I noticed in THE CHOSEN that Jesus raised his arm to the square when commanding Lazareth to come from the tomb.  We use that in the temple.  What does the arm raised signify or mean? Dyan   Answer   Dyan, I had to take a look at that...

Does the Book of Mormon teach racism?

Does the Book of Mormon teach racism?

Question   Gramps, Why does the Book of Mormon seem to teach and even promote racism at times? Samuel   Answer   Samuel, One of the most frequently cited verses in any discussion of race in the Book of Mormon comes from the prophet Nephi. In a sweeping...

What is the history of baptism?

What is the history of baptism?

Question   Gramps, What is the history of baptism? Charles   Answer   Charles, Baptism, in Christ’s original Church, was not optional; it was never just a symbolic gesture to be performed after one felt emotionally converted. Instead, it was—in the...

What is the meaning of Anti-Nephi-Lehies?

What is the meaning of Anti-Nephi-Lehies?

Question   Gramps, What is the meaning of Anti-Nephi-Lehies? Why did they use the word anti?  Other references show Antichrist, which is the total opposite of what they meant. John   Answer   John, The term "Anti-Nephi-Lehi" is composed of three parts:...

Which of the 12 tribes do Blacks belong to?

Which of the 12 tribes do Blacks belong to?

  Question   Gramps, Which of the Twelve Tribes do black people belong to? Richard   Answer   Richard, Patriarchal lineage refers to the ancestral line through which blessings and responsibilities are passed down in the context of the Church....

Did Spencer W. Kimball say the earth is female?

Did Spencer W. Kimball say the earth is female?

Question   Gramps, I remember reading that someone (I believe it was Spencer W Kimball) said that the earth is female, but I cannot find anything about that now. Vicki   Answer   Dear Vicki, While I don't know what source you're referring to, it's...

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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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