The Lds Doctrine On Sickness Or Chronic Illness

[DispensatorMysteriorum]

So I just recently had a conversation with a guy who is pretty curious about our beliefs. His son is chronically ill and will probably always have problems. They believe in the gift of healing and so forth. I tried to explain that we believe in healing too, but that sometimes God chooses not to heal us for whatever reason. Apparently some people have told them that their child is ill because of some sin that they committed or that God is punishing them, etc. That's obviously not the case. At some point he basically asked if there was something he could read or look at that explains our doctrine on sickness. I'm at a loss on any one particular source that would speak specifically to his concerns. Any suggestions or thoughts?

[Duncan]

So I just recently had a conversation with a guy who is pretty curious about our beliefs. His son is chronically ill and will probably always have problems. They believe in the gift of healing and so forth. I tried to explain that we believe in healing too, but that sometimes God chooses not to heal us for whatever reason. Apparently some people have told them that their child is ill because of some sin that they committed or that God is punishing them, etc. That's obviously not the case. At some point he basically asked if there was something he could read or look at that explains our doctrine on sickness. I'm at a loss on any one particular source that would speak specifically to his concerns. Any suggestions or thoughts?

there is a book by Dennis B. Horne called something like Faith to healed and be healed

[One Clear Voice]

So I just recently had a conversation with a guy who is pretty curious about our beliefs. His son is chronically ill and will probably always have problems. They believe in the gift of healing and so forth. I tried to explain that we believe in healing too, but that sometimes God chooses not to heal us for whatever reason. Apparently some people have told them that their child is ill because of some sin that they committed or that God is punishing them, etc. That's obviously not the case. At some point he basically asked if there was something he could read or look at that explains our doctrine on sickness. I'm at a loss on any one particular source that would speak specifically to his concerns. Any suggestions or thoughts?

You can always explain the Power of the Priesthood and how it both helps and sometimes doesn't. I have seen many blessings where the anointed has been commanded to be healed, having been in coma or induced coma, and passed away only hours or even minutes after the blessing! Sometimes it's God's will that we give a blessing as would be the last rites!

[Pahoran]

The closest thing I've ever heard to "doctrine" on the subject of sickness -- and that's based upon the fact that some people suppose that whatever anyone says over the pulpit in Sacrament Meeting -- is that we should go to the doctor when we get sick.

We live in a fallen world. Sickness is a normal part of mortality. While the scriptures record some specific instances of the Lord punishing people with sickness (e.g. Elisha's servant) that does not mean that sickness is always, or even commonly, a sign of divine punishment. It's really just a sign that we live in a world with germs in it.

Your friend has been abused by people who don't know how to read the Bible, and who think you can validly reason from particular cases to general principles. Actually if those people gave a moment's thought to the question, they would realise that the specific mention of divine judgement in special cases is prima facie evidence that such judgements are not the norm.

Remember, neither the man born blind, nor his parents, had sinned.

Regards,

Pahoran

[splendidsun]

I'm not a fan of Horne's volume.

Perspectives on healing are dynamic over time, e.g., Elder Oaks recent General Conference talk on the subject. JS gave three reasons why a healing might fail: lack of power to heal, lack of faith to be healed, and the will of God.

[David T]

I'm not a fan of Horne's volume.

Perspectives on healing are dynamic over time, e.g., Elder Oaks recent General Conference talk on the subject. JS gave three reasons why a healing might fail: lack of power to heal, lack of faith to be healed, and the will of God.

Off topic, but splendidsun, I just read your paper on Last Rites in BYU Studies this morning. Great stuff - as has been all of your material on Mormon ritual and liturgy.

[splendidsun]

Off topic, but splendidsun, I just read your paper on Last Rites in BYU Studies this morning. Great stuff - as has been all of your material on Mormon ritual and liturgy.

Thank you very much. I appreciate it!

[Nenahnezad]

Isaiah 53:5 & Mosiah 14:5 & Matthew 8:17 - yet He was without sin.

The ill and the infirm are not here to be judged. But to judge us.

[rpn]

Send him to the new testament story where jesus told parents who had the same question that no, sickness wasn't because of their sin.