Angels
Intervening at a critical threshold, heavenly emissaries arrive at the Oaks of Mamre to announce the continuation of Abraham's lineage and warn of impending destruction.
To understand angels through their original linguistic roots is to strip away centuries of cultural accretion. Angels are fundamentally messengers—a definition perfectly preserved in both the Greek aggelos and the Hebrew mal'ach. Because both terms describe a role rather than a distinct classification of being, the biblical text defines these personages strictly by their heavenly commission.
Most Christian traditions view angels as ontologically different from humanity. Restoration theology maintains that they are our kin, existing as pre-mortal spirits, post-mortal spirits, translated individuals, or resurrected beings with perfected bodies. Joseph Smith identified Michael as Adam, Gabriel as Noah, and Moroni as a former Nephite prophet.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
The Boundary Between Man and Angel Is Developmental
Doctrine and Covenants 129 treats the discernment of genuine angelic messengers as essential in a world fraught with deception. The tradition’s naturalism here is consistent and deliberate: angels operate within the natural order, not outside of it. That implies that the boundary between man and angel is not a boundary of kind but one of development—one that God explicitly invites humans to cross. Rather than viewing the angelic state as the pinnacle of existence, Doctrine and Covenants 132:19 explicitly calls for humanity to "pass by the angels" on the continuous path to Godhood.
And they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.
Mormon transhumanism takes that trajectory seriously. The work of expanding human intelligence, compassion, creative power, and physical capability is, in this frame, continuous with what angels already do. To labor ethically and deliberately toward superhumanity is to actively participate in God’s own “work and his glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).
Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost? Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.”
Catalysts, Not Substitutes
Angels in scripture follow a consistent pattern: they appear when human capacity alone is insufficient. They deliver what is needed and withdraw, leaving humans to do the actual work. They did not replace Hagar’s courage, Mary’s commitment, or Joseph Smith’s translation of ancient records. They intervened specifically to bridge the gap between human limitation and the monumental work God required them to undertake.
That functional pattern bears directly on how Mormon transhumanism thinks about intelligent systems and technological assistance. Tools, agents, and systems that carry information, extend perception, and expand capability perform something structurally analogous to the angelic standard. The vital question is whether our tools facilitate genuine growth or obviate the need for self-exertion. True assistance, whether heavenly or technological, should enhance our capabilities rather than circumvent the friction required for true development.
See also: Agency, Discerment, Heaven, Hell, Holy Ghost, Light, Revelation, Savior(s), Theodicy, Veil