Angels-MORMONISM, ANGELS IN

The Mormons, more properly referred to as the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints (LDS), hold beliefs about angels that are somewhat
at variance from mainstream angelology. Although acknowledging
the authority of the Bible, and thus sharing the tradition of biblical
angels with other Christian denominations, the Mormons accept
certain other, postbiblical documents as supplementing and expanding
the biblical revelation. In particular, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine
and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price contain extensive
discussions of angels.
Rather than viewing angels as a separate order of creation, the
Mormon tradition regards the angels who visit the earth as persons. In
the words of the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C), “There are no
angels who minister to this earth but those who do belong or have
belonged to it” (D&C 130:5). Different kinds of beings at different
levels of development can play the messenger role that is the defining
characteristic of angels. Any righteous person in the spirit world may
serve as an angel, but particularly those who were “translated” (i.e.,
left the earth while still in their bodies, as did Elijah).
Mormons also distinguish between disembodied spirits serving as
angels and angels that appear as “resurrected personages, having bodies
of flesh and bones” (D&C 129:1). These resurrected angels have
been particularly important in the history of Mormonism. For
instance, Moroni, the angel who revealed the Book of Mormon, was a
resurrected angel. The LDS tradition also teaches that other such
embodied angels restored the Aaronic priesthood and the Melchizedek
priesthood. Having a body is essential, because only embodied
beings can lay hands on mortals during the passing of authority for
priesthoods.
Disembodied angels can, however, convey knowledge, comfort,
and assurances from God to mortals. God himself is sometimes
referred to as an angel, in that he is called a messenger, as in “messenger
of salvation” (D&C 93:8). Mormonism also accepts the idea of an
original War in Heaven, during which Satan and his followers were
cast out of heaven. These rebels are often referred to as fallen angels.
As for the idea of guardian angels—in the sense of each person
having an assigned angel throughout life—many Mormons accept
the notion, although it does not constitute part of the official teaching
of the church. According to the Encyclopedia of Mormonism,
“The term guardian angel may best be viewed as a figure of speech
that has to do with God’s protecting care and direction or, in special
instances, with an angel dispatched to earth in fulfillment of God’s
purposes” (p. 42).