Pastor B
- Aug 13
- 7 min read

Veritas: Are Mormons Christian: Encouraging Word Aug 13

August 13, 2024

The Encouraging Word

This Month we are looking at other religions. On EW we will be looking at Mormonism. This is important because we even have some “sisters”, girl missionaries visiting our Thursday Ladies Bible Study. This is a good thing because it exposes them to the true religion of Jesus Christ, not Joseph Smith. It is important for us to know what Mormonism all is about. We have a Mormon church off of Story and Shady Grove so we will have encounters with this religion. Below are several articles that will open up this other need-to-know religion to you.

Are Mormons Christian?

The Beliefs of Mormonism vs. Christianity

Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. |

Updated Mar 06, 2024

Christians affirm religious liberty and the right of Mormons to practice and share their faith. But Mormonism is not Christianity by definition or description.

Mormons are not considered Christians based on their disbelief in two primary doctrines of Christianity - the nature of Christ and the Trinity. Why are these differences important, and how is their Jesus different from ours?

Are Mormons "Christians" as defined by traditional Christianity?

The answer to that question is easy: "No." Nevertheless, even as the question is clear, the answer requires some explanation.

The issue is framed in this case. Christianity is rightly defined in terms of "traditional Christian orthodoxy." Thus, we have an objective standard to define what is and is not Christianity.

We are not talking here about the postmodern conception of Christianity that minimizes truth. We are not discussing Christianity as a mood or a sociological movement. We are not talking about liberal Christianity that minimizes doctrine or sectarian Christianity that defines the faith in terms of eccentric doctrines. We are talking about historical, traditional Christian orthodoxy.

Once that is made clear, the answer is inevitable. Furthermore, the answer is made easy, not only by the structure of Christian orthodoxy (a structure Mormonism denies) but by the central argument of Mormonism itself - that the true faith was restored through Joseph Smith in the nineteenth century in America and that the entire structure of Christian orthodoxy as affirmed by the post-apostolic church is corrupt and false.

In other words, Mormonism rejects traditional Christian orthodoxy at the onset - this rejection is the very logic of Mormonism's existence. A contemporary observer of Mormon public relations will not hear this logic presented directly, but it is the very logic and message of the Book of Mormon, and the structure of Mormon thought. Mormonism rejects Christian orthodoxy as the very argument for its own existence, and it clearly identifies historic Christianity as a false faith.

Mormon Doctrine vs. Christian Doctrine

The orthodox consensus of the Christian church is defined in terms of its historic creeds and doctrinal affirmations. Two great doctrines stand as the central substance of that consensus. Throughout the centuries, the doctrines concerning the Trinity and the nature of Christ have constituted that foundation, and the church has used these definitional doctrines as the standard for identifying true Christianity.

The Mormon doctrine of God does not correspond to the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. Mormonism rejects the central logic of this doctrine (one God in three eternal persons) and develops its own doctrine of God - a doctrine that bears practically no resemblance to Trinitarian theology. The Mormon doctrine of God includes many gods, not one. Furthermore, Mormonism teaches that we are what God once was and are becoming what He now is. That is in direct conflict with Christian orthodoxy.

Contemporary Mormonism presents the Book of Mormon as "another testament of Jesus Christ," but the Jesus of the Book of Mormon is not the only begotten Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, or the one through whose death on the cross we can be saved from our sins.

Normative Christianity is defined by the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the other formulas of the doctrinal consensus. These doctrines are understood by Christians to be rooted directly within the Bible and rightly affirmed by all true believers in all places and throughout all time. As one leading figure in the early church explained, true faith is recognized and affirmed everywhere, always, and by all.

Why Mormonism is Not Christian

The major divisions within Christian history (Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism) disagree over important doctrine issues, but all affirm the early church's consensus concerning the nature of Christ and the Trinitarian faith. These are precisely what Mormonism rejects.

Without a doubt, Mormonism borrows Christian themes, personalities, and narratives. Nevertheless, it rejects what orthodox Christianity affirms and affirms what orthodox Christianity rejects. It is not Christianity in a new form or another branch of the Christian tradition. By its own teachings and claims, it rejects that very tradition.

Richard John Neuhaus, a leading Roman Catholic theologian, helpfully reminds us that "Christian" is a word that "is not honorific but descriptive." Christians do respect the Mormon affirmation of the family and the zeal of Mormon youth in their own missionary work. Christians must affirm religious liberty and the right of Mormons to practice and share their faith.

Nevertheless, Mormonism is not Christianity by definition or description.

Do Mormons Believe in the Same Jesus as Christians?

Yes, Mormons, who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, believe in Jesus Christ as the central figure of their faith, similar to Christian denominations. They believe in the same biblical Jesus who was born in Bethlehem, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, suffered and died on the cross for the sins of humanity, and was resurrected on the third day.

Key Differences:

Mormons believe in additional scriptures beyond the Bible, such as the Book of Mormon, which they believe contains further revelations about Jesus Christ. It is superior to the Bible when there is an issue.
Mormons do not believe that Jesus' work on the cross was sufficient for our salvation.

Because they do not believe in the Trinity, Mormons do not believe that the Holy Spirit, God, and Jesus are one.

Each religion or denomination has a governing doctrine, usually found in the “What We Believe” section of their official documents (whether online or in printed form). The Church of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), more commonly known as the Mormons, has its Articles of Faith, adopted into law in the late 19th century. These articles of faith concisely capture central LDS teachings.

· We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

· Who Wrote the Articles of Faith of the Latter-Day Saints?

· The Articles of Faith for the Latter-Day Saints were written by Mormonism’s founder, Joseph Smith, in 1842. The Articles of Faith describe their elementary teachings and practices and can be found in The Pearl of Great Price.

What Is the History Behind the Articles of Faith of the Latter-Day Saints?

· The Mormons were organized as a religion in 1830. In 1842, John Wentworth of the Chicago Democrat weekly publication requested a summary of the Mormon doctrine and history from Joseph Smith. The article went unprinted but was published in 1842 as Church History in the Mormon newsletter Times and Seasons. Known as the Wentworth Letter, the manuscript outlines the “‘rise, progress, persecution, and faith’ of the Latter-Day Saints (LDS).” The document concludes with the thirteen articles of faith. A former Latter-Day Saints elder explained the articles “teach the essential doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ and are among the most important and certainly the most concise statements of doctrine in the Church.” It is common for the younger members of LDS to memorize these thirteen articles and use them when speaking to others about their faith. And though they are not comprehensive, the thirteen articles provide a close look at the LDS belief system.

· Are the Articles of Faith of the Latter-Day Saints Biblical?

Some of the statements made in the Articles of Faith seem to fit the Bible’s teachings, and Mormons have always maintained their beliefs are consistent with Scripture. When contemplating the Latter-Day Saints’ beliefs, Christians should bear these things in mind:

· 1. Mormons base their salvation on works. Article 3 indicates obedience is necessary for salvation. This contrasts with “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

· 2. Article 4 declares baptism is necessary for salvation and that a believer must have hands laid upon them to receive the Holy Spirit (they call Him the Holy Ghost.) But Scripture tells us in Acts 10:44-48, 1 Corinthians 3:16, and Galatians 3:2 that we receive the Holy Spirit when we repent and believe (have faith).

· 3. Article 8 gives the same credence to the Book of the Mormon as to the Bible. In addition to The Book of Mormon, Mormons revere the texts Doctrines and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. The canon of the Bible is complete, and no supposed vision supersedes what God has given to us through His Word (Galatians 1:8; Colossians 2:18-19; 2 Peter 1:16-21). There exist no other Scriptures or authoritative words to us outside of the Bible.

· 4. Mormons do not make much of the cross. Without the cross, there is no Resurrection, and our faith would be in vain, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:12-21.

· 5. Article 6 states the office of the Apostles still exists. This cannot be, for an Apostle is defined as one foundational in building the church. No other foundation is to be laid (Ephesians 2:19-20). An Apostle was also defined as having had direct contact with Jesus Christ and was an eyewitness to Jesus’ Resurrection (Acts 1:21-22; 1 Corinthians 15:8). The Apostles were chosen by Jesus, from Jesus’ baptism until Jesus’ ascension. The exception is Paul, who saw the risen Christ and who appointed Paul for his role. According to Ligonier ministries, “An apostle, in biblical terms, is a plenipotentiary of his master. He speaks with all the authority of the one he represents. It was necessary for God to establish a band of such men in order to ensure the writing of the New Testament and to lay the foundations of the church. Foundations once laid do not need to be laid again. Pastors and teachers in the church today do have authority, but they do not have the same degree of authority as the original apostles.”

· In conclusion, the Articles of Faith of the Latter-Day Saints are not biblical. They contain some good moral direction (articles 12 and 13), some right beliefs (article 1), but overall, their beliefs amount to heretical teachings. Like many cults these doctrines often infuse a little truth with many ideas counter to the Scriptures.