Mormonism's understanding of angels diverges from traditional Biblical teachings, interpreting angels in ways that align with Joseph Smith's "another Gospel" described in Galatians 1. In scripture, angels are broadly defined as "messengers" and can refer to human messengers, prophets, priests, and non-human agents used by God to fulfill His purposes, such as pestilence or the wind.
Angels in the Bible are heavenly beings used by God to carry out His will on earth and in the heavens, possessing personal existence, numerous ranks, superhuman intelligence, and marvelous strength. While they appear in human form and are involved in divine activities, they are finite and can fall into temptation, as evidenced by fallen angels, and should never be worshipped.
Angels are powerful creations of God, who have played significant roles in biblical events such as announcing Jesus' birth, ministering to Him, declaring His resurrection and ascension, and serving as ministering spirits to God's people while rejoicing over penitent sinners. Contrary to Mormon beliefs, which consider angels as human beings in various stages of progression, the Bible portrays angels as a distinct and superior species, created in heaven for divine purposes and interacting with humanity as spiritual beings rather than as evolved humans.
Shawn's teaching highlights the deep connection between Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon faith, and his involvement with magic and the occult, emphasizing how these practices influenced the establishment of the religion. He also discusses Doctrine and Covenants 129, which provides keys to discern the true nature of ministering angels and spirits by suggesting physical interaction through handshake tests, while highlighting the biblical warning that Satan can appear as an angel of light.
Shawn highlights that in LDS teachings, events like the visitation of Joseph Smith by Moroni, an "angel of light," can be interpreted in various ways, including as a representation of occult influence or deception. He further discusses how Mormon beliefs are often advanced through assertive testimony rather than reasoned argument, leading to responses like suspicion, accusation, and character attacks when their beliefs are questioned.
Shawn critiques the LDS narrative on Adam and Eve, questioning the coherence of events where Adam and Eve required the forbidden fruit to understand procreation, despite being commanded to multiply and observing multiplying animals around them. This teaching challenges the logical consistency of LDS doctrines by arguing that Adam already possessed enough understanding of procreation before consuming the fruit, highlighting discrepancies in the justification of commands and actions depicted in LDS scriptures.
Shawn's teaching explores the notion that Adam had an understanding of procreation before the Fall in the Garden of Eden, as suggested by the LDS interpretation that emphasizes the importance of multiplying and replenishing the earth. He questions the logic behind Adam's choice to eat the forbidden fruit, focusing on the implications of Adam and Eve's awareness of procreation, and the potential for pre-Fall conception hinted at in Genesis 3:16.