Navigating the Questions: Faith, Finality, and the Body

Brothers and sisters, sometimes the questions we encounter—whether they come from a curious investigator during missionary discussions, or from a family planning for the future—touch on the really big, weighty topics. These are the questions that require us to dig deep, not just into scripture, but into the very heart of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Recently, I came across a discussion addressing cremation versus burial. It’s a topic that touches on culture, tradition, and our profound belief in the resurrection. It’s the kind of subject that can feel overwhelming because it mixes deeply personal decisions with eternal doctrines. It’s easy to feel pulled in a million directions when you’re trying to find God’s will in the modern world.

As we continue in the work, we are constantly being asked to be ready to teach, to testify, and to *live* the gospel in ways that are both humble and robust. This topic, while seemingly focused on the physical remains, actually boils down to a beautiful, powerful doctrine: the resurrection of the body.

When we watch thoughtful discussions like this one, it’s helpful to remember the foundational principle: God’s word is our guide. The video we looked at provided a very careful, biblical overview, noting that while burial was the common practice in biblical times, the scriptures do not command it as the *only* way. And critically, it addresses the fear that cremation somehow impedes God’s power.

What struck me most, and what I wanted to share with you all as fellow rogue disciples, is the confidence that rests upon the Atonement. The source pointed out that the fact a body has been cremated does not make it any more difficult for God to resurrect. He created us in the first place; He will have no difficulty re-creating us. Cremation, in this context, is presented as merely ‘expediting’ the return to dust—a process that happens regardless.

This brings us back to the heart of our discipleship. Whether we are in the MTC, serving in the field, or simply having a quiet moment studying in our own homes, we are taught to seek wisdom. The counsel given—to pray for wisdom (James 1:5) and follow the conviction that results—is timeless. It reminds us that some questions are ultimately within the realm of Christian freedom, guided by sincere prayer and study.

If you are wrestling with any doctrinal "what ifs"—whether it’s about temple covenants, modern technology, or matters of the physical body—I encourage you to treat it like a doctrinal study session. Don't let the fear of the unknown keep you from the Spirit. Dive into the sources, study with your companions, and always bring it before the Lord.

This is exactly why I love the resources available to us. If you want to dive deeper into how to approach these kinds of complex questions with grace and scriptural backing, I highly recommend checking out the insights shared by Davee. He’s phenomenal at walking through the hard questions an investigator might ask, helping us structure our answers to be both accurate and compassionate.

For those who want to keep building their doctrinal muscle, I’ve included a few resources below. And if you want to join a group dedicated to wrestling with these big ideas together, check out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces—it’s such a blessing to study scripture with others!

Keep building your knowledge, keep seeking the Spirit, and remember: every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time.

In the service of the Restoration,

Your Brother in the Gospel