The veil in the Terrestrial Room of the Salt Lake City Temple.
— Collins English English Dictionary
by Fred W. Anson
For those who are unfamiliar with the Mormonese term, “both sides of the veil”, it is a reference to the living and the dead on their respective sides of the veil of mortality. As Mormon Apostle, Neil L. Andersen explains:
One of the most magnificent doctrines of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is that every man, woman, and child who has ever lived on the earth—every person who has breathed the air of this world—will have the opportunity to clearly understand and to accept or reject the life, teachings, and ordinances of the Savior. How amazing! No one will be set aside or coerced; no one will be forgotten!
To bring the ordinances of the gospel to every living soul is not an assignment for the faint of heart. This work is advancing on both sides of the veil and will continue through the 1,000 years of the Millennium. The Lord has invited each of us to be a part of it, and He has given us the tools and the ability to assist Him in “hastening His work of salvation.”
(Neil L. Andersen, “Sharing the Temple Challenge: Full Talk”, Family Discovery Day at RootsTech, February 2015)
Out of this doctrine, a system of Mormon Necromancy has sprung up that promotes the belief that communication with the dead (especially in LdS Temples where the veil is said to “be thin”) is not only a normal, positive thing but something to be desired and hoped for. Mormons describe these encounters as “sacred” even though the Bible explicitly denounces such communication with the dead as an abomination:
There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord…
(Deuteronomy 18:10-12, ESV, bolding added for emphasis. Also, see Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:6; Leviticus 20:27, and; Isaiah 8:19)
To overcome this problem many Mormons claim that they’re not really engaging in necromancy since it’s the dead who are approaching the living to communicate with them rather than vice versa. It is claimed that these encounters are akin to the type of angelic visitation that we see in the Bible. As the essay on Angels in the “Encyclopedia of Mormonism” explains, “Another kind of angel may be an individual who completed his mortal existence but whose labors continue in the spirit world while he awaits the resurrection of the body.” However, Evangelical Theologians, Ken Boa and Rob Bowman have explained the disparity between what the LdS Church teachings and what the Bible actually says like this:
Mormonism teaches that all human beings existed as male and female spirit children of God in heaven before coming to the earth. This key element of their doctrinal system, as unobjectionable as it may seem to many in our culture, is at odds with the biblical view of humanity.
Perhaps even more common today is the notion that human beings become angels after they die. In popular angel mythology, human beings die and then come back to the earth as angels, either to help those they left behind or others in similar difficulties. According to the Bible, angels are a class of beings who existed before any humans had ever died. We know this because some of those angelic beings rebelled against God, and their leader, the Devil, tempted Eve (Gen. 3).
Moreover, the Bible makes it clear that departed human spirits, unlike angels, are generally not permitted to visit or communicate with human beings. In Jesus’ parable of Lazarus and the rich man, for example, the rich man’s request for someone to visit his brothers and warn them of the judgment to come was turned down (Luke 16:19 – 31). The Old Testament forbids communication with the dead (Lev. 19:31; Deut. 18:11; Isa. 8:19).”
(Kenneth D. Boa and Rob M. Bowman, “Sense and Nonsense about Angels and Demons” (Kindle Locations 611-622). Zondervan. Kindle Edition)
Furthermore, in response to the Mormon claim that no pursuit or conjuring of the dead occurs in Mormonism, I would ask the reader to consider the fact that while no overt or direct conjuring occurs, the fact remains that all of the elements are still there:
1) A sacred space is set up where it’s understood that the living can and will have encounters with the dead: Mormon Temples.
2) A sacred ritual is practiced that facilitates such encounters as a byproduct, or if you prefer, “side effect”: Proxy Baptism in Mormon Temples.
3) Practitioners are told by their leaders to expect such encounters as a result of said practice: “The veil is thin between those who hold the priesthood and divine messengers on the other side of the veil.” (David O. McKay, Conference Report, April 1948, p.172; also click here for more variations on this theme from Mormon leaders)
4) Practitioners report such encounters.
(In addition to the examples from President Nelson below, you see find more here)
How does that not, in fact, meet the criteria for pursuing communication with the dead – that is, necromantic “conjuring”?
Given all that, let it never be said that we don’t live in interesting times since no Mormon Leader in recent history has done more to teach, promote, and publicly practice Mormon Necromancy than current LdS President Russell M. Nelson. What follows are examples of Mr. Nelson publicly speaking about this unusual and unique form of necromancy as if it’s the most natural and normal thing in the world. All sources are Latter-day Saint publications – up to and including official, correlated sources.
The Mormon Necromancy of President Russell M. Nelson
“We invite all of God’s children on both sides of the veil to come unto their Savior, to receive the blessings of the holy temple and qualify for eternal life, so that they can have enduring joy now and forever,”
(President Russell M. Nelson, “50,000 Come to MLB Stadium to Hear President Nelson Share Vital Message to Those “on Both Sides of the Veil”’, LDS Living, September 16, 2018)
“Our message to the world is simple and sincere: we invite all of God’s children on both sides of the veil to come unto their Savior, receive the blessings of the holy temple, have enduring joy, and qualify for eternal life.”
(President Russell M. Nelson, “Let Us All Press On”, April 2018 General Conference)
“This “precious gift” President Nelson shared was one his grandfather Andrew Clarence Nelson, or A.C. Nelson, shared with his family through his journal.
Through this entry, President Nelson and his family were able to learn of a visitor from the spirit world his grandfather received 27 years before President Joseph F. Smith’s 1918 vision of the redemption of the dead and gain important answers to what life after death is really like:
“When my Grandfather A. C. Nelson was a young husband and father, just 27 years old, his father died. Then, about three months later, his father, now deceased, came to visit him. The date of that visit was the night of April 6, 1891. Grandfather Nelson was so impressed by his father’s visit that he wrote the experience in his own journal for his family and his friends. And thanks to your encouragement, I took his journal entry and created this document and made copies of this document for every member of the family.
Listen to my grandfather’s words about that sacred experience:
“I was in bed when Father entered the room. He came and sat on the side of the bed. He said, ‘Well, my son, as I had a few spare minutes I received permission to come and see you for a few minutes. I am feeling well, my son, and have had very much to do since I died.'”
“What have you been doing since you died, Father?”
“I’ve been traveling together with Apostle Erastus Snow ever since I died. That is, since three days after I died. I received my commission to preach the gospel. You cannot imagine, my son, how many spirits there are in the spirit world that have not yet received the gospel. But many are receiving it, and a great work is being accomplished. Many are anxiously looking forth to their friends who are still living to administer for them in the temples. I’ve been very busy preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
“‘Father, can you see us at all times, and do you know what we’re doing?”
“Oh, no, my son. I have something else to do. I cannot go when and where I please. There is just as much and much more order here in the spirit world than in the other world. I have been assigned work to do, and it must be performed.”
“We intend to go to the temple and get sealed to you, Father, as soon as we can.”
“That, my son, is partly what I came to see you about. We will yet make a family and live throughout eternity.”
“‘Father, is it natural to die?”
“‘It is just as natural to die as it is to be born, or for you to pass out of that door.’ And here he pointed at the door. ‘When I told the folks that I could not last long, it turned dark and I could not see anything for a few minutes. Then the first thing I could see was a number of spirits in the spirit world. The paper you gave me, my son, is dated wrong. But it makes no particular difference. Correct records are kept here.”
“‘Father, is the gospel as taught by this Church true?’
“‘My son, do you see that picture?’ Pointing to a picture of the First Presidency of the Church hanging on the wall.“
“Yes, I see it.”
“‘Just as sure as you see that picture, just as sure is the gospel true. The gospel of Jesus Christ has within it the power of saving every man and woman that will obey it, and in no other way can they ever obtain salvation in the kingdom of God. My son, always cling to the gospel. Be humble, be prayerful, be submissive to the priesthood, be true, be faithful to the covenants you have made with God. Never do anything that would displease God. Oh, what a blessing is the gospel. My son, be a good boy.’”
(Katie Lambert, “The Questions President Nelson’s Grandfather Asked a Visitor from the Spirit World + the Surprising Answers”, LDS Living website, Jun. 19, 2017; see video below for the actual address)
(What follows is set up for the necromancy story that follows it in the next citation)
“Throughout my life, I have been blessed by such women. My departed wife, Dantzel, was such a woman. I will always be grateful for the life-changing influence she had on me in all aspects of my life, including my pioneering efforts in open-heart surgery.
Fifty-eight years ago I was asked to operate upon a little girl, gravely ill from congenital heart disease. Her older brother had previously died of a similar condition. Her parents pleaded for help. I was not optimistic about the outcome but vowed to do all in my power to save her life. Despite my best efforts, the child died. Later, the same parents brought another daughter to me, then just 16 months old, also born with a malformed heart. Again, at their request, I performed an operation. This child also died. This third heartbreaking loss in one family literally undid me.
I went home grief stricken. I threw myself upon our living room floor and cried all night long. Dantzel stayed by my side, listening as I repeatedly declared that I would never perform another heart operation. Then, around 5:00 in the morning, Dantzel looked at me and lovingly asked, ‘Are you finished crying? Then get dressed. Go back to the lab. Go to work! You need to learn more. If you quit now, others will have to painfully learn what you already know.’” (Apostolic Quorum President Russell M. Nelson, “A Plea to My Sisters”, General Conference, October 2015; also see “President Nelson Shares the Miraculous Night When Two Girls Visited Him from Beyond the Veil”, LDS Living)
“Six months ago in the October 2015 general conference, I spoke to the sisters of the Church about their divine role as women of God. Now I wish to speak to you brethren about your divine role as men of God. As I travel the world, I marvel at the strength and sheer goodness of the men and boys of this Church. There is simply no way to number the hearts you’ve healed and the lives you’ve lifted. Thank you!
In my last conference message, I related my devastating experience many years ago when, as a heart surgeon, I was not able to save the lives of two little sisters. With permission of their father, I would like to say more about that family.
Congenital heart disease afflicted three children born to Ruth and Jimmy Hatfield. Their first son, Jimmy Jr., died without a definitive diagnosis. I entered the picture when the parents sought help for their two daughters, Laural Ann and her younger sister, Gay Lynn. I was heartbroken when both girls died following their operations.1 Understandably, Ruth and Jimmy were spiritually shattered.
Over time, I learned that they harbored lingering resentment toward me and the Church. For almost six decades, I have been haunted by this situation and have grieved for the Hatfields. I tried several times to establish contact with them, without success.
Then one night last May, I was awakened by those two little girls from the other side of the veil. Though I did not see or hear them with my physical senses, I felt their presence. Spiritually, I heard their pleadings. Their message was brief and clear: “Brother Nelson, we are not sealed to anyone! Can you help us?” Soon thereafter, I learned that their mother had passed away, but their father and younger brother were still alive.
Emboldened by the pleadings of Laural Ann and Gay Lynn, I tried again to contact their father, who I learned was living with his son Shawn. This time they were willing to meet with me.
In June, I literally knelt in front of Jimmy, now 88 years old, and had a heart-to-heart talk with him. I spoke of his daughters’ pleadings and told him I would be honored to perform sealing ordinances for his family. I also explained that it would take time and much effort on his and Shawn’s part to be ready and worthy to enter the temple, as neither of them had ever been endowed.
The Spirit of the Lord was palpable throughout that meeting. And when Jimmy and Shawn each accepted my offer, I was overjoyed! They worked diligently with their stake president, bishop, home teachers, and ward mission leader, as well as with young missionaries and a senior missionary couple. And then, not long ago, in the Payson Utah Temple, I had the profound privilege of sealing Ruth to Jimmy and their four children to them. Wendy and I wept as we participated in that sublime experience. Many hearts were healed that day!”
(Apostolic Quorum President Russell M. Nelson, “The Price of Priesthood Power”, April 2016 General Conference; also see “The Dream President Nelson Had That United a Family on Both Sides of the Veil”, LDS Living, Aug. 20, 2018; “President Nelson Shares the Miraculous Night When Two Girls Visited Him from Beyond the Veil”, LDS Living, and; Russell M. Nelson Facebook Page, May 4, 2016)
“In 1844, Joseph Smith asked, “What is this office and work of Elijah?” The Prophet promptly answered his own question: “It is one of the greatest and most important subjects that God has revealed. …
‘This is the spirit of Elijah, that we redeem our dead, and connect ourselves with our fathers which are in heaven. … This is the power of Elijah and the keys of the kingdom of Jehovah.’
Some among us still have neither perceived the Spirit of Elijah nor its power. Yet, we are bound by this warning:
‘These are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over. … For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation … they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect.’
Joseph Smith’s responsibility was to “lay the foundation” for this great work. Important details were to be revealed later. At April conference 1894, President Wilford Woodruff announced this revelation: “We want the Latter-day Saints from this time to trace their genealogies as far as they can, and to be sealed to their fathers and mothers. Have children sealed to their parents, and run this chain through as far as you can get it. … This is the will of the Lord to his people.”. . .
No mortal mind could have conceived this divine work. It is evidence of the restoration of the gospel in its fulness and is sparked by the Spirit of Elijah. “Let us, therefore, as a church and a people … offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple … a book containing the records of our dead … worthy of all acceptation.”41 Then we shall bless and be blessed as saviors upon mount Zion, I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”
(Apostle Russell M. Nelson, “The Spirit of Elijah”, Fall General Conference 1994; tight ellipses in original, loose ellipses mine)
Both sides of the veil: LdS President Russell M. Nelson and a playful “Dia de los Muertos” take on a figure in popular culture that he is often compared to due to their similar appearance, Mr. Burns of The Simpsons fame.
Also recommended: Fred W. Anson, “Let The Dead Bury The Dead: A Biblical Response to Mormon Communion With the Dead Teachings”
Beggar's Bread 
Excellent points made in this piece. I never paid attention to the Biblical references to communicating with dead and the above essay has caused me to look at scriptures in the bible I have either ignored or overlooked. Thank you to the author.
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Interesting, but there is no need to complicate things. Our knowledge of visitations is not essential for our salvation.
Good to hear from you, Terri.
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@Joseph Ott, you wrote: “Interesting, but there is no need to complicate things. Our knowledge of visitations is not essential for our salvation.”
Where is the claim made in the article that it is? How is this in any way relevant to this article?
“Good to hear from you, Terri.”
Who’s Terri?
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I stumbled upon this article and was surprised by the association of Mormon temple practice and ‘necromancy.’ I see no connection at all, especially regarding the used definition of necromancy here: “Necromancy is magic that some people believe brings a dead person back to this world so that you can talk to them.” Magic has never been endorsed in the Mormon Church, nor will it be, and ‘bringing back the dead’ (whatever that means) is not a practice in Mormon temples, as temple ceremonies have a completely different purpose: helping deceased forefathers who never had the opportunity to make these saving covenants with God, by performing those by proxy. There is NEVER any communication with spirits and the living, nor is this sought after. A visitation of a deceased relative occurs very rarely, it does not have to be in the temple, and these are on the initiative of the spirit and are always ‘with permission.’ This entire article testifies of a lack of knowledge of these things and the order that accompanies it. As this site seems to cling to the ‘sola scriptura’ principle, I will substantiate my claim by referring to 1 Cor. 12:10 where Paul talks about the gift of the spirit called ‘discerning spirits’. The entire Bible is filled with stories of visitations of angels, who are oft even called by name (Michael, Gabriel etc.). Also in Matth. 17:3 Jesus, Peter James and John are visited by Moses and Elijah, clearly two prophets who lived as mortals on this earth, and communed with them. Jesus even tells the apostles not to be afraid. So I plead with the author and readers of this article: please do not take things out of their context, seeking to invoke fear about things that are not well known. Instead, seek knowledge and strive for sincerity in your writing. With brotherly love. R.
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@Richard Sleegers wrote, “I stumbled upon this article and was surprised by the association of Mormon temple practice and ‘necromancy.’”
I don’t see why, this association has been noted by outsiders since the 19th Century and Early Mormonism, as was noted in the companion article that preceded this one which you will find here: https://beggarsbread.org/2017/06/11/let-the-dead-bury-the-dead/
Then, like now, outsiders would see teachings like this from Mormon Leaders and find a clear and obvious correlation:
“And lest the connection to Mormonism be missed, on April 6, 1853, at the ceremony for laying the Northeast Corner Stone of the Salt Lake City Temple, Mormon Apostle Parley Pratt bragged that Mormonism was ahead of the spiritist curve when,
A quarter of a century since, an obscure boy and his few associates, in the western wilds of New York, commenced to hold converse with the dead.” He further stated that, “The Lord has ordained that all the most holy things pertaining to the salvation of the dead, and all the most holy conversations and correspondence with God, angels, and spirits, shall be had only in the sanctuary of His holy Temple on the earth, when prepared for that purpose by His Saints; and shall be received and administered by those who are ordained and sealed unto this power, to hold the keys of the sacred oracles of God.” Thus temple endowed Latter-day Saints, “By one holding the keys of the oracles of God, [act] as a medium through which the living can hear from the dead.”
(Parley Pratt, “Spiritual Communication”, Journal of Discourses, 2:43-46; http://jod.mrm.org/2/43)
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@Richard Sleegers wrote, “I see no connection at all, especially regarding the used definition of necromancy here: “Necromancy is magic that some people believe brings a dead person back to this world so that you can talk to them.” Magic has never been endorsed in the Mormon Church, nor will it be, and ‘bringing back the dead’ (whatever that means) is not a practice in Mormon temples, as temple ceremonies have a completely different purpose: helping deceased forefathers who never had the opportunity to make these saving covenants with God, by performing those by proxy.”
Since this is one of the most common objections by Mormon Apologists, it was dealt as an appending comment to the aforementioned article:
“The #1 Mormon response to my article is that it’s invalidated by the fact that Mormons don’t conjure up the dead. In response, I would ask the reader to consider the fact that while no OVERT or direct conjuring or calling forth of the dead occurs in Mormonism, all the elements are still there:
1) A sacred space is set up where it’s understood that the living can and will have encounters with the dead: Mormon Temples.
(see the Parley Pratt quote in the above article if you doubt this)
2) A sacred ritual is practiced that facilitates such encounters as a byproduct, or if you prefer, “side effect”. (Proxy Baptism in Mormon Temples)
3) Practitioners are told by their leaders to expect such encounters as a result of said practice. (See the first comment above [of the source article] for proof of this)
4) Practitioners report such encounters.
(Again see the first comment above for examples from both rank and file Mormons AND Mormon Leaders)
Does that not, in fact, meet the criteria for “conjuring”?”
(Fred W. Anson, Comment June 14, 2017 at 11:23;
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@Richard Sleegers wrote, “Also in Matth. 17:3 Jesus, Peter James and John are visited by Moses and Elijah, clearly two prophets who lived as mortals on this earth, and communed with them. Jesus even tells the apostles not to be afraid.”
Which is ALSO covered in the preceding companion article in detail as a full Appendix which starts as follows:
“Of course, the emphasis in this passage is on Moses (representing the Old Testament Law) and Elijah (representing the Old Testament Prophets) endorsing and encouraging Christ’s earthly ministry not the how’s and why’s of how they came to be there. The text just gives us a lot of information on the latter, however, there are several possible explanations that we consider here…”
(Fred W. Anson, “Let The Dead Bury the Dead”, APPENDIX: What About Elijah and Mose on the Mount of Transfiguration and Samuel Appearing to King Saul and the Witch of Endor?; https://beggarsbread.org/2017/06/11/let-the-dead-bury-the-dead)
@Richard Sleegers wrote, “So I plead with the author and readers of this article: please do not take things out of their context, seeking to invoke fear about things that are not well known. Instead, seek knowledge and strive for sincerity in your writing. With brotherly love. R.”
And I plead with you Mr. Sleegers and the Mormon readers to lay aside their Latter-day Saint pre-suppositions and consider the facts and evidence apart from what your Church has taught you.
While, Mr. Sleegers, I respect your work as a Mormon Apologist and researcher for the Maxwell Institute, and other Latter-day Saint organizations, the fact remains that the body of evidence simply does NOT lead to the conclusion that Mormon Communion with the Dead teachings are anything but what outsiders have claimed since the 19th Century when they were first introduced: Necromancy.
And again, I would point you to, and ask you to consider the companion article to this one if you have any further questions on this. Again, here’s the link to it: https://beggarsbread.org/2017/06/11/let-the-dead-bury-the-dead/
Thank you.
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Isn’t raising people from the dead necromancy? If necromancy is bringing to life dead people such practice surely is necromancy? For example, Jesus raised Jairus’s 12 year old daughter from death, ‘and he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise’ ( Mark 5: 35 – 43 ). Lazarus was raised by Jesus from the dead. In John 11: 43 – 44 we read that Jesus ‘….cried with a loud voice, Lazarus come forth……..and he that was dead came forth….’
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A: No. People who have been raised from the dead are no longer dead, are they?
Further, corpses aren’t the spirits of the deceased, are they?
This line of reasoning, therefore, makes no sense, does it?
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one can always rely on your patronizing reply.
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Exactly how is asking questions that logically and organically flow from the issues and arguments raised by the other person a “patronizing reply”, Covo18?
How is that not simply the stock and standard stuff of civil discourse and debate?
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@Richard Sleegers wrote, “There is NEVER any communication with spirits and the living, nor is this sought after. A visitation of a deceased relative occurs very rarely, it does not have to be in the temple, and these are on the initiative of the spirit and are always ‘with permission.’ This entire article testifies of a lack of knowledge of these things and the order that accompanies it.”
Perhaps, but, as previously stated, this was actually a companion article to a prior article which direct evidence from Latter-day Sources is cited thus countering your claim. I would point you, for example, to his appending comment (dated June 13, 2017 at 05:46) which is filled with such references: https://beggarsbread.org/2017/06/11/let-the-dead-bury-the-dead/#comment-1350
@Richard Sleegers wrote, “As this site seems to cling to the ‘sola scriptura’ principle, I will substantiate my claim by referring to 1 Cor. 12:10 where Paul talks about the gift of the spirit called ‘discerning spirits’.”
And? I call eisegesis (inserting things into the text that the author didn’t say mean) Please show us where in the full and complete context of the passage where Paul says ANYTHING about that spiritual gift being about the spirits of deceased human beings in any form or fashion.
1 Corinthian 12 KJV
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
Respectfully, Mr. Sleegers, you’re inserting things into the text that simply aren’t there, aren’t you?
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@Richard Sleegers wrote, “The entire Bible is filled with stories of visitations of angels, who are oft even called by name (Michael, Gabriel etc.).”
And? Again, I call eisegesis, the Bible is clear that angels are a unique species of created beings separate and distinct from human beings, they are NOT pre-existent or deceased humans being.
This too was covered in the preceding companion article via this citation from Mormon Researcher, Bill McKeever:
“While the belief in angels is not unique to the Christian faith, Mormonism drastically differs from orthodox doctrine by espousing the concept that humans have the capability to end up as angels. Certainly Mormonism cannot be credited with originating this erroneous concept. This “human to angel” idea has long been a part of the folklore of many countries. Upon the loss of a loved one, how many children have been comforted by well-meaning people who have said this particular loved one “is an angel now”?
…the concept of men and women turning into angels has no biblical support. To begin with, the Bible declares that angels are a distinct creation of God; in other words, an angel was created as such, and is not a being that has undergone some sort of spiritual development or physical evolution. Psalm 148:2,5 clearly demonstrates that angels were created as angels when it says, “Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts…Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.”
In his epistle to the church at Colosse, the Apostle Paul expounds the fact that it was through Christ that all things were created by Him and for Him (2:15). These include what Paul refers to as ‘principalities.’ W.E. Vine notes that the word translated principality in the KJV ‘is used of supramundane beings who exercise rule, called principalities.’ He states that this word can denote holy angels or evil angels. (An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, 1966, pg. 213). As with many other doctrines unique to Mormonism, there is no biblical justification for the claim that angels were once humans.”
(Bill McKeever, “Angels and Humans”, Mormonism Research Ministry website; http://www.mrm.org/angels-and-humans)
Respectfully, Mr. Sleegers, your Latter-day Saint presupposition that angels and human beings are the same species of being – albeit, pre-existent, in their mortal probation, and/or deceased – is simply in error and not supported by proper biblical exegesis, isn’t it?
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