6 Responses to “Did cain die or is he still wandering the earth?”
Leonardo Miranda
2009-09-26 20:23:55
The idea that Cain never died and is still wandering the Earth became popular in the Middle Ages. There are some stories in Mormon folklore that reflect this Medieval idea, but there is nothing in Mormon scripture or Mormon doctrine to support the folklore. The Bible Dictionary, published by the LDS Church, makes no mention of Cain's immortality. Additionally, the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, a non-canonical but nevertheless useful source of information about modern Mormon doctrine, likewise never suggests that Cain is still with us. Hope this helps.
Richard
2009-09-14 21:25:43
I asked this same question about 5 years ago on an LDS singles site just to see if anyone had any thoughts on it. My favorite two responses to my question are as follows:
1. Everyone died durring the flood except those chosen few who were saved by the ark. If cain somehow survived the flood that would be rocorded somewhere don't you think in later day revelations?
2. This is one of those "did adam and eve have belly-buttons?" questions. Basically the answer doesn't mean anything to you and your place in figuring out this life and returning to our Heavenly Father. If answering this question is part of your personal path back to God then I'm sure he would reveal the answer through our living prophets today.
Pamela Dean
2009-09-26 18:14:20
Much of what we know of cain can be found in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, remembering of course, that this is not considered official doctrine. It does not mention whether or not he died, nor does there appear to be any official church statement on this question.
Anonymous
2011-01-11 21:06:53
There is one reference to this in the book, The Miracle of Forgiveness. It relates the David Patten story about seeing a large man he tells us is Cain. Other than that, there is no known revelation or scriptural information stating that he is still on the earth.
Leonardo Miranda: Very interesting. For those who are unfamiliar with The Miracle of Forgiveness, it is a book of great cultural significance in the Church written by a former president of the faith. However, while it certainly contains many truths, The Miracle of Forgiveness is not canonized, and so does not establish Mormon doctrine.
Grandpa Chet
2011-01-16 14:27:26
Plus which (re: Miracle of Forgiveness, which I highly recommend) it was relating David Patten's story, not claiming it was true. Patten's story (and even David might have been fooled by the large man) was used to make a point about forgiveness. Read the book and you'll see.
I had answered to me how if Cain wasn't killed (as suggested later the Bible which verse I didn't include) he would have surely been destroyed/drown in the flood.
Remember Satan is still frighting his fit-thrower fight he started in heaven. Also the answer to this question doesn't really have any effect on your eternal welfare, it's the same as the question "Did Adam and eve have belly-buttons? "
1. Everyone died durring the flood except those chosen few who were saved by the ark. If cain somehow survived the flood that would be rocorded somewhere don't you think in later day revelations?
2. This is one of those "did adam and eve have belly-buttons?" questions. Basically the answer doesn't mean anything to you and your place in figuring out this life and returning to our Heavenly Father. If answering this question is part of your personal path back to God then I'm sure he would reveal the answer through our living prophets today.
Leonardo Miranda: Very interesting. For those who are unfamiliar with The Miracle of Forgiveness, it is a book of great cultural significance in the Church written by a former president of the faith. However, while it certainly contains many truths, The Miracle of Forgiveness is not canonized, and so does not establish Mormon doctrine.
I had answered to me how if Cain wasn't killed (as suggested later the Bible which verse I didn't include) he would have surely been destroyed/drown in the flood.
Remember Satan is still frighting his fit-thrower fight he started in heaven. Also the answer to this question doesn't really have any effect on your eternal welfare, it's the same as the question "Did Adam and eve have belly-buttons? "
We don't know and it doesn't matter. :)