When people ask about the difference between Mormon and Christian, they are often surprised to learn that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) strongly identifies with the name Christian. However, the theological and historical distinctions are significant, shaping unique beliefs about God, scripture, and salvation that set Mormonism apart from traditional Nicene Christianity.
Foundational Definitions and Identity
To understand the difference, it is essential to define the terms. A Christian, in the classical sense, is a follower of Jesus Christ as defined by the Nicene Creed, which emphasizes the Trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one God. A Mormon, or member of the LDS Church, also centers their faith on Jesus Christ as the savior of the world. The key difference lies in the interpretation of that faith; Mormons embrace a modern restorationist belief that the original Christian church fell into apostasy after the apostolic age and was restored through Joseph Smith in the 19th century.
Divergent Views on the Nature of God
The most profound difference between Mormon and Christian doctrine concerns the nature of God. Mainstream Christianity adheres to the doctrine of the Trinity, believing that God exists as three co-eternal, co-equal persons sharing one substance. In stark contrast, Mormon theology teaches that God the Father and Jesus Christ are separate, distinct beings with physical bodies. Furthermore, Mormons believe that humans can become gods through a process of exaltation, a concept known as divinization, which is generally rejected by traditional Christian denominations.
The Role of Jesus Christ
While both groups regard Jesus as central, the specifics vary. Christians view Jesus as the second person of the Trinity, fully God and fully man, whose atonement is the sole path to salvation. Mormons also see Jesus as the literal Son of God and the redeemer of humanity, but they emphasize his role as the creator of the earth under the direction of God the Father. The Mormon Jesus is a tangible, resurrected being who appeared in the Americas after his resurrection, a belief not found in orthodox Christian scripture.
Scripture and Revelation
Another major point of difference is the source of religious authority. Christians rely primarily on the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, as the inspired word of God. The Mormon canon is broader; in addition to the Bible, they accept the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price as scripture. These additional texts are considered modern revelations given to Joseph Smith, which provide further doctrinal guidance and clarification on Christian principles.
Practices and Ordinances
Religious practices reflect the underlying theological differences. Christian ordinances typically include baptism and the Lord's Supper as symbolic acts of faith. Mormonism practices similar ordinances but views them as essential covenants required for salvation. Baptism is performed by immersion for the living, and they also practice baptism for the dead. The sacrament, or communion, is administered weekly as a renewal of covenants, and the religion places a strong emphasis on temple rituals that are not found in mainstream Christian worship.
Community and Lifestyle
The difference extends into daily life and community structure. The LDS Church maintains a centralized hierarchy led by a prophet, seer, and revelator, which provides specific guidelines for moral and social conduct. Mormons adhere to a health code called the Word of Wisdom, which prohibits alcohol, tobacco, and coffee. This disciplined approach to lifestyle, combined with a focus on family unity and missionary work, creates a cultural distinction that is visible in the community's structure and values.
