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by John Walsh

If Moroni devoutly practiced the Mormon Gospel, why is he an angel now rather than a God? (D/C 132:17,37)

The Prophet Moroni practiced the gospel of his Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. Your question is founded upon two false premises:

(1)  The word angel is used exclusively to denote non-exalted beings.  In reality, words can mean different things in different contexts.   The Prophet Joseph Smith noted that the owrd angel can be used to denote:

"[a] special messenger, ordained and prepared for [a particular purpose]" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Six 1843–44, p.365). 

Therefore, if our Heavenly Father sent an exalted being on a special mission, he could properly be denoted as an angel. (See Angels)

(2) You have assumed that the faithful followers of Christ receive exaltation immediately after their resurrection. As noted below, the Prophet Joseph Smith taught that inheriting eternal life was a great work that continued beyond the grave:

"When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel—you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Six 1843–44, p.348)

We should not conclude from the Prophet’s statement that there is further testing beyond the veil, but that the growth and development necessary for exaltation will occur in the process of time.

Only Jesus Christ, who alone stands as the Judge of the human family, can determine the eternal destiny of the Prophet Moroni. Personally, I have no doubts that he has been sealed up unto eternal life and will eventually receive exaltation in the process of time.

(See Response to Criticism home page; Accusatory Questions home page)