Answer: By Brenda**

OK, well let’s start this answer with a confession. I’m a total Trekkie. My favorite Star Trek series were Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. I dream in Sci-Fi; I love to imagine being transported from one part of the globe to another in an instant or take a Caribbean vacation on a holo-deck.

But, do Mormons believe that aliens from other planets visit the earth in spaceships traveling far distances to aid or hinder life on earth? No.

Do we believe there are other worlds out there? Yes, God created them.

In a book of scripture we use, called The Pearl of Great Price, God proclaims:

“And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.
But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you. For behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power. And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto man; but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them.”(Moses 1:33, 35)

Do we believe that earth has been visited by highly powerful and knowledgeable beings? Yes. In the form of God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost and, heavenly beings, or angels.

We believe these glorified beings look like us, only more radiant. We believe visitations from these loving yet powerful beings have not ceased, that God lives, and angels still aid the work of God on the earth.

Joseph Smith gave the following testimony after a visitation from God the Father and Jesus Christ.

“I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me….When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”

And this is Joseph’s testimony of seeing the Angel Moroni, who informed Joseph about the existence of the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated:

While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light appearing in my room, which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor. He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had ever seen; nor do I believe that any earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant. His hands were naked, and his arms also, a little above the wrist; so, also, were his feet naked, as were his legs, a little above the ankles. His head and neck were also bare. I could discover that he had no other clothing on but this robe, as it was open, so that I could see into his bosom. Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning. The room was exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around his person.

Many others have seen Jesus and/or have been visited by angels. I believe these visitations are evidence of God’s love. These visitations are documented in scripture and in the testimonies of people who have sought out God. While such visitations like these are not common, they are real. Most people on earth have their witness of truth come in simple but powerful ways, such as a feeling of happiness or peace in their soul, a comforting feeling that what they are learning is truth, or tears springing from their eyes when they experience beauty, love, goodness. Although these experiences are less fantastic than a visitation from an angel they are nevertheless ample evidence that God loves us.

Do Mormons believe in aliens? No. But we do believe in truths that are even more fantastic than warp drives and cloaking devices and UFOs. We believe that the Son of God, the Creator of all the universe came to this earth as a tiny babe to redeem the world from death and sin. We believe that the heavens are open, that God communicates to man through living prophets and through the Holy Ghost and yes, through angels. The message brought to us from heaven is that He has created a way for joy and hope in a fallen world and in the one to come.

“Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!” D&C 18:10-13

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**Please note: The answers in “Ask a Mormon Woman” reflect the thoughts, perspectives, and experiences of individuals. Although here at Mormon Women: Who We Are, we strive to have our content consistent with the Church’s doctrine and teachings, we do not speak officially for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For official information about or from the Church, please visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org.

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