General

Gramps, During the civil war did the majority of the Saints lean toward the union or confederacy? David [answer]

Dear Gramps, Can you tell me where I can find the conference address given by Joseph Smith or Brigham Young concerning Oliver Cowdery and his letter he wrote asking to come back to the church? Thanks, Teen [answer]

Dear Gramps, I am told that the President of the "Kirtland Temple" today in the RLDS Church is a direct descendant of Joseph Smith Jr. Is that true? I understood that there were no more direct descendants of our beloved Prophet alive today and that the RLDS Church has a Female acting as a leader in their Church. Thanks, An Institute class question. Jeff [answer]

Dear Gramps, I visited the RLDS sites last year and when in Independence Missouri at their H.Q, we were told that they have a female member of their council of the twelve. Gary Cameron [answer]

Dear Gramps, Is there any official church position on what happens to a person who commits suicide? The B. Family [answer]

Dear Gramps, My question deals with doctrine. I am currently a protestant, but came from a Catholic up bringing. My current set of beliefs is probably 90% from studying scripture and maybe 10% from church affiliation. Above anything, I want to know God in all of His fullness, and in doing so I am reading the Book of Mormon with an open mind and praying in faith for God to show me “if these things are true.” I can see me accepting the Book of Mormon as true and even in seeing Joseph Smith as a Prophet. My problem comes with doctrines and beliefs that are nowhere near to what I believe and often times just the opposite. How would you suggest this being handled? Thanks and God bless . BD [answer]

Gramps, What was the date when we went to the consolidation meetings all on Sundays? Jeoannh [answer]

Dear Gramps, My son asked me why it is wrong to play with ouija boards. He is only seven. How can I explain to him why we don’t play with these things? I would really like to give him a reason that he would understand. Any suggestions? CC [answer]

Dear Gramps, In the New Testament it says that when a woman who is divorced remarries, she commits adultery. I know several women who have been remarried in the temple following a divorce. Can you shed some light on this scripture? Thanks! L [answer]

Dear Gramps, What’s the Church position on contraceptives? Judith [answer]

Dear Gramps, What has happened to the descendants of Brigham Young? There must be many of them by now. However, we do not hear very much about them in church circles these days. Thank You, L.L. [answer]

Dear Gramps, What is the church’s position on the death penalty? If the atonement was made for all, why is it necessary for the church to believe in sustaining the law for the death penalty rather than taking a position against it, as it seems inconsistent with the principle of forgiveness? I understand we uphold the law whereby we are governed but it would seem we should be able to forgive all men and let the Savior do the judging when it comes to the taking of life. Monika [answer]

Gramps, I return to you in the hope you may provide some answers to the questions I was not able to find answers for. So, if you have the time and resources, and I totally understand if you do not, here are some questions that I am hoping you will be able to solve not only for Ben but also for myself. Thanks. John [answer]

Dear Gramps, I have been a member of the church for about two years now, and I was introduced to the Gospel by the young man I have been dating for three years. At the time we met (my freshman year in college and his sophomore year), my boyfriend (let’s call him Ray) was actually having a bit of a faith crisis, but as I questioned him more about the church, he began to bear his testimony in small bits and pieces, and it eventually grew. After about a year of thorough investigating on my part (and a lot of patience on the part of Ray), I joined the church. I can honestly say it’s been the most beneficial decision I’ve ever made.

Ray has now decided to go on a mission, and I’m thrilled for him. I think he’ll be a great missionary, and I also think I need some time to spend on my own before I can become someone’s eternal companion. As the time for him to leave draws closer, I find myself concerned that our relationship may distract him from adequately preparing. We are geographically separated at present (because he is student teaching), which has provided us with the opportunity to date other people (and we had agreed that it would be a good idea) but it hasn’t happened. I live in an area that has relatively few YSA, and the YSA elders from my branch seem to be, well, not interested in me. I also wonder if the fact that Ray and I have dated for so long has branded me as “off-limits.”

I have two questions: 1) How can I help Ray prepare to serve honorably in his mission? and 2) What do you suggest I do in terms of dating other people? Thank you. Kelly, New York State [answer]

Gramps, I am always arguing with my mother on The Book of Mormon and other LDS issues. She is a nonmember who tries to prove that Joseph Smith is a fraud and that the whole church is a fraud. I love her arguing because it makes my testimony stronger every day. My question is that last night I had a dream that we were arguing about Joseph Smith and she told me he was in it for the money and that is the only reason he conned every one. I told her that he wasn’t in it for the money. I said, “He was born a poor man and he died a poor man.” After waking up this morning I could not believe how real this was. But I keep questioning my dream. Did he die a poor man? I am not sure if he did. But if he did then I will be calling my mother to let her know. Jesse [answer]

Gramps, Let me ask this question again please. Is there a reference for a comment supposedly made by Joseph Smith that goes something like this, if man had a glimpse of the telestial kingdom, they may be tempted to end their own lives to get there? I thought I read it somewhere but for the life of me cannot find it. I am temporally out of state and did not bring all my books etc with me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Bill [answer]

Hello, Someone told me that the LDS church owns Pepsi Company. Is that true? Judy [answer]

Dear Gramps, If Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, where did Santa come from? Thanks, Chris [answer]

Gramps, I enjoy reading your column quite a bit. I have just read with great interest the two most recent questions, the two regarding millions of earths and Christ the Savior for all for them. My question is would you please explain in conjunction to those answers if Satan is also allowed to tempt the people of other earths or only this one and if not, are we the only part of the human family that are tempted? Thanks in advance. Will, from Idaho [answer]

Gramps, Will we eat and sleep in the next life? And will physical relationships between a husband and wife be the same there as here? Robyn, from New Jersey [answer]