Teachings on a Blimp

Teachings on a Blimp
by Ray Farmer

To do something different during his vacation, Heber decided to take a dirigible across the Atlantic to Ireland. Because of the rules of the flight, each passenger was allowed only one book. Heber hadn't read the Book of Mormon in years (although he followed along in the "Come Follow Me"), he decided his book would be the Book of Mormon.

Heber was seated next to a young man from Ireland whose name was Sean. Sean was returning to Ireland to attend a funeral of a dear aunt. He was a pleasant and friendly fellow who was pleased that he was seated by an American for the flight. He was eager to learn all about Heber and America.

Sean noticed the Book of Mormon on the Heber's lap and became curious. Heber explained that he was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which intrigued Sean. The death of his aunt had weighed heavily on his heart.

"I always heard about the Latter-day Saints", says Sean.

Heber decided that he would give his Book of Mormon to Sean. Sean received it with gladness.

"Can you tell me about your Church? Would you mind? I have a red pencil. I would like to mark in my new book everything you tell me so I can read more about it. Perhaps I can use what you teach me to comfort me own heart and to comfort my family".

"That would be wonderful:, says Heber, who begins telling him about the Plan of Salvation, using the bubble chart so familiar to himself.

"We all are children of God. We lived with Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother in what we call a pre-mortal existence".

"Cool! That is a wonderful thought!", exclaims Sean, taking up his red pencil. "Where in my book can I read that?"

"Well. It isn't in there." says Heber, a little uncomfortable. He tells Sean of the restoration of the Gospel and how Living Oracles have revealed all kinds of information beyond the Book of Mormon.

"That makes wonderful sense", says Sean. "Where in my book can I read about the true church directed by prophets and seers and revelators? I want all the details!"

''Well, there isn't much details about the restoration of the gospel in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon opened the way for the Restoration to take place.''

''I can see that!'' Sean says enthusiastically. ''Where can I read all about that in my book? That is important! There must but much about that.''

''Mostly the Book of Mormon talks about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. There really isn't anything about apostles or stuff like that.''

''Okay'', says Sean, a little disappointed. ''Tell me about what happens that brings us to this life''.

''We are here to progress toward becoming gods. We needed bodies in order to progress. We are here to get bodies and experience all we need to advance''.

''That is the key to the whole thing! How exciting! I have my pencil. Please! I must know more about that!''

''Well, that kinda came through those prophets and apostles I told you about'', admits Heber.

"That's Okay. I guess we can move on. Can you tell me where my aunt is right now? That would be helpful. Maybe you can show me a verse or two so that I can comfort my family".

Heber explained that there are two divisions in the spirit world. There is paradise for the righteous people. There is another place called a prison, but it more or less a school where the evil and ignorant can be taught the gospel by the people who come over from paradise. They can accept the gospel and be baptized by proxy by living people in Temples and, if they accept the work done for them, they can move over to paradise.

''Now we're talking!'', exclaimed Sean. ''My aunt was a good, though far from perfect, lady and this is, indeed, great news! Please give me the verses that explain this.''

By this time, Heber was getting a little embarrassed. He fumbled through the topical guide. All they could find was that the wicked were in a place called hell where there was a lot of weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, a fearful looking forward to a fiery judgement and that they would be there until the resurrection.

''Weeping and wailing! Doesn't sound like much of a school to me!'' says Sean. ''Are you sure none of that is in my book?''

Heber wanted to move on to the real important part. He explained that there were three glories after the judgement, three kingdoms wherein almost everyone would wind up (avoiding mention of the Sons of Perdition). There is the Telestial, Terrestrial and Celestial Kingdoms. The Celestial Kingdom is divided into three subdivisions.

''This is big! I want to read all about that for sure!'' Says Sean, with a little less enthusiasm than he previously had.

''None of that is in the Book of Mormon, I'm afraid. Those things have been taught by prophets and apostles since the Book of Mormon,'' says Heber, also with less enthusiasm.

''I am sorry I have not been able to point out any references to what I told you. Do you have anymore questions?''

''Just one'', says Sean. ''Why did you bring this book?''

Sean gives the Book of Mormon back to Heber and, eventually, drifts off to sleep.