Are Mormons Christians?
What is a Christian?
There are lots of ways this could be defined, but a definition like the following would probably be agreed on by most people:
A Christian is a person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God and the savior of humanity, and strives to follow his teachings in their life. This belief involves faith in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and a personal relationship with Him, which is seen as a source of spiritual transformation, meaning, and eternal salvation.
Key aspects of being a Christian:
Agreement on Fundamentals
| Belief | Mormons | Catholics | Protestants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jesus is the Son of God | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Jesus died for our sins | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Jesus rose from the dead | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Salvation through faith in Jesus | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Following Jesus' teachings | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Personal relationship with Jesus | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
So why do some people claim that Mormons are not Christians?
Despite the fundamental agreements shown above, some people claim that Mormons are not Christians due to differences in beliefs about the nature of God and the Godhead. Creedal Christianity teaches that God is one being existing eternally as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (the Trinity).
Mormons, however, believe in a different understanding of the Godhead. They believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings who are one in purpose and will, rather than one being in three persons.
These differences in understanding the nature of God and the Godhead lead some to argue that Mormonism represents a fundamentally different religion rather than a denomination within Christianity. However, this debate centers on theological nuances rather than the core Christian beliefs about Jesus' divinity, his atoning sacrifice, and salvation through faith in Him.
Indications that Mormons are Christians
The Church's Official Name
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”
“Mormons” is just a nickname for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church's official name prominently features “Jesus Christ” in its title, which is the preferred name for both members and the church itself, emphasizing their focus on and devotion to Jesus as the central figure of their faith.
The Church's Official Website
The official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prominently displays “Jesus Christ” in the domain name, further demonstrating the central role Jesus plays in the church's identity and mission.
The Church's Answer
Question:
Are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Christian?
Answer:
Yes! As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believeJesus Christis the Son of God and the Savior of the World. He loves us all more than we can imagine. We consider ourselves devoted followers of Jesus. While some of our beliefs are distinct, we believe that through His life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection, Jesus Christ saves us from sin, suffering, and death.
Learn more about ourbeliefs.
The Book of Mormon's Subtitle
“Another Testament of Jesus Christ”
The subtitle of the Book of Mormon explicitly describes it as additional testimony and witness of Jesus Christ, reinforcing the centrality of Jesus in Mormon theology and practice. The following scriptures from the Book of Mormon demonstrate this truth powerfully. Each one testifies of Jesus Christ as the central figure of salvation, the Holy Messiah, and the source of redemption, grace, and truth.
And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins;2 Nephi 25:26
The Church's Official Symbol
The official symbol of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints includes the name of the Church contained within a cornerstone, representing Jesus Christ as the “chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20). At the center is a representation of Thorvaldsen's marble statue, the Christus, portraying the resurrected, living Lord reaching out to embrace all who will come unto Him. The symbol serves to identify the Church and reminds all that this is the Savior's Church, with everything centered on Jesus Christ and His gospel.
The Living Christ (2015)
The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a proclamation that bears unified witness of the divinity, life, and infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the church's testimony of Him as the living Son of God.
Church Artwork
John the Baptist Baptizing Jesus
John the Baptist Baptizing Jesus (John Baptizing Jesus), by Harry Anderson (62133); GAK 208; GAB 35; Matthew 3:13–17; Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 3:43–46 (in the Bible appendix); Mark 1:9–11; 2 Nephi 31:4–13
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has commissioned numerous works of art depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. These artworks, created by talented artists, are used in church publications, meetinghouses, and educational materials to help members visualize and connect with the Savior's life and teachings.
Why the Difference?
To understand the differences between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other Christian traditions, it's helpful to consider the historical context of Christianity. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ believe that following the death of Jesus Christ and His original apostles, the church He established experienced a period of widespread apostasy. This included the distortion of gospel truths, the loss of priesthood authority, and significant changes to core doctrines and practices.
Throughout Christian history, many churches have undergone reformations to address perceived corruptions and return to what they believed were the original teachings of Jesus Christ. Notable examples include the Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther in the 16th century, which sought to correct practices like the sale of indulgences and restore emphasis on scripture and faith alone for salvation.
Rather than viewing themselves as a reformed church, however, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in a restored church. This means they believe that Jesus Christ Himself restored His original church to the earth once again in modern times through divine intervention. This restoration included:
Calling a Prophet
Just as God called prophets in ancient times, He called Joseph Smith as a prophet in 1820 to restore His church and gospel to the earth.
Restoring Priesthood Authority
The priesthood authority that Jesus Christ gave to His apostles was lost through apostasy. This authority was restored through heavenly messengers who appeared to Joseph Smith and others, granting them the power to act in God's name.
Restoring Gospel Truths
Additional scripture (the Book of Mormon) and restored doctrines were revealed, providing further witness of Jesus Christ and clarifying truths that had been lost or distorted over time.
This belief in restoration explains why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains some doctrines and practices that differ from other Christian traditions, while still holding Jesus Christ as the central figure of their faith and the source of salvation for all humanity.
What Do You Think?
This page was put together by a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is my testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God - the divine Savior who lived, died, and rose again for our sins, offering salvation through faith in Him and following His teachings, as established in the fundamentals we explored earlier.
It is also my testimony that Jesus Christ has again restored His original church to the earth through divine revelation. That restored church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where living prophets, restored priesthood authority, and additional scripture work together to help people come closer to Jesus Christ.