[erichdongubler]

> The idea salvation can only occur if you were lucky enough to have your genealogy recorded is far removed from mainstream Christianity.

As a practicing member of the religion in question, this phrasing misrepresents what we believe will happen if records are missing. I don't have a reference to material on hand (am on mobile), but our belief is that during the millennium after Christ's second coming, much work will be dedicated towards recovering records of individuals who were "lost", even by miraculous means if necessary. This is possible in part because such individuals themselves will have been resurrected.

[Axien]

Thanks for the clarification. If they are resurrected, couldn’t they be baptized themselves? No proxy necessary and no records need to be recovered. Just stand in line. Will there be millions of temples built to accommodate? Or is a temple not necessary for Baptiam?

Do you also do proxy marriages?

[erichdongubler]

> If they are resurrected, couldn’t they be baptized themselves?

Intellectual honesty here: I don't know the answer for certain. An interesting question! I don't see an obstacle to it, since baptism and resurrection are, I my understanding, independent events. More than happy to learn more myself to get you an answer, if you'll accept the raincheck. :)

> ...no records need to be recovered. ...

Records will still be necessary. Joseph Smith is very explicit in Doctrine and Covenants 128:6-9 about this, in that we interpret the power to "bind in heaven" as the power to present records of ordinances/rites like baptism that will be ratified by Christ as final. If there are no records of an ordinance like baptism having happened, then they'll need to be done again.

[0]: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-test...

> Will there be millions of temples built to accommodate? Or is a temple not necessary for Baptiam [sic]?

I'm not sure on this either! I think both will be necessary. Baptisms for self need not a temple, though proxy baptisms have recently only been authorized in temples. I can see a world where the temple requirement gets relaxed, since there's historical precedent. Raincheck also, if you're interested.

> Do you also do proxy marriages?

We do indeed! There are four types of ordinances currently done in temples:

1. Proxy baptisms 2. Initiatories: washing and anointing as prep. for 3 (proxy and living) 3. Endowment (proxy and living) 4. Sealing (proxy and living); this encompasses marriages (sealing of a couple) and sealing between children and parents.

Church policies and administrative descriptions of these ordinances can be found at:

- General Handbook, ch. 27: living ordinances: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-han... - General Handbook, ch. 28: proxy ordinances: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-han...

[Axien]

Thanks for the reply. Very interesting.

I’m really surprised the ordinance requires proof or it did not happen. You would assume it is doing something and that something can be checked. For example you don’t need proof of circumcision … just peek.

Is the Mormon God not all knowing and powerful? You would think God would know who has had what ordinance without the paperwork.