Are "Mormons" Christian?

Are "Mormons" Christian?

A Deeper Look into the Distinctive Beliefs and Practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 

The question of whether members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), often referred to as "Mormons," are Christian is a complex one, often leading to heated debates and misunderstandings. While LDS members unequivocally identify as Christians, their unique beliefs and practices have sparked controversy and prompted some to question their inclusion within the broader Christian fold. This essay will delve into the core tenets of LDS faith, examining the points of contention and exploring the arguments for and against their Christian identity.

 

The Foundation of LDS Belief: Christ at the Center

 

At the heart of LDS theology lies a profound reverence for Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, emphasized the centrality of Christ in his teachings, stating, "The fundamental principles of our religion is the testimony of the apostles and prophets concerning Jesus Christ, ‘that he died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended up into heaven;’ and all other things are only appendages to these, which pertain to our religion." (Smith, 1842). This emphasis on Christ's atonement, resurrection, and ascension as the cornerstone of their faith aligns with core Christian beliefs.

 

The modern-day Quorum of the Twelve Apostles echoes this sentiment, proclaiming, "Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. … His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come." (The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles, 2000). This affirmation underscores the LDS commitment to Jesus Christ as the central figure of their faith, a point of common ground with other Christian denominations.

 

Points of Contention: Distinctive Doctrines and Practices

 

Despite this shared emphasis on Christ, several key differences distinguish LDS beliefs from those of other Christian groups, leading to the question of their Christian identity. These differences primarily revolve around three key areas:

 

1. The Nature of the Godhead:

 

One of the most significant points of divergence lies in the LDS understanding of the Godhead. While traditional Christian denominations generally adhere to the doctrine of the Trinity, believing in one God existing in three co-equal persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), LDS theology presents a different view.

 

LDS members believe in a distinct Godhead comprised of three separate, distinct beings: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. They believe that God the Father is a physical being, a concept that diverges from the more abstract and spiritual understanding of God prevalent in many Christian traditions.

 

This difference in understanding the nature of God and the Godhead has been a major point of contention, leading some to argue that LDS beliefs are fundamentally incompatible with traditional Christian doctrines.

 

2. The Restoration of the Church:

 

Another key point of distinction lies in the LDS belief in the "restoration" of the Church of Jesus Christ. Unlike other Christian denominations that trace their lineage back to the early Church through historical succession, LDS members believe that the original Church of Jesus Christ, as established by Christ and his apostles, was lost over time due to apostasy and corruption.

 

They believe that God restored his authority and true doctrine to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith in the 19th century, establishing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the true and restored Church of Jesus Christ. This belief in a restored Church, rather than a reformed or continuationist lineage, sets LDS apart from other Christian traditions.

 

3. The Open Canon of Scripture

 

LDS members accept the Bible as a sacred text but also believe in the divine inspiration of other scriptures, including the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. This "open canon" of scripture, encompassing more than just the Bible, further distinguishes LDS beliefs from other Christian traditions that uphold the Bible as the sole source of divine revelation.

 

Arguments for LDS Christian Identity

 

Despite these differences, proponents of LDS Christian identity argue that their core beliefs align with fundamental Christian tenets. They point to the following points in support of their claim:

 

• Central Place of Jesus Christ: LDS members unequivocally believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the central figure of their faith. They acknowledge his atonement, resurrection, and ascension as essential elements of their theology.
• Worship and Devotion: LDS members worship God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, recognizing his authority and role as Redeemer. They engage in prayer, scripture study, and other forms of devotional practices common to other Christian denominations.
• Moral and Ethical Values: LDS members adhere to a strong moral code based on Christian principles, emphasizing love, compassion, forgiveness, and service to others. They strive to live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ, including the Golden Rule.
• Shared Beliefs in God's Attributes: LDS members believe in God's omnipotence, omniscience, and all-loving nature, aligning with the traditional Christian understanding of God's attributes.

Arguments Against LDS Christian Identity

 

Those who argue against LDS Christian identity often cite the following points:

• Divergent Doctrine of the Godhead: The LDS understanding of the Godhead, with its distinct and separate beings, stands in stark contrast to the Trinitarian doctrine held by many Christian denominations. This fundamental difference in understanding the nature of God is seen as a significant barrier to inclusion within the broader Christian community.
• Lack of Historical Continuity: The LDS belief in a restored Church, rather than a historical lineage, challenges the traditional view of Christian history and succession. This divergence in understanding the historical development of the Church raises questions about LDS legitimacy within the Christian tradition.
• Expanded Canon of Scripture: The inclusion of additional scriptures beyond the Bible, such as the Book of Mormon, is seen by some as a departure from the principle of sola scriptura, the belief that the Bible is the sole and sufficient source of divine revelation. This difference in scriptural authority further challenges LDS inclusion within the Christian fold.

Conclusion: A Complex and Ongoing Debate

 

The question of whether "Mormons" are Christian remains a complex and ongoing debate. While LDS members firmly believe themselves to be Christians, their distinctive doctrines and practices have sparked controversy and raised questions about their inclusion within the broader Christian community.

 

Ultimately, the question of LDS Christian identity is a matter of theological interpretation and personal conviction. While there are significant differences in belief and practice, there are also areas of shared faith and values that connect LDS members with other Christians.

 

The ongoing dialogue between LDS members and other Christian denominations is essential for fostering understanding, promoting respect, and fostering a spirit of unity in the pursuit of shared moral and spiritual goals.

 

References:

• Smith, J. (1842). History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Vol. 1. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book Company.
• The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles (2000). Retrieved from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/gs/the-living-christ?lang=engq