Are Mormons Christian?
Why Basic Mormon Beliefs May or May Not Make Them Christian
Dictionary.com defines a Christian religion as "a monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior." (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/christian%20religion)
The important part of the definition is the end where it says a Christian religion emphasizes the role of Jesus as savior. This means a religion must recognize Christ as more than just a teacher or a prophet, but as a savior.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or the LDS church, is commonly questioned as to whether or not it is a Christian religion. The name of Jesus Christ is used in their official name. Joseph Smith, the first prophet of the LDS church, wrote thirteen articles about what the members of the religion, or Mormons, believe. The first point states "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost". The third point states "We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel."
According to the basic definition of Christianity The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is, indeed, a Christian religion. There are, however, many that still feel that Mormon's are not Christian based on their different opinions about the nature of Jesus Christ and God.
Information found on www.lds.org, the official website of the LDS church, explains their basic beliefs about Jesus Christ and God. They believe that God possesses a body of flesh and blood. They also believe that He was once a mortal man who attained godhood. They believe they are the spiritual children of God. They believe that Jesus is the mortal and spiritual son of God. They believe that Mary is the mortal mother of Jesus. However, they believe that Mary is not the wife of God. They believe that Jesus Christ was sent here to Earth by His Father, God, in order to bring salvation to men.
Many people also do not recognize Mormons as having a monotheistic religion because they believe God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings. They also believe other Gods exist. Since God was once a man he would have had a God and so forth. Mormons do claim they only worship one god.
Because many of these beliefs differ from orthodox Christian beliefs many people do not recognize Mormons as being Christian. The religion does, however, fit the most basic definition and the members of the church consider themselves Christian.
Sources:
http://www.lds.org
http://www.dictionary.com
Published by Susie Lee
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6 Comments
Post a CommentI don't believe they are Christian. They got tied up with Mr. Smith and his conjuring and Moroni and all that, and it's a shame. And I've known so many fine Mormons over my life, as I have Hindu and Muslim believers. But I don't consider their beliefs Christian, and that 'second Bible' relegates them to what would've been known in the past as heretics.
Repost for clarification: I would like to address the comment by Jeta Connor (11/11/2007 below) that "Furthermore, the Christian God is perfect. He cannot make mistakes." There are instances in the Bible which caused even His prophets to re-examing their beliefs because some prophecies can be fulfilled in complex ways or at times much later than anticipated by the hearers. Moreover, God sometimes appears to reverse certain prophecies, as He says He is free to do in Jeremiah 18:7-10. Examples of how true prophets may err or give prophecies of uncertain accuracy can be found in Jonah, 2Samuel(Nathan), Ezekiel, Judges(Samson), and Jeremiah. We must use caution when we condemn beliefs using a standard that would, if applied to Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Nathan, an angel of God, and Jonah, also condemn the Old Testament as a fraud.
After reading the main article, I would like to make two points if I may. First of all, a correction. In my research of the Mormon's beliefs I think I remember that they believe God has a body of flesh and BONES, not flesh and blood(which would be considered mortal). Secondly, I would like to address the comment by Jeta Connor (11/11/2007 below) that "Furthermore, the Christian God is perfect. He cannot make mistakes." There are instances in the Bible which caused even some of His prophets to re-examing their beliefs because some prophecies can be fulfilled in complex ways or at times much later than anticipated by the hearers. Moreover, God sometimes appears to reverse certain prophecies, as He says He is free to do in Jeremiah 18:7-10. Examples of how true prophets may err or give prophecies of uncertain accuracy can be found in Jonah, 2Samuel(Nathan), Ezekiel, Judges(Samson), and Jeremiah. We must use caution when we condemn beliefs using a standard that would, if applied to E
Greetings!
The Mormons claim that they are Christians, but I doubt it. The Bible says "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed". (Galatians 1:8). Therefore, the book of Mormons given to Joseph Smith junior in form of tablets have to be fake. I prayed about that one night for God to show me, and He sure did. That was the end of having the missionaries coming to see me. Mind you they are nice people.
Thank you for the respectful way in which you handled this article. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I appreciate that a lot. And yes, we do consider ourselves Christians. As you point out, Christians believe in Jesus Christ as their Saviour. No, we are not Catholic or Protestant, and so some of our beliefs do differ from other Christian denominations. However, just like all Christians, the center and foundation of our religion is a belief in Jesus Christ as our Saviour.
Your article is written very well. Based on the dictionary version that you cited in your article, it would appear that Mormon's are Christian. However, they really are not. There are innumerable key differences that make it very clear that they are not Christian. You noted some in your article. Others include the basic principles that Christians believe the Bible alone to be the one and only all inspired word of God...mormons believe that the book of mormon too is another testament of Jesus Christ. However when reading the two books side by side, although there are some similarities, there are many more differences. In the Bible it states that Scriptures cannot contradict themselves (or else they would not be inspired by God since God cannot lie) yet, the two books are not in complete agreement on the majority of things they wrote. Furthermore, the Christian God is perfect. He cannot make mistakes. There are so many more points to discuss....like the three levels of heaven, like the p