Mormon Dilemma 544

Holy Ghost Still Waiting for His Body

Encyclopedia of Joseph Smith’s Teachings, pg 323; “Words of Franklin D. Richards: Joseph also said that the Holy Ghost is now in a state of probation which if he should perform in righteousness he may pass through the same or a similar course of things that the Son has. (Joseph Smith, The Words of Joseph Smith, p. 245; standardized)…But the Holy Ghost is yet a spiritual body and waiting to take to himself a body, as the Savior did or as God did or the gods before them took bodies; for the Savior says the work that my Father did do I also. . . . He took himself a body and then laid down his life that he might take it up again. (Joseph Smith, The Words of Joseph Smith, p. 382; standardized).”

Matt 15:9; “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”

I recall being taught this doctrine/revelation as a child in Utah and often wondered when this ghost guy was going to get a body.  The thought of some spirit or ghost waiting for a body was nothing more than a strange teaching of the Church and too complicated in my mind to do any further investigation or study of.

Since becoming a Christian the identity of the Holy Spirit and His purpose in the life of a believer is made abundantly clear through the work of God. 

There are a few questions I’d ask your Mormon friend/loved ones about this teaching.

Why is He still waiting for a body?  

Where is he at right now?

Why hasn’t he received his body after all this time?

Will he ever get a body?

Why aren’t there any other definitive teachings about this subject?

How did the Holy Ghost come to be?

Was he once a man or was he always just a ghost?