As a young man growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, I was fascinated by space and thoughts of “what’s really out there?” I became a fan of the Star Trek series (and others that followed such as my favorite–Babylon 5) imagining what it would be like “to boldly go where no man has gone before.” I wondered what was really out there. What would it be like to find another populated world and communicate with the inhabitants? Would they look like us or totally different? Is there any limit to God’s creations?

In the Bible we read “In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) What does that mean? The earth itself is a vast world with so much to explore. We still find new species of animals we haven’t been aware of, and yet we are just a tiny speck in the universe.

In the LDS faith, we use the Bible and other records of scripture that also record God’s dealings with his children on earth. There are a few passages which illustrate the vastness of space and God’s creations. I will share two of the most related to this topic. In these verses from the book of Moses, God tells Moses that we’re not the only children God has created and put upon an earth. In fact, he’s had a lot of experience doing what he’s doing.

Moses 1
33 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.
…
35 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.
36 And it came to pass that Moses spake unto the Lord, saying: Be merciful unto thy servant, O God, and tell me concerning this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, and also the heavens, and then thy servant will be content.
37 And the Lord God spake unto Moses, saying: The heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man; but they are numbered unto me, for they are mine.
38 And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my words.
39 For behold, this is my work and my glory-to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Ever wondered where God came from and what his purpose in existence is? God’s purpose in the eternities is to create life on worlds and then raise it up into the eternities.

The second passage which is a greater illustration of this point comes later in the Book of Moses when God is speaking to another prophet by the name of Enoch. Enoch’s experience differed from Moses’ in that he seems to have been shown the vastness of the heavens and recorded his experience in this manner.

Moses 7
30 And were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations; and thy curtains are stretched out still; and yet thou art there, and thy bosom is there; and also thou art just; thou art merciful and kind forever;

These are my 2 favorite videos (so far) that illustrate this.

First on our size in the universe. (http://www.youtube.com/v/HEheh1BH34Q)

Then into the darkness of space (the 20 seconds of annoyance does end :)). Literally, imagine what happens if you look at what appears to be a speck of blackness in space where normal telescopes can’t see anything. Imagine holding a grain of sand at arms length and then blowing it up to poster size and how many grains of sand you could fill around you 360 degrees in all directions. Then watch this. (http://www.youtube.com/v/mcBV-cXVWFw)

The Mormon belief in aliens

So do Mormons believe in aliens really depends on your definition of what constitutes an alien. Little green men? E.T.? We don’t know what all God has created, but we do know and believe that we are not the only creations God has out there in the universe. Joseph Smith, a latter-day prophet, recorded these words in another book we consider scripture, clearly showing our belief that God’s children are throughout the universe.

Doctrine & Covenants 76
22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

God loves all his children and out of the vastness of his creations, we are remembered and loved individually.

Want to learn more than what Mormon’s believe about aliens?

To learn more about the LDS faith and scriptures, click here for a free copy of the Book of Mormon to be sent to you.

Related Articles:
What does the Book of Mormon teach about Jesus Christ?

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Mormons celebrate life. We have a unique perspective on the purpose of life and how it started before we were born into this mortal world, and how it will continue after we die. We love life and feel a sense of gratefulness to God for allowing us the opportunity to be born and experience life in a mortal body with the knowledge that someday we will have a perfect immortal, resurrected body which is free from the pain and suffering of this life.

So do Mormons celebrate birthdays is a yes. Sometimes with green Jello salad (well, not always just at birthdays :)).  One of my daughters is a huge fan of the TV show Cake Boss. She loves to watch all the unique things the Cake Boss creates and she has sort of taken it upon herself to do all of the birthday cakes in our house. Here are a few snapshots of some of the cakes she has created.

Birthdays are a wonderful time to celebrate life and enjoy some of the good things in life (like chocolate cake). We give presents and have parties and in general do all the same things normal people do throughout the world.

Of course Mormons also celebrate the most important birthday of them all, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. To read the account of his birth in the record that prophets in the Americas kept as it happened in Bethlehem, here’s a link to the Book of Mormon account of Christ’s birth. Hopefully this answers the question do Mormons celebrate birthdays with an emphatic yes!

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