Teaching Choral Concepts

Review

     Angel Children is a careful presentation of Latter-day Saint doctrine concerning the status of children who pass away before being baptized. It is a compassionate book which brings comfort and consolation through increased understanding to those who read it. 

The author, Mary V. Hill, lost her own child and shares the emotions she felt during that trying period. She deals with aspects of religious life when serious illness develops: effective prayer, faith and healing, priesthood administration, man's appointed time to die, and one's attitude towards death. 

The subject then shifts to the status of little children after their passing. She shows how little children need no baptism, that they are heirs of the Celestial Kingdom, and that they are redeemed from the temptations of Satan. Life in the Spirit World is discussed, then the resurrection and the status of children following the resurrection is considered. 

Another chapter is devoted to the status of retarded children here on earth. The author shows that the eternal spirit of a retarded child is not affected by the illness and discusses the eternal plan for such children. 

Great comfort is found in the final chapter: "Overcoming the Challenge." The author tells of the necessity for having a positive attitude, mourning and being comforted, and ends with the reassurance that after much tribulation come the blessings. Angel Children is readable and inspirational. It is also a valuable collection of doctrinal materials on this important subject, including the scriptures and words of instruction and counsel by General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Horizon Publishers is pleased to recommend it highly! 

Table of Contents

Preface, vii

Acknowledgments, viii

I. The Realization Comes Slowly, 9
Stephen's Birth-Hope and Joy
First Intimations of a Problem
Relentless Questions
Seeking to Understand through Faith

II. Facing the Challenge--A Struggle, 11
The Problem Develops
Why Did This Happen, and Who Is To Blame?
Effective Prayer--A Way to Answers
Accepting the Reality of the Situation
Faith and Healing
Faith Centers in Christ
Faith and Priesthood Administration
Faith and A Time to Die
Faith Sufficient to Heal Is a Gift
Stephen's Passing

III. Beyond the Grave, 25
A False Concept Regarding the Death of Children
Purity of Little Children
Little Children Need No Baptism
Children Who Die Are Heirs of the Celestial Kingdom
Children Who Die Are Redeemed from the Temptations of Satan
Life in the Spirit World
The Spirits of Children Who Die Are Adult in Stature
The Great Work in the Spirit World Is Preaching the Gospel
Why Is the Resurrection Important?
Children Who Die Will Develop After Resurrection
Children Who Die May Obtain Exaltation

IV. Retarded Children, 42
The Eternal Spirit of a Retarded Child Is Not Affected
Why Are Some Persons Mentally Retarded?
The Eternal Plan for Retarded Children

V. Overcoming the Challenge, 47
The Necessity of a Positive Attitude
Thou Shalt Weep for the Loss of Them That Die
The Comforting Assurance of Friends
Reassurances to a Grieving Mother
After Much Tribulation Come the Blessings

Bibliography, 61
Index, 65

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