Hello! First, this is really a great website. You've put alot of work into it, and it is informative and interesting. I read most of the basic info you provided in your subheadings. The Mormon beliefs do seem to go into further detail concerning the afterlife, which, by other Christian standards, offer no more information than 'getting to heaven (vs. hell)', and not what will actually take place or what people will do once they get there. (Play harps?) However, I do have a question concerning the pre-existence in heaven—and I'm sure people have asked it before. The concept of 'gaining earthly experience' does make sense in the way that you explained it. But, some issues that weren't addressed that occured to me were 1) babies who die at birth, and 2) people born with, or later acquiring crippling diseases. Obviously, babies born dead will not get the "earthly college" of experience. What happens to them? Although suffering hits everyone, I find it difficult to see what anyone can 'learn' here on earth in a parapalegic state, or with diseases that limit people to a life in a wheelchair or bed, totally dependent on others to feed, clothe, and toilet them. Since I am relatively healthy, I can 'take advantage' of this "earthly college", and I believe I have so far, to the best of my ability. But, as anyone could surmise, not everyone gets that opportunity. I wrestled with this issue in my own walks with Christianity, and, as usual, different denominations provide different "excuses", such as 1) inherited sin, 2) Jesus will heal them, 3) they'll suffer now, but be healthy in heaven, 4) their faith isn't strong enough, 5) God only healed in the old days, those miracles are over, etc. I do have a copy of the Book of Mormon/Doctrine & Covenants/Pearl of Great Price (triple shot), which I received from a mormon friend back in July. I have, since then, read up to the book of Mosiah. I also read "Joseph Smith—History" and some of the D&C.

If there are any mormon scriptures or explanations concerning these issues, I'd be glad to hear them. So far, I can say that I am impressed with the mormon religion—it seems to "fill in the blanks" concerning many Christian issues that aren't fully addressed either in the Bible or by contemporary Christianity. You family values are outstanding, and the abstinence from addictive substances would benefit anyone. Thank you for your time, and, hope to hear from you soon.

Anônimo, 1/23/2010

El Santo Gringo from La Jolla, California:

Hi friend. Thank you for your kind words about my site! You're right that I've put a lot of work into it; when I hear from visitors like you that it's helpful, I realize that my efforts have been well worth it. One of the great benefits of running a site like this is that I get to meet people who are sincerely searching for God's truth. In our world today, there aren't enough people like that, people like you! It's wonderful to know that there are still those who are passionate about growing closer to God. One thing that I like about my church is that it helps me keep that passion alive, even when work and other worldly concerns are at their most distracting

Let me answer your questions. First, many people with significant disabilities can still take advantage of the “earthly college” that is this life. The training we receive here is more spiritual and intellectual than physical. I have one friend who is a paraplegic. He, his wife, and his adopted son are very active church members. While his physical disabilities are significant, there's nothing that prevents him from growing spiritually and intellectually. He's clearly taken the gifts that God gave him and put them to good use, just as each of us is expected to do.

As another example, one of the most frequent participants on this site, an excellent “virtual missionary,” so to speak, suffered a brain injury some years ago. Despite this disability, it's clear from the answers he's posted that he's grown spiritually over the years, overcoming his sins through Jesus Christ. His disability has not prevented him from taking advantage of this “earthly college.”

That having been said, there certainly are some disabilities that interfere with one's ability to grow spiritually and intellectually in this life. Down's syndrome is one good example; those with Down's are capable of some intellectual and spiritual progress, but that progress is clearly limited. The same is true of children who die at a young age. Young children can progress some, but clearly their progress is also limited.

Christ's words to his apostles clearly apply in both these cases: “But Jesus said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).   In the modern revelations, a similar idea is expressed: “And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven” (D&C 137:10).

Children and those with severe mental handicaps do not fully understand the difference between right and wrong, and so they cannot be held accountable for their sins. Consequently, they will receive salvation through the atonement of Jesus Christ. As the now deceased apostle Bruce R. McConkie explained, “Among all the glorious gospel verities given of God to his people there is scarcely a doctrine so sweet, so soul satisfying, and so soul sanctifying, as the one which proclaims: little children shall be saved. They are alive in Christ and shall have eternal life… the fulness of exaltation is theirs. No blessing shall be withheld. They shall rise in immortal glory, grow to full maturity, and live forever in the highest heaven of the celestial kingdom, all through the merits and mercy and grace of the Holy Messiah, all because of the atoning sacrifice of Him who died that we might live.”

Why are some children allowed to die at a young age, and why does God permit some to have severe mental handicaps? According to Joseph Smith, “The Lord takes many away, even in infancy, that they may escape the envy of man, and the sorrows and evils of this present world; [their spirits] were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth” (Teachings, pp. 196-97). Additionally, in some instances these spirits may be sent to earth to spiritually benefit those who care for them, as described in a touching article entitled “Sharing Sarah: Our Down's Syndrome Baby.” As Jesus said of the blind man when his apostles asked who was to blame for his disability, “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest [to others] in him” (John 9:3).

You also asked why God allows suffering at all. You suggested several possible ideas, common in some other Christian churches. Let me describe the Mormon view of each of these ideas:

Does God allow suffering because of inherited or “original” sin? Mormons are somewhat unique among Christian religions in that they entirely reject the idea of original sin. We believe that each person is responsible only for his own sins; children are not responsible for the sins of their parents, nor are we responsible for the sins of Adam.

Does God allow suffering because Jesus will heal those who suffer? It is certainly true that those who follow God's commandments can expect an eternal reward in the life to come, and for some healing in this life is possible through Jesus Christ. However, there are many wonderful people who suffer without relief, so this explanation is not really satisfactory either.

Does God permit suffering because the righteous will not have to suffer in heaven? While in heaven the righteous will not suffer in the same sense that they suffer here on earth, I don't know that suffering will be entirely eliminated even in the next life.   For example, the ancient prophet Enoch once saw a vision of God weeping (Moses 7). Enoch asked, “How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?” God responded, describing his own kind of divine suffering: “Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency; And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood.” Like earthly parents, it seems God's wayward children also give him a lot of grief. ;) If even God suffers, I see no reason to think we will be entirely exempt from suffering in the life to come.

Does God permit suffering because people's faith isn't strong enough? While some blessings may be conditional upon one's faith, many faithful people nevertheless suffer in this life. God's will for us can include suffering even if we are righteous.

Does God permit suffering because he healed only in olden times? Are miracles possible today? Mormons very much reject the idea that God's power only operated in ancient times. We believe he has restored his church in our days, with the same power, authority, and revelation from God that existed in ancient times. Miracles certainly do happen in our days, but many good people nevertheless are not granted the miracle they desire.

Why does God permit suffering, then? The recently deceased apostle James E. Faust once gave a wonderful talk entitled “Where do I Make my Stand?” that I encourage you to read.   In that talk, he quotes Arthur Wentworth Hewitt who said, “I believe it is because He loves us so much more than He loves our happiness. How so? Well, if on a basis of strict personal return here and now, all the good were always happy and all the bad suffered disaster (instead of often quite the reverse), this would be the most subtle damnation of character imaginable.”

Mortal life would hardly be a good "college experience" if the answer to every test question was always "C." It's only when we face challenges and work to overcome them that we grow spiritually and intellectually. While no one enjoys passing through trials, I know of many people who have been changed for the better by the trials they have faced. Trials can mold us into the people God wants us to be.

Additionally, some of the trials we face are of our own making. As human beings, God has given us the right to choose for ourselves which path to follow. Often times, we make choices that bring suffering upon ourselves and those around us. To interfere in the consequences of human actions would be to deny us our free agency, and free agency is at the very heart of God's plan for us. For this reason, God allows us to injure and harm one other, even as He weeps over our sins.

I hope this very long-winded answer helps! Please do let me know if you have any further questions. Even better, you may wish to speak with Mormon missionaries, volunteers who visit people in their homes to help them learn more about the church. If you're interested, you can request to visit online.

May God bless you as you continue to investigate the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel has changed my life for the better, and I know it could change yours as well. Good luck!

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