The discussion turned to the spirit prison prior to Christ's attendance during the time of his death (for the sake of clarity, whilst his body lay in the tomb). Of course we all know that it was during this time of his visit that he organised for his Gospel to be taught by those spirits who had lived righteously to those who had not. We also know from the scriptures that those who were wicked and rebellious at the time of Noah looked for the day when this would occur - meaning, they had to have some idea that it would occur and that it would be a good thing. From this I conclude there was some discussion between those disembodied persons as to this promised time hence, from this I also conclude they had to be in a similar vicinity so as to communicate.
From non-canonised scripts (canonised meaning those used or generally accepted as a standard or measuring rule in a religious organisation), I have learned that Jesus literally broke the gates of hell, not an easy task by the account, and that the ruler of the kingdom of Shoel (Hebrew) or Hades (Greek) was not impressed with the victory. It even goes on to discuss a fight with Lucifer (Satan) for not destroying the Messiah in his mission. According to Hebrew texts, Shoel was the 'holding place' for the wicked and the righteous who held hope in the promised Messiah to free them from the bonds of death. These bonds were literal and very real, not meaning chains as in metal links but certainly literal enough to prevent anyone from leaving - i.e. moving past death's gruesome gates. I can't recall exactly the text but I do know I found it through the BYU Neal A. Maxwell site. When I rediscover it I will reference it here.
Jesus said to the man on the cross beside him that "today thou wilt be with me in paradise". From this we can ascertain that paradise was a place and that when he died, he would meet the Saviour there. So, herein lies the dilemma.
When it was said that the prophets of old were not among those who were wicked I opened my mouth and suggested that yes, they indeed were in exactly the same predicament as the wicked. That is to say, they were bound by the chains of death, unable to progress beyond the gates of hell and awaiting the promised Messiah to free them from this damnable state. Immediately there were hushed tones and murmurings amongst the group. What a ridiculous claim! That such holy and perfect men and women could be trapped with the wicked. Well, I agree that it is a horrible thought. To think one has overcome so much in mortality to be stuck with such awful loathsome creatures that rebelled at the time of the flood. Surely there would have been a special place just for them. But was there?
Just as on earth we have suburbs and communities that we gather to according to our beliefs, morals, behaviours and actions. You are mean, people won't like you and will stay away. You are kind, people will be attracted to you and want to be around you. People are people, dead or alive, and I believe this is how hell naturally separated into sections where really, really bad people hung out and other areas, far from there, where the nice people gathered. Just as we call our place of gathering Zion, it seems the term Paradise is descriptive of the dead alternative.
It wasn't until Christ broke down the gates of hell that the first resurrection began and we are told in numerous places in both canonised and uncanonised scripts that for a time they walked among the living before being taken to another place. We do know that many of the righteous leaders were placed in positions of authority to minister unto those that remained in the sad state of prison and that we are commanded to do our bit in searching out our ancestors so we can bless them with the Gospel promises. We also know that they had been taught during the time from the flood to the time of Christ's visit and common sense dictates that those who told them knew the Gospel promises. Hence my conclusion that they mingled to a large degree which meant they were in some proximity to be able to do so.
Does it really matter if they mingled or not? Is it imperative to know if the righteous prophets abided among the wicked? No, not really. What is important to know is that Christ broke those wretched bands of death, smashed the gates of hell, destroyed Satan's power of death over us and paid the price for our salvation, both physical and spiritual.
Does it end here? No, not at all. Knowing this is the beginning of our progression and our understanding of our relationship with God, our Eternal Father, and where we fit into this life and the next.
May I recommend an interesting publication found at the Neal A. Maxwell Institute site. The title is "Redemption of the Dead: Continuing Revelation after Joseph Smith" by David L. Paulsen, Kendel J. Christensen, Martin Pulido and Judson Burton, 2011.
"As in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive." These are the glad tidings of Easter. This is the hope that billions of souls have held for millennia and continue to hold. This hope is the basis for all who desire something after this life. Surely it is not just good news but the greatest news. Hosanna! Blessed be the Son of God!
* Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc is owned by Disney Pixar.
