The Differences between Mormonism and Christianity

Growing up in a Mormon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and attending a Christian church and youth group during my high school years, I have had the experience of seeing how they are completely and utterly different. I have also talked to many people who have seen the effects on the lives of their family and others from the two religions. Although some would argue there are similarities, Mormonism and Christianity are different in their choice of how to raise children, outlook on life, and opinion about whom Jesus really is.

When it comes to children in the Mormon religion everything is about informing and getting as much information into the children as possible. Teaching children about Joseph Smith and the history of the church first, and Jesus Christ second. Another difference is the fact that when you are younger in the Mormon religion you are made to memorize "Articles of Faith" and all the modern day prophets. The Mormon Church looks to the "Book of Mormon", "Doctrine and Covenants", and the "Pearl of Great Price" before they look to the bible for spiritual guidance and truth.

When Mormons turn 8 they are baptized, whereas Christians are asked to get baptized when they have accepted Christ and are ready. A Christian pastor will usually discuss the foundations of faith and ask about the individual's faith and grounds before agreeing to baptize them. Christianity is all about Jesus, his teachings, and his life. At an early age Christian children's heads are full of the stories and miracles of Jesus, not words that the child might not even understand at the time.

As Mormons grow up they are raised to be good Mormon missionaries to bring all into the Mormon religion. The outlook on life the Mormons have is to go on a mission, get married in the temple, then produce as many good Mormon children as possible to gain entrance into heaven. The Christian religion is about living to be all you can using God as your strength and striving to live as Jesus did. Teaching others of God's grace is what you are supposed to do, but it isn't to gain entrance into heaven.

How to raise children and the outlook of life are two of the many differences between Christianity and Mormonism. These two religions are similar in a few ways, but are for the most part completely different. Mormonism is not even Christianity, and so in reality they are nothing alike at all.

A special thank you to Katy Rombach for her wonderful insight on growing up in a Mormon home and her help with this article.