Are Mormons Christians?
The Mormon Church’s real name is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its original name was the Church of Christ. This indicates the Church as a Christian one, at least by name – and Mormons would testify that they are Christians in practice, too. But many Christians claim that Mormons are not Christian at all. Why is this?
Mormons have many different beliefs from Catholics or Protestant Christian beliefs. Indeed, Mormons believe many things that no one else believes. As Mormons believe that their church is the one true church, they are not surprised that no one shares all of their beliefs. But these different beliefs are different enough to surprise many Christians into strong disagreement.
Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, has always drawn fire and drawn doubt. Many Christians even believe that Mormons worship their founder, confusing respect with idolatry. Joseph Smith acted as the first Mormon prophet and received many revelations on the organization, doctrines, and purpose of the Church. He translated the Book of Mormon, a record of the doings and teachings of an ancient people, and their prophets, on the American continents. Through him, God reintroduced His temples into the world.
Of course, why Joseph Smith draws fire has less to do with how Mormons see him (some Christians believe, again, Mormons focus too much on him), and more to do with everything he taught.
Most Christians believe that the Bible is the only scripture God has given to us. The Book of Mormon (and the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price) is additional scripture. And even though the Book of Mormon is another testament of Christ, because it adds to the Bible, many do not see it as a Christian book.
Mormons also believe, again, in prophets and continuing revelation. They believe that God speaks to their prophets and directs their Church. In a way, then, they are always adding to the Bible. For further discussion on this, go to our page about Luke 16:16.
Mormon temples also strike many Christians as very strange. These temples are not church buildings, but something more sacred and holy. Inside the Mormon temple, Mormons perform ordinances that most Christians are not familiar with. Ordinances such as baptisms for the dead, the endowment, and eternal marriage are unique to Mormonism. You may want to read our pages about temple ordinances and eternal marriage. Mormons see these as essential for salvation and exaltation.
Exaltation is another point where Mormons differ from many Christians. Mormons believe that, through the gospel of Christ and the plan of salvation, men and women can become like God. Which is not to say that we ever stop worshipping God or become greater than Him, but that, as His spirit children, He wants us to progress eternally, not reach a certain point and learn no more. Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and a perfect example for us to follow.
Other Christian thinkers have believed that man could become like God, but many Christians do not and believe that Mormons are being arrogant or blasphemous.
Another point where Mormons differ from many other Christians is in the doctrine of the Trinity. Mormons do not believe in the Trinity, or accept the Nicene Creed, but believe that God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct beings, united in purpose. Although the doctrine of the Trinity was decided centuries after Christ, some Christians believe that Mormon rejection of the doctrine leaves them out of Christianity.
In the end, however, as Mormons believe in the divinity of Christ and salvation through him, as they worship Him, God, and the Holy Ghost (not Joseph Smith or anyone else), they are difficult not to define as Christian in the basic sense. If Mormons are not Christian, the question must be “what is Christianity, then?”
