My name is Jack. I am a Mormon.

I have a friend with a crisis. A decade ago he joined the church because he loved his wife, who was a member. They were a couple who found each other late in life. I knew them for two reasons. I also loved his wife and dated her for years. We never considered marriage though, Sandy was very high strung, while I am a quiet Native American man. We both knew it would never work.

As luck would have it, I was assigned to be their home teacher. It was a bit difficult, but we three soon grew to love and appreciate each other. Jack didn’t really buy into the church. He probably has attended maybe a dozen times in ten years. Two years ago, he lost Sandy. I was there for him (and for myself). I raged inside when her funeral turned into a “Plan of Salvation,” knowing Sandy would have been appalled that her non-member family & friends had to sit through Mormon preaching. I have continued to be a good friend to Jack though (one of my son’s lives across the street).

Recently Jack was called in by his bishop. He went, because he respects the office. The bishop said he must prepare himself for both the priesthood and the temple, to be sealed to Sandy. Jack called me shortly afterwards. He was so upset. He fully believes that he will see Sandy again, along with all his loved ones. He doesn’t want to be ordained or do temple worship. He is aged & ill. He loves the memory of his wife. He asked my counsel. What I told him you may not agree with, but I told him AFTER his death, there were those who would see a sealing was done for them. I told him to relax and to dream of Sandy while napping and to smell the roses she planted in the yard.

I don’t live in the ward now. I gave advice as a long-time friend. I feel comfortable with it. Am I in danger of hellfire?