Spirit World and Millenial Progression

Q.

Virtually all spirit children will be born and die without knowing the gospel (99.99%) Why do you think that is part of the plan? Virtually everyone will learn of the gospel in the Spirit World and be judged at that time. How is that different from the final judgement? Does that infer that progression or regression happens during the Millenium? At what point does progression stop? And if so, is it our Father's will or our decision to reject him? Just a few questions that I am grappling with at this time.

A.

Unfortunately almost no one is interested in following Heavenly Father to perfection. Judgement is a constant action.

As to the Millenium, progress stops when we stop it, having decided we have learnt what we need to know.

All Saved?

Q.


Both the King Follet Discourse and D&C 76 say that salvation is for everyone except perdition.
And Joseph Smith says that to be saved is to be placed beyond the reach of ALL enemies, including death.
Therefore, ALL save perdition will be exalted.


A.

Exultaion and salvation aren't the same thing. By Christ's resurrecton we are all saved from death except the Sons of Perdition.

To recieve exultation requires full repentance and a change of person to become like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ..

Your quote of exultation isn't possible as they don't have the heart. Can you imagine Telestialites spending their eternities in the service of billions of children?

Members Marrying Non-members

Q.

I was wondering if the LDS church recognizes a marriage if one of the married members is not of the church?

A.

The answer to the question is a simple, no.

This may seem like a radical hard line to those who are unfamiliar with our doctrine. However by examining marriage and its purpose it all becomes clear.

While still in their perfect form Adam and Eve were put together and instructed to have children.

"And God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
Genesis 1:28

So God has instructed that married people are to have children. He has given this as an original purpose.

Today we live at a time when almost no one knows what marriage is actually about. I was brought up in Protestantism with the understanding that getting married was just the way you did things.

Even atheists occassionally decide it seems a good idea eventually.

To the Catholic / Protestant marriage is a sex license allowing them to be alright with God.

But what is the purpose of marriage?

To have children and raise them in a guaranteed environment with a set of balanced parents. No homosexual marriages or divorce.

We believe that people are put together, through marriage, and stay that way for all eternity. Only some church members understand this family of eternity and the idea that couples are to spend eternity having children. This service requires great love. Non-members aren't creating that deep a relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Even very few members are.

Yet to create such a relationship requires a united direction. Therefore those people with that vision in their hearts need to marry each other.

Husbands, Wives and Children being Naked / Nude

Q.


My wife and her brother got into a rather heated debate about the definition of modesty. My brother in law is a member of your church but my wife is not. He feels that modesty basically means nudity is a sin unless you are married. Even between married people, he feels he should "try to wear his garments whenever possible." We understand a little bit about the covenant a member makes but it seems extreme in our view.

He, for instance, is always fully clothed around his own children who are 6 and 4 (boy and girl). In our family, my wife doesn't parade around in front of our boys (also 6 and 4) but if they happen to walk into our room and she is naked, she doesn't freak out.

Do LDS people really feel modesty means being fully clothed around everyone at all times?


A.

This is a rather individual matter. Also it, to some extent, can depends on the view of society at large.

After Jesus had died his disciples went fishing. We read the following _

"Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat onto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea." John 21:7

So it would seem that there was a sense of feeling able to be naked when away from the crowds fishing, but a need to dress otherwise, in their culture. Also it is interesting to note that he felt a need to get dressed knowing it was the Lord. What does that suggest?

Today we live at a time when you can go down to the beach and see people with almost nothing on. But if those people walk into town that way they will be quickly told to get dressed. I strongly oppose such dress (or lack thereof).

I will go to the beach and there get dressed in only my shorts style of bathers that go most of the way down to the knees. Yet otherwise I dress from the neck down. I don't feel totally wrong in taking off my top to sunbath for health reasons, at home, if I feel no one will be offended or have wrong ideas in regards to it. But this is an extreme rarity.

I oppose showing of cleavage by women. I find that irresponsible. It sometimes encourages the wrong feelings in men; and women deep down know this. Though they will deny it fervently, even to themselves.

As to your children, you need to set a good example. "Train up a child in the way he should go and he will not depart from it." Prov 22:6 So think deeply about how you want your children to handle sex. If it is loosely then don't complain when you have to live with the results.

I don't believe it is good to "freak out" if your children accidently walk in and you are naked. How you take the situation reflects on how they are likely to take it. However it is wise to save the day by telling the child to leave the room or putting clothes on immediately.

I notice with General authorities of the church that their wives are always fully covered to the knees at least.

As to husbands and wives alone, it is left to the individual to search for spiritual wisdom. But I personally hold to what your brother-in-law has said.

How Come Some People get More Blessings?

Q.


How come selfish, rude, disobedient, and generally just people who live very far beneath their privelages seem to be recipients of the wonderful blessings like marriage, family, vocational success, athletic ability etc. and others who try the hardest they possibly can to keep their covenants, repent and become better daily, and love/live as best they can are denied such?

A.

People get out of things what they put into them. Just because a person is married doesn't mean that they are happily married. It can be all show. If they are selfish then they won't be happy. They will always want what they think they don't have.

Rude people don't get people's respect.

You have quoted this type of person as being both disobedient and yet just. They can't be both. They can be disobedient sometimes and obedient the other. But this doesn't work very well. As Christ stated, you can't serve two masters. And they cannot be stated to be just.

Vocational and athletic success are just outward things. The person who is sick has more chance of learning charity and patience. But not everyone needs to learn those abilities to that degree. We hardly spend any time here on the earth. So it is just a very fleeting thing. Hardly worth talking about. When you are sick you certainly do feel the pinch. And I empathise with that thought. But I know that we just move on soon.

Don't feel denied just because everything doesn't flow in rosy manner. These things assist us in learning to gain the attributes we need to adopt to become like our heavenly parents. Thank God for the opportunity.

Can We Drink Herbal Tea?

Q.

I am confused about the use of Green Tea for health benefits. I thought Green Tea was an Herbal Tea and was O.K. to use and not prohibited by the Word of Wisdom?
Are all teas prohibited by the Word of Wisdom?

A.

The section on the Word of Wisdom would be the most widely interpreted section or book of the Scriptures. It's not just the section's wording, but there's the situation that parts of it have since been declared as being commandments, due to members not following it. So how much should we follow the other advice?

This section also brings out the question of how we interpret God's intension in giving each part. This is vital if we wish to follow God in some meaningful way. The church has just made this into a commandment that forbids smoking, alcohol, tanin tea and coffee. All the rest is still left for each person to work out with God. Anyone giving you commandments beyond what the church has said officially is only giving you ideas in their heads that may be right or wrong in application.

However, having said that, there is still the question of your health - the purpose for which God gave it in the first place.

The apostle George Q. Cannon said in early days of the church that even hot soup was to be avoided. He also mentioned not eating pig. Believe it or not the Word of Wisdom tells people that, along with certain other meats, in a subtle way.

We put hot soup or drinks in our mouths and feel them as hot. Then we swallow them and think that because we have no sensation of them being hot while travelling down to the stomach that they are fine. But the reason is that we don't have an ability to feel them as they are going down. In other words the problems are still happening with this hot substance.

The solution is to not drink any substance that you can't put your finger in and be able to leave it there. If you can do this with your herbal tea it is fine.

Some may then pose, "then can we drink lukewarm tanic tea and coffed"? These suffer other reasons of a health nature to not use them. Tanic tea creates an instant "up" that within about 20 minites will drag your system "down". Coffee does the same. Both are also addictive.

There is talk in the church of chocolate being related to coffee. Coffee comes from the coffee bean. Chocolate comes from the Cocoa bean. The only caffeine in chocolate is that which is present when you roast any bean or grain.

I occassionly drink green tea myself. But I've left it to cool or put cold water in it to bring it to a good temperature.

Answer to Question

Q.

Since we have heavenly father, do we also have heavenly mother?

A.

Yes. Is the answer. You haven't asked for any more of an explanation. If you wish one you need to be more specific in your question and explain from what viewpoint I should answer.

Why do Jesus Christ and Jehovah Act Differently?

Q.

I look at Numbers 15: 32-36 where a man is put to death for gathering sticks on Sabbath and compare that to the Savior and disciples gather corn on the Sabbath; In Ezekiel 24 where the Lord kills Ezekiel's wife and compare that to the acts of compassion Christ showed, in 2Kings 2:23-24 where little children were poking fun at Elisha. He cursed them in the name of the Lord and 2 she bears came and tore 42 little chldren to pieces...
I can come to only one conclusion: Jehovah is NOT the Savior. Christ is I AM. Jehovah is a vicious,cruel being. There is much more evidence to support this claim throughout both the old and new testament.

A.

I agree with you that there is a vast difference between how Jehovah presents himself in the Old and New Testaments. I have no problem with you on that one. However your conclusion has missed the facts. When Moses led the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt he was getting a very hardhearted people. They could have seen miracles day after day and still not have been converted. Some few were, but not the majority. Moses went up the mountain and got the gospel written in stone for them to follow (as Moses insisted to God that they would follow them, even though God said otherwise). When Moses came down from the mountain he found them already worshipping idols. Upon seeing that God was right Moses broke the tablets, and went up and got rigid rules made by a concept of a tyrannical and schizophrenic God with a bad case of multiple personality disorder.

Heavenly Father has billions of spirits to bring down to earth. He has to decide where he can produce the best results for what he has to work with. At the time of Moses it was mainly the hardhearted that he decided to put down together. From there he mostly brought down the same type of spirits. But at the time of Christ he had previously decided to bring down some really good spirits. The same opposite applies to the dark ages VS. those in the church today. These are opposite types of spirits. So they get opposite types of law if the latter will listen to the Holy Ghost. You must keep in mind this problem that Heavenly Father has when you read the Scriptures. I can testify to you that both Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have a love in them for every one of us that is far beyond comprehension. It has to be experienced to believe and understand.

We all die at some point. That is inevitable. People die every day. Is this because God is cruel? No. Death is an eternal result of sin for a person with a fallen body. Heavenly Father has it set that each person has done as best they are going to do with a physical body. It is time for them to pass on to the spirit world and learn further there.

So keeping these facts in mind let's look at the texts you present _

In regard Numbers 15:32-36 and the disciples gathering corn; You should carefully and prayerfully read the message Christ was delivering in Matt 5:27-48. Actually read what it says, not what you think it must mean. Take it all on face value. I am forbidden by the Spirit to answer any further on that subject (and have been for decades).

As to the statement that Ezekiel's wife died at that particular time. Two things come to mind. 1. This was quite likely symbolic, not a real death. 2. IF that is not the case, then God knew that it was her time for reasons neither you nor I could possibly know without knowing his wife and all her circumstances. Everybody dies at some point. He would have just made sure that was the time for her.

I remember an incident when my deceased wife and I were going through a very bad time in our marriage. I pleaded with God to soften her heart. He asked what I had in mind. I said, "anything". Jesus asked, "anything"? I replied, "yes, anything". He said, "are you sure, anything"? I said, "yes". The next morning the phone rang. The Holy Ghost told me that it was my wife's sister on the phone ringing to tell her that her mother had died. This still didn't soften my wife's heart. Jesus said to me, "what more could I have done"? While he had arranged for this to happen at this time he had it in mind when she was born.

Jesus made sure that it was her time to go. This is not the only such experience I've had. Jesus made someone else die when I needed it. Yet he knew to make sure that it was her time also. Heavenly Father had these things planned before we were born.

In regard Elijah. By making light of God's servant it reflected on Israel's perception of how they should think of God and so his commandments. These were a hardhearted people who burnt their firstborn children to Baal. You think killing 42 was heavy? These people were murdering millions. And what would have been your choice between the two? I'd suggest you have some conversations with Heavenly Father and find out just how he feels about what his children are doing to each other. Because you have completely missed where he and Jehovah are at.

Let me remind you of an incident done by one of Christ's apostles _

"And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter asked her, Tell me whether you sold the land for so much? And she said, Yes, for so much. Then Peter said to her, How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? look, the feet of them which have buried your husband are at the door, and shall carry you out. Then fell she down straight away at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband." Acts 5:7-10

Here we have one of Christ's apostles bringing about a death. God knows that if people triffle with him and his commandments then all hell will break loose instead. Look at the evil the Nephites brought on themselves by not following God. The destruction of an entire people. Look at all the evil man brings upon himself by his evil acts.

Jesus Christ is the Jehovah of the Old Testament _ Both are referred to in the Bible as "Savior", "Redeemer", "Holy One of Israel", "Judge", John the forerunner to, "Creator" and "Alpha and Omega".

Did God Really Command Israel to Sacrifice Their Children?

Q.

Considering how much the Savior loves little children, (Matthew 18:6) why would Jehovah make Israel sacrifice their firstborn children by fire (Ezekiel 20: 24-26) to punish the parents for disbelief?
This also seems contrary to the 2nd Article of Faith: "We believe men will be punished for their own sins...
Surely sacrificing their firstborn was a heartbreaking punishment to the parents, but what about the innocent children?

A.

Yes, it doesn't sound right in the way it is written. But reading further verses in the chapter make his meaning more clear. Let's look at what it says in regard Israel in the verses you've quoted _

"Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols. Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live; And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that opened the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am the Lord." Ezekiel 20:24-26

This makes it sound like it is the Lord's idea. He is putting himself over as the harsh God of the Old Testament. Yet just on from here the facts come out.

"Wherefore say to the house of Israel, This says the Lord God; Are you polluted after the manner of your fathers? and you commit  whoredom after their abominations? For when you offer your gifts, when you make your sons to pass through the fire, you pollute yourselves with all your idols, even to this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, says the Lord God, I will not be enquired of by you." Ezekiel 20:30-31

Note here he is saying they aren't listening to him. It is they that are causing their children to pass through the fires to Molech. Note what God says in regard this in Jeremiah _

"And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire to Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin." Jeremiah 32:35

So God didn't command them to do this abomination, nor did it come into his mind to do so. This is something they chose to do. The reference you have quoted is a bit sloppy in its wording, as even the same chapter demonstrates.

I should also mention that Matthew 18:6 is not referring to children. It is referring to people who have chosen to follow him as little children inside. Note it states "which believe in me". This requires the person to be old enough to believe in Christ. In other words they have to be at least of baptismal age. He used the children in a symbolic way.

Does Every Planet Have a Spirit?

Does every planet have a spirit? If so, what happened to the spirits of those planets who have passed away (Moses 1: 35)?

A.

Eternal laws are unchangeable. No being invented them or can uninvent them. Thus if one planet has a spirit, logic would suggest they all do. However no one has declared having a revelation that this is so, that I'm aware of.

In regard the verse in Moses we need to look at it to consider what it is saying _

"But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants of it, I give to you. For look, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power. And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they to man; but all things are numbered to me, for they are mine and I know them." Moses 1:35

Your concern is in regard the statement that the planets have "passed away". But this doesn't state that they weren't resurrected. Let us look down further at verse 38 concerning inhabited planets _

"And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens of it even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my words." Moses 1:38

We see God using the same term here of passing away in regard earths. He has talked of these being inhabited. So his term of passing away is obviously his way of saying that the planet has fulfilled its time as a place for people to come down and chose their course. These planets would have been resurrected also.

Again we see in Alma _

"Now they understood not the words which they spake; for they knew not that the earth should pass away." Alma 9:3

This is speaking of our planet that will be resurrected so that the meek shall inherit the earth.

Is Divorce a Good Option in my Case?

Q.

I have been married for 20 years to my husband. We were sealed in the Temple 14 years ago. Over the past 5 or so years, my husband has slowly became less active. He tells me that he still has a strong testimony of the Gospel but feels the members are very judgmental.
My husband has pierced his ears and body recently. I am really struggling with this. We have teenage children and I feel this is sending a negative message to them. My children are not aware of his body piercings, but obviously see the 2 earrings in each ear.
My question is this... My husband told me today that he likes lip piercings. I do not agree with the piercings, I do not like the piercings, and feel like everyone is judging our family as well as my husband. When I told him how I felt he told me that I am trying to force him to be what I want him to be instead of what he wants to be. I am considering leaving my husband because I feel that we are heading in different directions with our lives. Am I wrong to be this upset over piercings?

A.

I think we have to look first at what he is feeling. People wanting to do things that make them look unusual are searching for an identity. He doesn't feel like he has an important role in society or your family life. He also would have the feeling that his opinions aren't listened to in church. When people start to get on they begin to look at their lives and wonder just who they are.

I don't know enough of your family situation and his job and calling situation to give absolute advice. However don't nag him about the piercings, as this will only further make him feel he has no role as decision maker in the home. He needs to feel your appreciation toward him. But you'll have to feel it if you want to be successful. Think of all his good points and the help he has been to you over the years.

Divorce is an ugly word, and it will pass down to your children the attitude that they can just leave a relationship when they aren't completely satisfied. The eternal family concept will fade in their minds.

As to members being judgmental at times, we all know that. Look at the Jews at the time of Christ. He got crucified. I'm sure your ward isn't that bad. I have spent years in Protestant churches, scouting, ambulance services, YMCA and business and other organisations. The church is better than any of those. It has to be remembered that the church is like a big family. And families can be got at by Satan to find fault with one another - As you mention with the piercings. There's a tendency for self-justification among all people. You have to remember that out of hundreds of members in your ward you obviously are going to get someone's back up. In fact I've seen it even in small branches. It is sad that this exists. Yet you need to help him understand that the answer isn't to run away, but to be an example of not joining in such squabbles. They need his help. As he hopes to one day be as Heavenly Father he needs to know how to deal with these problems.

I agree with you about the piercings. But while there is some vanity in this, it isn't something to divorce him over. Give him time.

I'd also suggest that you start asking him church centered questions. This will demonstrate that you value his religious opinion. Also increasing family times together would be good for him to feel his role as a Dad. Getting him to give your family religious instruction would be a good idea to keep his mind on the spiritual along with him feeling his role. Try to make a God out of the man you've got and even if he doesn't get there you will improve yourself.

Hang in there, is my advice.

What do Those in the Spirit World Do?

Q.

I just attended a friends funeral yesterday. She was of another Christian denomination and they made mention that we need not be sad because she is singing and dancing with Christ now. I began to wonder if this is what most Christians expect when they die? That Christ will be there to receive them.
Can you go into detail of what people do in the spirit world? Perhaps some of the differences for baptized individuals and non baptized persons.
Of all the billions that have been on this earth are they all still here waiting for Christ again? Perhaps Christ visits the spirit world still?
Thank You.

A.

The Protestant version of what you will be doing in heaven isn't exactly explained. There is the old version of lying down and eating grapes and playing harps. But different people have different thoughts on that. One religion believes we would spend eternity gardening - Alright if you enjoy gardening. Otherwise, too bad.

As to what people do in the spirit world; that is up to them. You can do whatever you wish; remembering that you only can control spirit matter with a spirit body mostly. You would remain upon the earth: This is where the work is for those wanting to help others. Preaching the gospel to other spirits is the greatest service a person can do in the spirit world. The ones I have seen, stand around talking or just hanging with a group. This creates opportunity for those wanting to discuss the gospel with someone interested.

There are those that still hang around friends or family, still living, that they have lived with and have a love for. They will sit and watch TV from their favorite chair, if that is vacated.

Differences for baptised and non-baptised individuals is the same as right here, as that is something that happens inside you. If you have been baptised of heart then you have the full joy of Christ dwelling in you all the time. The greater your commitment to the covenant of baptism the greater and permanent your joy. This goes with you into the spirit world. Your inner hell also goes with you if you haven't truly repented of all your sins. You will suffer until the full price is paid.

Everybody is waiting for their resurrection. Only the Terrestials and Celestials will be raised around the time of Christ's second coming. The others have to wait until sometime after the millennium. Some few have been raised since the resurrection of Christ. True joy comes from service, so the Celestials will help serve the Terrestials and the Terrestials will help serve the Telestials.

Christ or Heavenly Father can visit you at any time here, and this won't change by your physical passing.

Was the Earth made of Bits From Other Planets?

Q.

I can see where you are coming from and I agree with your response there are just a few things that I would like addressed as I believe they also pertain to the subject.
Several GAs are known to have said that the earth was in fact created from materials used to build other planets, giving credence to the truth that all matter cannot be created or destroyed only organized. So thus the earth could in fact be many billions of years old or perhaps even longer, who knows.
Most proponents of the genesis creation would argue that the earth is in fact approximately 6000 year old, which theory would appear to contradict modern science's belief in decay rates, carbon dating, and other forms of discovering just how old something is.
Thus it is natural for such individuals who's belief seems to have such a contradiction, to assume that Adam and Eve in fact existed in the garden for an incredibly long time in order to conform better with science's claims and the idea that the earth was only created in 6 days, with man being created on the 6th.
However even this would be fruitless even if one were to assume that days really referred to 1000 years, meaning the earth could then only be 12000 years old unless Adam and Eve dwelled in the garden or somehow kept in stasis for billions of years which would be quite unlikely or preposterous.
My question then is thus: Could the earth having already been used as material for other earths or just organized material that had existed for who knows how long before it became part of the earth if we tried to measure it based on our rather weak concept of time could then render the earth to actually be billions of years old as science claims?
Personally I think science really can't do what it says it can, as it so often is, but I would like your ideas on the subject if you have any.

A.
The Wikipedia claims the following in regard dinosaurs _

"They first appeared during the Triassic period, approximately 230 million years ago, and were the dominant terrestrial vertebrates for 135 million years, from the beginning of the Jurassic (about 200 million years ago) until the end of the Cretaceous (66 million years ago)."

We, as Latter-Day Saints, know that all animals and life-forms (other than microscopic things) have a resurrection. That means we know that there was no dinosaurs from other planets upon this one: They would have all been resurrected. This means we know that there were no dead dinosaurs upon this planet even 6000 years ago. Yet they make these ridiculous and unscientifically supported claims of bones they've dated at millions of years old.

The theory that some GAs have presented that the earth must have been made from bits left over from other planets, seems an unsubstantiated guess. This is said also to somehow try and make an unholy alliance with the religion of "theory science" (the largest religion, by far, upon the earth). But 3 things oppose this idea.

One is that we know that this earth will be resurrected and become the Celestial Kingdom. And we speculate that therefore other planets will require resurrection for there to be other kingdoms. This demonstrates that planets get resurrected at the end. Meaning that no parts could have come from other planets. It would be unfair of God not to resurrect other planets. If their parts are in this earth then these other planets could have no resurrection of their body.

The second is that we'd have to chase way over to where the previous planetary system was to get these bits. And then drag them all the way back in large chunks. It would be far simpler and faster to just organise matter where we were.

Thirdly there is the demonstrated problems of these dating methods. Let me give you some examples _

I watched a program on TV that was discussing several skulls that had been found.

One of the dogmas of theory science is the idea that the size of that power supply in our head called a "brain" has some relevance to our intelligence (relative to our body size). Therefore they need to prove that where there is more size for a brain to exist in a skull the greater the intelligence of the being must be. This created a problem in that they had a skull dated at being millions of years older which had greater room in the skull - a terribly inconvenient problem for them. But, hey, they didn't let that stop them. They went all around the world and finally found a method that came up with a date that made the one with less space to be millions of years earlier. Scientific????

A skull was found in Australia of what they claimed had to be the forefathers of the current Australian aborigine. It was carbon dated as being 2,500 years old. But that wasn't appropriate because the aborigines can't have changed that much in such a small time (they had to prove the aborigines were the original inhabitants). So they declared that the date must be wrong because there was lime in the soil. Then they set off and tested varying systems of dating all over the world. They came out as being all under 10,000 years old (they even admit to this, what is more), in fact most were in the small numbers of thousands. Until finally, in the UK, they found one that gave the date they wanted (60,000 years old). Amazing this science!

Archaeologists discovered that the Persian Gulf had been going out for the last 2,000 years, by evidence of fishing villages being further back. Yet the geologists discovered that the Persian Gulf had been going in for the last 2,000 years. Of course upon discovering this discrepancy between the priests of theory science they formed a united front - a bit meaningless after the event.

My science book at school showed a picture of a supposed "New Stone Age" building. However they have since found a more modern town underneath. Oh, dear!

In high school my science teacher informed us that scientists said the rings around Saturn were definitely continuous in substance and of a liquid nature. However upon sending a probe past we found that they are formed of rocks and are separate from each other. None out of two! Tsk, tsk, tsk.

I remember watching a special on TV that talked of the supposed "Ice Age." They showed 3 areas in the world that demonstrated this substance in the layers, that they claimed to be evidence of this supposed age. Then, ON THE SAME PROGRAM, further along on a different subject, they showed layers over the same period in two other places. And guess what? NO Ice Age layers! Let me guess, they just didn't happen to notice that.

A Roman style sword was found, in Britain, that they figured would have been made in around 650 AD. They took it to be carbon dated. It was dated at 1380 AD! So much for carbon dating (again). But, hey, they didn't let that upset them, they took some wood samples from the rings of a tree in the area. They concluded 100 years for each ring and "recalibrated" their machine. After sufficient additional recalibration it then came to a date of 670 AD! Now that is better. Perhaps they should have just got one of their wives to date it at 650 AD and saved the money.

Then there was the most incredible one that I think even beats these. There was this scientist looking at old cave paintings in France. He noted that the people had obviously put paint in their mouths and blown it onto the wall with their hand in front, making a hand outline. He noted that this also happened in Japan. He then informed us that as the paintings in Japan were dated earlier than this it proved that the French were really from Japan originally. Having this great revelation of scientific logic I then thought upon the paintings that my children have done around their hands. And realising that the children in Japan had done the same thing many years before, I came to the great discovery that this proves we actually came from Japan too! Science????

If you need more examples (of which they seem endless) just watch any of the science programs on TV and think through what they are trying to get you to conclude. One trade mark of these shows is that they will start off saying, "this could have happened." And after saying that 2 or 3 times it goes to, "then when this happened." They've sucked the viewer in.

These "theory scientists" should stick to the truly provable areas of science and do something useful with their lives.

So all this leaves us with the knowledge that trying to mix the religion of "theory science" with God's religion is a futile gesture. Trust God, he was there.

Milky Way the Celestial Kingdom?

Q.

I don't know if you have read a book entitled The Kolob Theorem by Lynn M. Hilton. It proposes that God lives in the center of the Milky Way (that's the celestial kingdom) and that regions surrounding it are the terrestrial and telestial kingdom. And that the others galaxies follow this same pattern having their Gods in the centers. What do you think about all of this?

A.

This concept can be viewed by reading it at the following address _

http://www.ancientamerica.org/library/media/HTML/bkunbohc/Kolob%20Theorem%20Concepts.htm?n=0

The theory itself has no Scriptural backing, which means it can only be considered as wild conjecture. Unless a person receives personal revelation on such a subject or has some other evidence for such speculation I can't consider it as fact.

The Scriptural texts that have been quoted, while not opposing the idea, don't support the idea that it must be the milky way. Generally when people make such wild theories they are miles/kilometres from the truth.

Christ said, "worlds without number have I created." Then he said that people were on them. So that was just the ones that one son of Heavenly Father has created. Do you sense that one milky way just wouldn't hold all that God is doing?

Yes, Even More on Parents and Sealings.

Q.

The following is more a comment than a question, but I will answer it also _

This quote they are referring to is in regards to posterity. It is not to say that they can come into the CK in their sins but that it is a promise that they will come back, whether in this life or in the next....they will come back and it will be a thorny path and they will repent but through your faith they will come back...TPJS "Hope on, trust on, till you see the salvation of God"

A.

I only intend to answer this once more. You have not dealt with the objections that I presented to the idea. Answer these or I will not publish any further comment you choose to make on this subject.

Adam was the great archangel Michael in the pre-existence. Surely then his children will all be eventually saved into the Celestial Kingdom if we are to take these statements as absolutes.

In regard Cain the Lord said,

"If you do well, you shall be accepted. And if you do not well sin lies at the door, and Satan desires to have you; and except you shall listen to my commandments, I will deliver you up, and it shall be to you according to his desire. And you shall rule over him; For  from this time forward you shall be the father of his lies; you shall be called Perdition; for you were also before the world." Moses 5:23-24

Should we regard that such will be in the Celestial kingdom afterward: That the tentacles have reached out to save Cain? Will Cain repent? Of course not.

What of Lehi and Sariah with Laman and Lemuel? Are we to believe that we will be with Laman and Lemuel in the Celestial kingdom, repentance or no repentance? They will not become different people in the eternities. They have set their course as surely as Cain.

Or can a person commit the unpardonable sin and then be saved into the Celestial Kingdom because his father and mother were good people?

I suggest you stick to Scripture. And this idea is not only not supported in Scripture, it’s opposed irrefutably.

Could the Holy Ghost be Heavenly Mother?

Q.

How do you feel about the potential of the holy spirit being Heavenly Mother?

A.

Heavenly Mothers have resurrected bodies. D&C 130:22 tells us, "...the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us." Thus it requires someone who has no physical body. Which rules out Heavenly Mothers.

Secondly I have seen the Holy Ghost come out of me on a couple of occassions, and he is male.

Was Melchizedek Born on Earth?

Q.

Was Melchizedek a being from another "world" brought here to deliver the keys to the priesthood?

A.

Abraham lived at the time of Melchizedek. Abraham chapter 1 tells us that he (Abraham) received his priesthood through the fathers; back to Adam. So the priesthood was already upon the earth and didn't require a person from another planet. Priesthood can't be passed on without the appropriate keys to know how and when to use the priesthood. So the keys were here also.

Earth's Age Before the Fall

Q.

My question is pertaining to the age of the earth..I understand and agree that 1,000 years in earth time is 1 day in Gods time. I am wondering, post creation, how much time Adam and Eve spent in the garden before the recording of time again. Adam, to my knowledge, did not age in Eden so is it feasible to say that there is potential for the earth to have aged a bit before recorded time began again post fall?

A.

From things we have been informed of by past modern-day prophets and the statements of the Bible and Pearl of Great Price we come to discover that Adam and Eve were born as babies.

They were brought up to an age where they came to discover the difference between good and evil; and they made an evil choice.

Prior to their fall all things were in a state where there was no decay. To grow physically Adam and Eve ate seeds and fruit - neither of which die, as they are not separate living entities (the fruit's life comes from the tree until the seeds germinate). Though some question exists in regard what food the animals ate. When Adam and Eve fell (which fall took until Moses to complete), the fall began for all things upon the earth (including the earth). From this point until Moses, decay was in a decline and not consistent. So for the first 2400 years decay rates, that they are using for dating, were not as they are today. Rates of decay would have been far less over that period, thus demonstrating that theory science is even more inaccurate in their dating.

What "modern science" (which is the largest religion upon the earth) doesn't tell you is that dating methods have a dreadful accuracy rate. They present manufactured accuracy figures that just aren't true in the slightest. Anyone telling you that they know something to be millions or billions of years old is away in pixi-land. There is no real scientific method we can use to test such instruments to know if such readings were true. It's all a nonsense.

There is no need for twisting Scripture to try and fit it in with the ever-changing concepts of theory science.

Tithing Again

Q.

The church does not teach that you should pay on gross income. Using the logic that I'm getting benefit from my tax dollars and I pay $300,000 a year in taxes, then everyone should pay $30,000 in tithing for the same benefit since that's what it costs me in taxes. A ridiculous argument. In countries that have up to an 80% tax rate if you pay on gross, that 50% of your take home pay. A bit different
for the 50% of american's that pay NO tax at all, yet use all the benefits the rest of pay - so they should increase their tithing to pay for roads, military, etc., what a silly statement and not in line at all with the official church position.

Second comment made when first comment didn't appear in comments section _
great - moderate comments isn't having comments at all.


A.


First let me state in answer to your second comment that I moderate comments, that if you read the bit at the side you would have seen why I don't put up comments. People have given me their email addresses at times for private discussions on subjects also.

I also pay 85% of my pay. I did state, "In most cases the gross income is the thing to base your tithing on." And I did talk about "a normal wage earner."

As to the fairness of taxes (which is what you are really talking about) that is something you have to take up with your government.

As you feel some difficulties in paying 10% you can discuss this with your bishop. That was on oversight on my part not mentioning that issue. Thanks for the comment. I've corrected that.

As to the official church position; it has been that way for decades where I am. If you have found a more flexible type of leader then I'm glad for you.

Will Family be Awaiting us When We Pass On?

Q.

When we pass to the spirit world will there be a bunch of family there to greet us? And are they watching us?


A.

In answer to your last question; your family are right here on earth, and can see you anytime they wish.

In answer to your first question - it depends. Are your activities worth watching? Would they be pleased to spend time with you? Are you a good person or just ordinary?

As to them awaiting your arrival, this also depends. Along with that stated above there is the question of whether they are anticipating your departure from your physical body. If you suddenly die in a car crash then no one will be expecting your arrival. So unless they are just hanging around you for their enjoyment of your lifestyle they won't be there.

If you are dying from cancer or some such thing where your departure from your physical body is anticipated, then they may be there; if the word has got around or they had been watching for you.

Washing of Feet

Q.

What can you tell me about the ordinance of washing apostle's feet? Do they continue observing this in the temple?


A.

I'm informed that this ordinance is still done in the temple, by the apostles.

All ordinances are for understanding a hidden principle (John 13:7). And the reason they are hidden is so as not to confuse those not prepared to understand. So it would be unfair for me to answer the question in its entirety. However I can give you clues.

Concerning Christ the Scriptures tell us _

"After that he poured water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded." John 13:5

So Jesus Christ is demonstrating that this is an important principle that is being hidden, for even he is doing it.

"Then he came to Simon Peter: and Peter said to him, Lord, do you wash my feet? Jesus answered and said to him, What I do you don't know now; but you shall know later. Peter said to him, You shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I don't wash you, you have no part with me." John 13:6-8

Jesus has laid down the importance of understanding and obeying the principle.

"Simon Peter said to him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus said to him, He that is washed doesn't need to wash anything except to wash his feet..." John 13:9-10

From this we find that Jesus is saying that this washing of feet is a principle which goes on beyond just being sinless. It is an additional washing.

We are further told _

"And shake off the dust of your feet against those who don't recieve you, not in their presence, in case you provoke them, but in secret; and wash your feet, as a testimony against them in the day of judgment." D&C 60:15

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace; that brings good tidings of good, that publishes salvation; that says to Zion, Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7

So this feet thing is involved with missionary work and service to mankind. I often hear people say that a particular person was a good person. What they usually mean is that they didn't rob a bank or kill someone. That just means they weren't a bad person, not that they were a good person.

Who do Evil Spirits Possess?

Q.

Obviously evil spirits do not just posses any body they would like or we would see a lot more examples. Right? What kind of people do they go after. Do they have to be weak spirited or already evil? Does someone have to openly invite the spirit in?

A.

Evil spirits possess people on various levels. It depends how much people open up to them. If the person makes a habit of listening to an evil spirit, accepting their ways and desiring them, then the evil spirit can eventually take them over completely.

Evil spirits will first attempt to get a wedge in somewhere. They can use dislike of another person (for example). They can work at this to make the wedge larger. If the person accepts to be conned like this then the evil spirit can become a stronger force of evil in them.

However the evil spirit will use any weapon it can lay its hands on. It is up to you whether you accept to supply them. They will try any distortion of ideas: Lust, greed, pride, anger. They can try them all if one isn't working. They can also try them pretending to be righteous in their application - "Oh, I can't talk to that person, he's a Catholic." Or that he murdered someone. Or performed some other crime that you might find repulsive.

A person can be conned into getting a bad perspective of things within the church. A person can look down on those that seem to dirty the chapel, for example. Or looking down on those with noisy children, don't do home teaching, don't pay tithing, smoke, drink or whatever thing the evil spirit will manage to con people into being vealous for in an incorrect manner. We should not look down on such but pray for and try to assist those with problems.

If you keep your thoughts upon loving others then evil spirits can have no place in you.

Quotes of the Holy Ghost in Scripture

Q.

Are there any scriptures e.g. verses, chapters, sections etc. whose authorship is attributable to the Holy Ghost? e.g. I Nephi 11 has been thought to be a session between Nephi and "the Spirit of the Lord." However, at least one BYU prof says "No, that's not the HG." So what are we to believe as regard to the HG as a "thus sayeth the HG author?"


A.

The message of Heavenly Father is to testify of the Son. We see this when Joseph Smith was in the grove. Also we note this at the baptism of Jesus Christ when the Father spoke from heaven.

The main thrust of Jesus Christ's message was to honor Heavenly Father. In fact the Jews went off at him when he appeared to be testifying of himself.

The message of the Holy Ghost is to testify of the Father and the Son. He has no mission to preach himself. Consequently we have no information in regard the plan of salvation for the Holy Ghost.

However it is the Holy Ghost that gives most directions of things to say within the Scriptures. He is with us as we read or write them. I can tell you of when I was in the army for some years. I sometimes would have up to a dozen soldiers around me firing questions. What the Holy Ghost would do as one of these questions came is that he gave me a few words that I should say, and said that I should say them. I had no idea what was to come next. If he let me down and gave me no more I would come out looking stupid. As I began to say the words he would immediately flood it into my mind what to say. It was a faith learning time.

These original words came directly from the Holy Ghost. The soldiers marvelled that I always had these answers, instantly, that matched the question. Many times these contained parables that fitted perfectly.

The Holy Ghost has given me the words to say sometimes on my mission when at a door. And in teaching my children. He gives advice on how to handle problems children have, and countless other things.

When I read certain scriptures I can feel the Holy Ghost in there as I read. It is true that he doesn't announce himself as the author at these times. But you will notice sometimes the amazing similarity in what he preaches to various spiritual people throughout the ages.

The Scriptures also inform us that the Holy Ghost delivers prophecy.

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:20-21

Advancing Between Kingdoms Afterward

Q.

Will those who are put in the lower of the three degrees of glory ever be allowed to move up to the celestial kingdom?

A.

It isn't a question of not being allowed to move up. Our Heavenly Father seeks our total happiness. It would be his joy to have his sons and daughters home with him. But this would require us to change. That dreadful word "change." Everyone wants the rewards or avoid the costs but no one is interested in paying the price.

To rise above any kingdom a person must rise above the law of the kingdom they are in. Those in the Telestial Kingdom must abide the greater law of the Terrestial Kingdom _

"And he who cannot abide the law of a terrestrial kingdom cannot abide a terrestrial glory." D&C 88:23

God will make sure that all have every chance to change before it is all concluded.

Can we Repent while Still Sinning?

Q.

Can we be forgiven for making mistakes with the repentance principles? The Gospel Principles book outlines the principles of repentance. Well, what if we did not confess or make restitution for sins of the past? Surely people are not perfect in repenting. Are we therefore eternally damned or can we still be forgiven?

A.

The gaining of perfection is a drawn out task. It would rarely, if ever, be acheived in one blinding flash of spiritual understanding. Yet Christ assures us that perfection can be obtained in this life (don't let anyone con you otherwise).

When you are baptised you should receive the gift of the Holy Ghost as you seek to listen to his counsel. As you get closer to him he will draw closer to you. You will know what to do and WHY. Knowing why is very important to you following God's counsel.

In this process you will also become closer to Christ and Heavenly Father. You will begin to see more the importance of restitution and forgiveness. This will eventually make you perfect and you won't need to repent, as you won't be sinning. Some point to 1 John 1:8 to claim we will always sin. But the scripture doesn't say that. It says if we have no sin. And we all have sinned at some point and need forgiveness for those sins. Yet we don't need to continue sinning.

1 John 5:18 tells us that whosoever is born of God doesn't sin. Many other passages of scripture give us this same wonderful information. Satan does not need to have a hold on us, we can become completely free from sin.

Repenting of sins is a necessary step in this process that you should keep up until that perfection arrives.

How Exorcisms are Performed

Q.
How do priesthood holders perform exorcisms? Do they need some priesthood keys?

A.
An exorcism can be performed in the manner of any priesthood blessing. Usually it involves 2 people giving the blessing, as the more faith the better. The person speaking quotes their authority after quoting the person being blessed's full name. Then words are expressed according to inspiration given. It is then closed in the name of Jesus Christ, and amen is stated.

The priesthood keys give those priesthood holders an automatic right to receive revelation on what words are stated in the blessing.

If you are dealing with someone that you know for a fact has an evil spirit within them then you should anticipate resistance to being expelled, by the evil spirit: It will fight to stay in the body. If the person is still wobbling about and/or you see the evil spirit in the victims eyes then you haven't succeeded yet. If it hasn't gone after one try then stay there until you get it to come out.

Be careful that it doesn't move from one person to another. Therefore it is better that you clear the house of other people. Also remember that the person it is being expelled from must change their ways or it will just return with a vengeance. Note the following advice from Christ _

"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, I will return to my house where I came out. And when he comes, he finds it swept and garnished. Then he goes, and takes to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first." Luke 11:24-26

Christ also advises fasting and praying first as being very helpful (Mark 9:29). I'd suggest at least a 24 hour fast.

I'd strongly advise any person taking on such a task to make sure you have the appropriate priesthood (Melchizedek) first. Please note the following from the New Testament _

"Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon themselves to call over them which had evil spirits in the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded." Acts 19:13-16

How many Councils in Heaven

Q.

Did the inhabitants of other worlds have their own council in heaven, or were we all together?
If Heavenly Father is still creating new spirit children, do they have councils?


A.

Heavenly Father has said _

"And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten." Moses 1:33

As we read from there to verse 39 we come to understand that God is continually in the process of having children and supplying them with worlds to live on.

Our Heavenly Father cannot force us to come to earth, nor to take upon ourselves a spirit body prior to coming to earth. We must remain free to make our own decisions as an eternal intelligence.

"All truth is independent ... to act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise there is no existence." D&C 93:30

Without freedom of choice our intelligence ceases to exist. If we become bound by sin our intelligence ceases to exist that bit more. If we follow God's instructions we begin to exist more: We become more intelligent.

So for God to place us upon an earth it is required that we listen to the choices that will be presented to us, and make our own personal decision. This is referred to as "the Council in Heaven." At these councils our Heavenly Father presents that although we will make errors as we are learning, these can be cleaned up by the atonement of a Savior.

We are informed that Lucifer had presented another plan _

"Wherefore, because Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give to him my own power; by the power of my Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down" Moses 4:3

In spite of Lucifer presenting another plan there is no plan other than that which Jesus Christ presented that works. Satan's plan is flawed in that it supposes that people can be forced to live righteously. This is impossible because it takes away freedom of choice. As D&C 93:30 demonstrates an intelligence would cease to exist if it lost all freedom of choice.

We aren't given any numbers as to how many planets are involved in each council. But Joseph Smith is said to have stated that this is the only planet in this group of inhabited planets that would have crucified the Savior.

Heavenly Father is in the constant process of having spirit children and having them progress to be ready to come down to an earth. Therefore there is a constant flow of heavenly councils where all must make their decisions as to whether to follow their Satan or to follow Heavenly Father.

Are the Dead on a Spirit Planet?

Q.
We know that every living soul is combined by a physical body and a spirit body.
Earth's a living soul.

It has a physical body (where we spent our mortal lives). By definition earth must have a spirit part also.

This is my question: is earth's spirit body the same spiritual world our spirits go when we die?

In addition, does every living planet have its own spirit body where the spirits of its inhabitants go after they die?

A.
When we die we don't actually go anywhere. We remain on the earth awaiting the resurrection of our physical body. Talk is made of a spirit prison, hell, paradise, going to the bosom of Abraham and other such expressions. These are simplistic expressions to help people understand the state of individuals that have passed on, depending on their choices in this life. But they are not separate places.

Spirits will often hang around with their families, friends or places they've lived. If a lot of workers have died while working at a particular place the departed spirit will find a lot of their old comrades there. It can be that they will spend the night with those workers and the day dropping in on their living families.

But all this takes place on the physical earth. The earth has its inner being within it. This inner being isn't a separate place.

All planets throughout eternity operate in this manner.

Can we Shift Between Kingdoms of Glory During the Eternities?

Q.
I've wondered a little bit lately about eternal progression in kingdoms. I've heard differing opinions on the matter and haven't been able to determine a clear cut answer either way. If you inherit the Terrestial Kingdom for example, is there only an opportunity to progress within that specific kingdom, or is there the opportunity for progression within kingdoms?


A.
On the one hand the Scriptures plainly state that this earth time is the only time we get to make up our minds _

"For see, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yes, see the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors. And now, as I said to you before, as you have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that you do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, look, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then comes the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed." Alma 34:32-33

Yet question is asked that as Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us all, surely they would allow us to enter into the Celestial Kingdom by us repenting and changing; even long after this life is over?

This logic proposes that people can, and in fact will, change their minds about how they wish to spend eternity. It is true that many do change their minds about how to live our lives as we go along. However we reach a point where we have seen enough and considered it through. Some take longer than others. Those just after Adam needed longer to work it out.

"And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave to the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed to all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents." 2 Nephi 2:21

Can you imagine the problems that could arise if people changed their minds during the eternities? Firstly we could have God suddenly decide he's tired of doing all this work and getting no reward. And the Lord could suddenly decide he doesn't want to be the intermediary any more. And what if Satan decides he's not getting a good deal and wants to give up his dark ways?

The Scriptures set forth that there will be a choice made that won't be backed away from. In other words no one will change again once they have set their final course. Those who choose to live a Terrestial lifestyle (for example) won't convert to live a Celestial lifestyle.

"And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given to you, even the law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, even that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom. For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory. And he who cannot abide the law of a terrestrial kingdom cannot abide a terrestrial glory. And he who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom cannot abide a telestial glory" D&C 88:21-24

This statement pertains to all the kingdoms. If you can't abide the law of the Celestial kingdom then you will feel uncomfortable being there etc. So many talk of forgiving, for example. Yet they will forgive everybody except Mrs. Smith next door. They will forgive everybody but not sex offenders. They will forgive everybody but we must make evildoers suffer. "Adolf Hitler can't just repent and get away with it," they will say. They don't lust; too often. They aren't greedy; but would love to have a million dollars.

They will never make the Celestial with these attitudes. And will these attitudes just go away in the eternities? No. They will stay, because they have long ago chosen to keep them; during this time of probation.

How will these people suddenly change to become different to what they are in the midst of eternity?

The following must be remembered _

"And thus we saw, in the heavenly vision, the glory of the telestial, which surpasses all understanding" D&C 76:89

So who would decide to work harder? Only those who have caught the vision of service will aim higher; and they will have already found that during this time. They aren't going to find it sitting around in the Telestial kingdom. We have an inner being that will find what we want to do. God has made sure that we will have the time necessary to make the changes we will make in the time allotted before the final judgment.

"You cannot say, when you are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. No, you cannot say this; for that same spirit which possesses your bodies at the time that you go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world." Alma 34:34

Alma is presenting the point that you won't change afterward because you are still the same person.

And God can't just change people. He lives by eternal rules that are as valid to him as they are to us.

Listening to the Holy Ghost

Q.

The following comment was posted under _
Mind-reading and Psychic Things - good or evil? Posted on October 20, 2008

Although it isn't a question, as such, it deserves response. This was the comment _

Due to the oddness of the 2008 comment, I will not comment directly on every single aspect of it. I am a life long member. The church has had a firm stance on personal revelation or inspiration. Everyone is entitled to it. God is no respecter of persons. Moses has commented on this respectively as well. There is a specific way to do so: First one must ask for or desire revelation through prayer. This is very important since if impressions are recieved in an unsolicited manner someone is trying to control you (satan).God would never abuse your agency and give you revelation before you ask for it. Second ,after praying for the revelation and recieving an impression in your heart or mind then pray again and ask for a confirmation of the impression that you had. Information recieved from your Heavenly Father is priceless and should be recieved as such. He loves and only wants the best for you. You should have only feelings of peace and love these are fruits of his spirit.


A.

To some extent my response to the question asked at that time was far different than what you are talking about. I can understand you being confused if you have had no experience in this area. My response once would have been to regard things somewhat the way you do: All evil attempts come from Satan personally.

However life shows us that this isn't true. While satanic forces can be at work within people, their actions may have an effect only through the actions of those controlled by Satan. I have felt both the evil spirit working in another person's mind and the mind of the person thus manipulated at the same time.

In a sense this boils down to the same; as you have implied. Yet some who have tried this with me haven't had an evil spirit motivating them. They have been curious to see if I really am completely unresponsive to lust, greed or whatever other evil. The fact that I have not responded to evil has pleased them. So their intensions were good, even if not their actions.

This whole process that I've referred to in the answer in that post, is really an old way of communicating. It isn't so much about personal revelation from God, as it is about personal discussions between us, his children.

As to the comment you have made of itself; while I agree with the thrust of it there are some things I would tend to qualify. Firstly the Holy Ghost has many times given me unsolicited instruction. Where I have failed to follow that instruction I have suffered the consequences eventually or straight away. Some of those things were only minor. But some were major. He also has given me unsolicited advice that was of personal benefit. For example I was looking to buy a particular item for my son's birthday. When I walked into a shopping center the Holy Ghost directed me to the right shop and told me what shelf in what area I would find the item. And there it was. A minor matter. But I hadn't exactly asked for the instruction.

I have had untold numbers of times, when reading through the Standard Works, and coming across something I've just read, that the Holy Ghost has brought the meaning of things I have read to my mind. He has asked me to go back and read things again because he knows I missed it, on some occasions. He has taught me of the ways of the Jews, when I hadn't asked for it.

Many of these unsolicited bits of spiritual advice have lead to that feeling of life and light that fills my spirit with joy.

If the Holy Ghost isn't giving you unsolicited advice then it may be time for you to consider improving the relationship. It means he doesn't regard that you are listening sufficiently: He has to wait for you to go through the process you have described. Of course, to get this type of advice you must follow it when it is given, or it will diminish.

Negroes and Priesthood Again

Q.

Re Blacks not being able to hold the priesthood. Did Joseph Smith get it wrong or did God change his mind?


A.

Neither.

This question was answered on Wednesday, January 24, 2007. If you go to the Archives menu (on the right hand side) and choose January 2007 you will find the post on it that was posted on the 24th.

If you wish to enter disussion on the subject then you can go to http://dtowers.blogspot.com and express your viewpoint relative to the conversation, which was posted on Tuesday, February 06, 2007. Many of these older posts still have a high rate of being accessed, so don't feel your comments won't be heard.

If you have an additional question that you wish to have answered then feel free to post your question here.

Sealing and Wayward Children goes on

Q.Fore note in italics _
This isn't so much a question as a comment that bears answering. I should point out that I haven't to date posted comments, as the site was made to answer questions, not leave people confused. If the comment raises things that need answering or worthy of response, then I treat it as a question. I'll make a post on it on my deep doctrine site, where people can comment (a lot of comments have been made on this subject).

Bruce R. McConkie stated,
“Personal accountability for sin lies at the very root of the plan of salvation.  Every man is accountable for his own sins, not for those of another. Men are judged for the deeds they do in the flesh, not for those of another. Men work out their own salvation, not the salvation of another. This is what the plan of salvation is all about-- every man being awarded his own place in the kingdoms that are prepared” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, pg 100)

My mother-in-law brought this idea forward at the dinner table one evening. I was taken back a bit as I consider her very wise in so many areas of the gospel.  I instantly thought of your blog Doug. Not sure where or when she got this opinion but apparently it's a fairly common view, as many have had questions on this blog. Three of my mother-in-law’s six children have left the church. One evening she began to explain to one of those lost sheep that like it or not eventually they would come back to fold because they were born under the covenant. She affirmed it was a principal taught by many modern day prophets!  (Some of those same statements by prophets as have been quoted a few times on this blog even.)

Teaching seminary this past year my mind was also brought to Ezekiel chapter 18, which I think is another wonderful testament that neither the parent’s sins nor their righteousness will determine ones standing before the Lord. Truly all people can choose to fall or progress and become like Heavenly Father, regardless of their earthly heritage or background.


A.
This idea reminds me of the often preached Protestant doctrine of being saved from sins by confessing the name of Christ. It doesn't matter, they present, that a person goes on sinning; they will be saved anyway. A person can murder, steal, rape and plunder but be saved by the grace of Christ because they confessed his name.

Can you imagine living in heaven with either version of this God? These members believing this sealing idea are proposing that all you need is the right parents to be saved. So you and I can go off and do as we please, but if your parents aren't as good as mine you won't make it back, whereas I'm guaranteed to do so. How could we trust such a God as being fair?

Sealing is God's guarantee that if a person does as they promised in the temple that they may have the privilege of having an eternal family. This family works patriarchally back to Adam and then to God. And it works forward to their descendants. If we are to believe that it is destined that their children will be saved because of this sealing, then we would have to use the same logic in regard all our forebears. All of those being sealed to us guarantees their salvation also. This means that all our genealogy would guarantee the salvation of all those sealed to us provided we pray for them: That they will accept the baptism eventually and all the other covenants.

It also reminds me of the equally comforting, but false, idea that everyone will be saved eventually by making their way up from the Telestial or Terrestial kingdoms: That God being loving will allow all to enter into the top degree of the Celestial eventually.

While these types of teachings may bring comfort on the outside. No one really believes them inside. We all know the facts. A person will become according to the desires of their hearts. If the desire of their hearts is love of mankind they will eventually find that. If it is to do evil then they will eventually find that instead.

It would seem that this is another one of those phony doctrines that will be passed around for some time to come.

Plural Marriage, Good or Bad?

Q.

The following isn't exactly a question. Rather a collection of baseless accusations and claims made by (what I'd assume is) a member of the re-organised church (Community of Christ). Yet in all fairness to the writer I am publishing the statement and have answered its concerns.

His statement _
If the Millennium is delayed much longer, I believe the Church will probably bring back polygamy, because it seems most men & leaders in the church believe in it, secretly desire it, or are at least are 'ok' with it & given how many single & divorced women there are now in the Church, who also usually are 'ok' with polygamy, I thus believe it will return soon, as soon as the civil laws are changed to 'allow' it, which I believe they will be, for so many are pushing for polygamy to be legal & most people outside the Church seem ok with it today, just like most are coming to accept SSM [same sex marriages], which I believe the Church will also come to accept & support, especially when most of the members start pushing for it.

BUT, that does not mean that 'polygamy' is right, just because the Church brings it back or lived back then.  It is not a righteous principle, nor ever has been.

The real truth is that Joseph Smith spent his whole life trying to fight & teach & warn against polygamy.  He constantly warned the saints to not fall for it & to not ever believe all the false rumors going around that he preached or practiced it secretly.

Joseph Smith (& Christ) warned the saints then & now, that polygamy is and always has been one of the vilest of whoredoms, just as the Book of Mormon & (original D&C) teaches it is, in every case in history.

But, yes, I do believe the Church is in such a state of apostasy since Joseph's death, that it will bring back the whoredom of polygamy, just like it lived it before. For it is the carnal desire of most all men to have more than one woman or wife.  And even now the Church allows, supports & encourages 'serial polygamy' by divorce & remarriage, & lets a man divorce & remarry & be sealed to as many women as he can get, which is all just another adulterous whoredom according to Christ.


A.

First accusation - The church starting up polygamy because the leaders desire it. I have difficulty imagining 84 year old Thomas S. Monson (as church president) chasing a young personal secretary around the desk asking her to marry him. Or 87 year old Boyd K. Packer (as president of the twelve apostles) attempting the same. A bit of fairy-land thinking there. Most general authorities are far too old for such things.

Then you've really scraped the bottom of the barrel suggesting that homosexuality would be accepted by the church, when it never was. You say that the church is partly eager to re-introduce polygamy. That makes sense considering it already has, and it has never been retracted as a good concept. But this is desperate stuff picking something the church has always opposed (ssm). So we'll try and restore your credibility by ignoring that part, and putting it down to overenthusiasm.

You go on to tell me that Christ has preached polygamy to be one of the "vilest of whoredoms." Yet this same Christ commanded Israelites to practise it if your brother died without leaving children (and were living in the same land) (Deuteronomy 25:5-6). Christ didn't say that if you already had a wife you were excused. It was a plain and straight forward law.

Christ told King David that he had given David wives ["one of the vilest of whoredoms"?] (2 Sam 12:8).

Christ gave specific commands, in the Law given to Moses, that people practising polygamy ["one of the vilest of whoredoms"?] were to observe. Amidst those instructions was one banning having a woman being undressed in front of a sister wife (no threesomes). This would lead to the abomination of Lesbianism.

In the Book of Mormon Christ complained BECAUSE they had not taken notice of these instructions and so it had led to the abominations he knew would come. And so he banned plural marriage being practised among them because of these abominations. But note that he did not give this same commandment to the Jews in Palestine at this time. Why not? "One of the vilest of whoredoms"? If it really were "one of the vilest of whoredoms" why isn't it at least the 11th commandment if not the 1st? And why hasn't Christ taught to refrain from this "vilest of whoredoms" in his law to Moses? Are you telling me that Christ just turned a blind eye while millions of people practised a vile whoredom and made no complaint against it?

That doesn't sound like the Christ I know.

When Christ was upon the earth and teaching the gospel he said nothing of this supposedly vile whoredom. The only thing he taught in regard marriage was that divorce isn't good. What an amazing oversight. Or are we just to believe that the apostles failed to remember Christ teaching it?

Paul is reputed to have taught monogamy. Yet this is a poor interpretation of the Greek word "mia" in this situation. Mia has three possible interpretations and the translators chose by far the least likely. The word mia refers to the first number. Its interpretation in the Bible is sometimes "a", sometimes "one" and sometimes "first." Which you choose depends upon the sentence. For example we have the women coming to the tomb on the "mia" day of the week, after the sabbath. The obvious interpretation is "first." Yet other times one of the other 2 are more appropriate. We have to ask ourselves why would Paul have taught that only bishops and deacons are to practise an otherwise untaught doctrine of monogamy? The statement came from the Law of Moses command that leaders of the people are to be married and not divorced. In other words "a" wife and "first" wife would be the obvious choices to choose from in this case. Monogamy was not taught by Paul.

You say that "the Church allows, supports & encourages 'serial polygamy' by divorce & remarriage." While I can agree with the word "allows," the word "supports" is suspect and the word "encourages" is absolute nonsense. The church doesn't encourage male members to divorce their wives and remarry in order to practise polygamy, as your statement implies. Your statement comes over as nothing but bigotry. And this completely disagrees with your statement that polygamy is practised because of carnal desires. After all, the man is still only married to one woman that he is having sex with. And monogamists practise this same thing of divorce and remarriage.

You have mistakenly implied that polygamy has shown itself to be a vile whoredom "in every case in history." What of Keturah and the rest of Abraham's wives and concubines that he married sometime after Sarah's death? While we know that there are always difficulties that arise in life and marriage, what is your evidence for the vile whoredoms in the case of Keturah etc.? You have absolutely none.

It is nonsense to quote Leah and Rachel, as Jacob never did have any feelings toward Leah in marrying her. He would have run into trouble regardless of whether he had married Rachel or not. In fact his life would have only been improved by taking Rachel as a wife he loved. One of his concubines having sex with someone else is not unique to the situation either. Adultery is rife in monogamies; just open your eyes and look around you.

Judah had "carnal desire" that lead him to have sex with Tamar. This had nothing to do with plural marriage (though it is often used to claim such). It was just another case of fornication on his part, by a monogamist, with a female who wanted a child and was husbandless.

And while Hannah had to take a bit of lip from Peninnah, for a time, there were no vile whoredoms mentioned or "carnal desire" being practised. In fact her husband Elkanah sounds very sympathetic toward her.

You tell me that the only reason I would be inclined to practise plural marriage, as a church member, is because of "carnal desire." Yet my wife died many years ago (she died young) and I haven't had sex since. I don't masturbate nor have any sexual fantasies. Many young females have offered me sex in that time (many of whom are teenagers or in their early 20's). And enough young church females have offered me marriage. Marriage is a spiritual concept, not a sex license to be alright with God.

Any thoughts any should have of practising plural marriage should come from a desire to assist intelligences with their personal progression in receiving spirit bodies. Additionally it should come from a realisation that women are far more spiritually inclined than men on average - more women in the highest degree. This means a male should realise that if he has a love for his sisters he will assist them in their desire to have offspring also by taking on the additional responsibility of more wives than one. If he were selfish he would say that one was enough and too bad to the other women who don't have eternal partners. Some few church men and women support this concept properly and see the point in it. You really have to have the right women and men for this.

You have missed the whole thing by being worldly focused, and thinking everyone else is the same.

I would like to qualify that I am not teaching that plural marriage should be practised at this time, as it is against the law.

Yes, Yet Even More Again on Sealing Power

Q.

This is an interesting post, Doug. The only way any accountable child of God born in this life is guaranteed to make it back to exaltation is for that person to have their calling and election made sure and then they must not commit murder or the unpardonable sin. Is the Lord saying that every son or daughter whose parents are sealed together in the temple and live all the covenants and thus having qualified themselves to have their lives and marriage sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise and thus qualify themselves to gain eternal life that their children, if they stray but do not sin away these blessings through murder or the unpardonable sin, that each and every child of God so blessed to be born to such parents have their calling and election made sure as well? I am just asking.


A.

If you are a late comer to this conversation I'd suggest reading the earlier posts on the subject.

It must first be pointed out that not even Joseph Smith always agreed with Joseph Smith. He learnt things as he went and thus changed his mind. Also both Brigham Young and Joseph Smith sometimes spoke in absolutes when I believe if questioned more extensively would have been less absolute. So it needs to be examined next to Scripture (the Standard Works).

Additionally it should be noted that Spencer Kimball only slightly endorses this belief. He says he has seen it with many (not all) and relates it to this life. Gordon Hinkley also only points out the good influence; not talking of it as an absolute.

Yet God's statement in regard Abraham supports an absolute idea. However it makes no mention of failure of any of the children if they commit the unpardonable sin. So we are still left with the question of Cain being the son of Adam (the Archangel Michael). He doesn't fit in the absolute of Genesis.

So while I find great reassurance in this, I still hold a bit of scepticism in giving it God's absolute seal of approval.

Will Polygmay Return?

Q.

Will polygamy return?


A.

Did it go somewhere? Just joking.

The only reason we don't practise polygamy is "inasmuch as laws have been inacted by congress." Today we live at a time when people are pushing for flexability on who a person decides to marry. We have recently seen this with the idea of homosexuals marrying.

While we don't agree with homosexual marriages, if we are to give the right to marry someone back to the people getting married, then plural marriage should be accepted.

A second point is that people today are into minding everyone else's business. This doesn't occur where we have serious matters on people's minds. Once the earth really starts to get into the bad times ahead how many wives someone has will be the least of their concerns. People will be too busy avoiding being killed, searching for shelter and foraging for food.

Also we find people living a strange kind of plural marriage today. For example I know one man who has 3 divorced women that he sleeps with on a rotating roster. He spends some days at his own flat between each female. He tells me this is common. And certainly I've seen enough men coming and going from divorced women's homes.

Amidst this a man can be travelling with what he claims to be his wife, sisters, neices, grandaughters, mother and/or grandmother. No one will know they are really all his wives if you have left your normal area. If any of them are pregnant then that can be contributed to the husband having to go away for work etc for a while after getting her pregnant. Any family resemblance of children to the father is natural as they are all closely related.

So there are several ways this could go on. It is obvious that plural marriage will be practised by some church members who are inspired to do so. But God may not call on us to make it obvious. Concerning the time of Christ's second coming we are told by Isaiah _

""And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparell: only let us be called by your name, to take away our reproach. In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem." Isa 4:1-3

Notice that these people who are practising plural marriage are referred to as "holy."

Yet let me warn that the higher the law you attempt to live the greater the natural penalty for failing to live up to the standard required for living it. This can easily include death. Don't triffle with that which you don't understand. If you haven't been fully instructed of God or have more interest in marrying younger wives than older ones, don't touch it.

Tithing Paid on Gross or Net Income?

Q.

Should tithing be paid based on gross or net income?


A.

In most cases the gross income is the thing to base your tithing on. In some cases this can be a problem if you are in business and have to take costs involved into consideration. For example there is rent on the shop and delivery costs. Electricity, insurance, license fees, registration, and the list can seem almost endless.

It just needs to be remembered in judging these costs that you must stick to business expenses only as exceptions.

If you are a normal wage earner then your tax deductions are paid back to you in services. Your roads are repaired using these taxes along with defence, fire brigade, police services, licensing and registration of drivers and motor vehicles. Just to name a few. As all these services are required in your community you pay tax to have them continue. As you are benefiting they become part of your tithable income.

If you have unusual circumstances then you should see your bishop about your situation.

Is Bishop Confession Necessary?

Q.

Is Bishop confession really necessary for repentance? Or is confessing to the Lord, turning away from sin enough? Why do we need to confess to the Bishop when the Lord already knows what we did wrong and how we feel.


A.

Confessing to the Lord is important for all sins we commit. Yet some sins we commit we don't accept to forgive ourselves. Our heart has trouble accepting the repentance process under that circumstance. Our faith in the process isn't that good: Particularly when that action has made us lose the Holy Ghost as a constant companion.

By going to the bishop we have a chance to feel we are doing something about it. We also get that chance to rebuild our relationship with the Holy Ghost.

If you had the Holy Ghost as a constant companion before the action then you will miss that tremendously. The faster you can get it back the better. Fortunately I only went through it for a week one time (not a matter to see the bishop about) but that week was painful. In spite of having it back within a week it wasn't the same for over 2 months.

If you didn't have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion before the action then it is time you got it anyway, and going to the bishop and getting right will help. You may feel that you can take care of it on your own. But it isn't what your mind says, it is what your heart feels. And if you are in this situation you won't be listening to your heart well enough, at this stage, to know its real feelings.

I know it can be embarrassing telling the bishop about an action you don't feel very proud of. But this only further helps in the process of your repentance. It requires you to become more humble in this confession.

How is Our Death Date Calculated?

Q.

I am LDS and I have a question that several of us were discussing the other day. Okay, when a person dies is it because it is their "time" to go, or that God has something for them to do on the other side, or do we just die because we happen to get a terminal illness or we get hit by a truck or etc?


A.

God uses natural forces in all that he does. God uses those forces in ways that he finds to be the best under the circumstances that will face us. Death mostly will come in its own natural time. But God has planned that time to the degree he felt necessary.

Heavenly Father has billions of children to consider the best for. He knows who those spirits are that will achieve the best and those that will do nothing great at all. In looking at his situation of who to have living where and when he must consider giving the greatest growth opportunities to those that he knows will make the best of what they get.

This means that he will interact them with some spirits that are good (for good example) and some that are bad (for struggle). He may even use the bad spirit to assist good spirits to see the benefit of choosing good over evil.

His choice of where to put a bad spirit may be mainly centered on putting them there to assist a good spirit at an appropriate time. He makes sure that all will have every opportunity to make all growth the individual will be prepared to make. But if this is very little, God's options are fairly flexible in where he puts the person.

Then he has some spirits that he knows it best die before reaching an age of accountability. These spirits aren't ready to take on the evil of the world with a recognition of its evil. So he has to make sure that doesn't happen in their case.

In addition we have such things to consider as time in the spirit world before the first resurrection. We may have expressed a desire to do time in the spirit world to gain understanding of its workings and experiences. He may feel that some small time or large time would be helpful.

Then there is the question of how much did a pre-existent spirit desire to be at a time when no great spiritual position be placed upon them. "Yes," they said, "as long as I don't have to have Abraham or Moses for a father and have to live all that spiritual stuff."

It must be remembered that Heavenly Father actually managed to convince the majority of us to leave where we were comfortable and take this giant step of going through an earth life. He allowed for our desires. He had to in order to get so many to go through with it. So he made deals that made us more comfortable with it. We see so many brought up without any truth at all. We see many brought up with very little and some brought up with some reasonable degree of truth.

So God had to plan and present to us an idea that each of us were sufficiently happy with, considering the options he had available. In this planning he included time of death. But for many there isn't really a great deal of difference if they die this day or that. He can make a fairly flexable plan that will satisfy the needs of the individual.

Yet with some he plans it down to the day. They have their "time to go," as you put it.