Are Mormons Christian? What These Christian Scholars Say

The question of whether The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a Christian faith has sparked debate for decades among scholars, religious leaders, and curious seekers alike. The answer, it turns out, is both complex and nuanced. Rather than a simple yes or no, understanding Mormonism’s place within the broader Christian landscape requires exploring history, theology, and lived faith. Here is a look at some Christian scholars’ perspectives on the question: are Mormons Christian?

Academic Perspectives: A “New Religious Movement”

Historically, the prevailing view among Christian scholars and theologists was that the debate was settled: Latter-day Saints were decidedly un-Christian. However, Jan Shipps, a leading scholar of Mormonism and a Methodist, offered a groundbreaking view on the LDS Church’s place in the Christian world in 1985. After having lived and worked with members of the Church for forty years, she described Mormonism as a “new religious movement” that is related to but distinct from Christianity. She compared the relationship between Mormonism and Christianity to that between Christianity and Judaism: there are both continuities and discontinuities.

Shipps proposed the idea that Mormons see themselves as restoring the “only proper way” to be Christian, much like early Christians believed they were restoring true Judaism. This nuance highlights the complicated nature of Christianity vs Mormonism. Mormonism shares a great deal with Christianity—belief in Jesus Christ, moral teachings, and scriptural foundations—but also introduces unique doctrines and practices that set it apart.

Richard Mouw, an evangelical scholar who engaged deeply in dialogue with Mormon thinkers, echoed Shipps’s call to move beyond quick dismissals of Mormons based on their doctrine. Rather than checking off theological “errors,” Mouw suggests approaching is Mormonism Christian with respect and a genuine desire to learn, especially by recognizing shared spiritual awe at Christ’s grace.

Mouw proposes to his fellow evangelicals that when they focus only on a doctrinal “checklist,” conversations and commonalities with Mormons quickly get shut down. However, when one looks at the reasons behind Latter-day Saints doctrine and the way it fits into their larger paradigm, members of the faith have more in common with mainstream Christianity than many evangelicals think—particularly in regards to their attitude towards worshiping Christ.

How Mormons See Themselves: Christians at the Core

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints firmly affirm their Christian identity. They worship God the Eternal Father in the name of Jesus Christ, centering their faith on His life, death, and resurrection. The symbol for Mormonism is an image of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Christus. As Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church, famously said, the “fundamental principles” of their religion are the apostolic testimony concerning Jesus Christ.

Some things that makes LDS theology unique are:

• Rejection of post–biblical creeds: Mormons believe early Christianity’s teachings were altered by Greek philosophy and creeds formed centuries later. They claim to restore the original Christian understanding of God as an embodied Father, distinct persons within the Godhead, and a more personal deity.
  
• A restored, not reformed church: Rather than descending historically from Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant traditions, the LDS Church believes it is Christ’s original New Testament church restored through divine priesthood authority given to Joseph Smith by angels.
  
• An open scriptural canon: Beyond the Bible, Mormons accept the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price as scripture. In addition to these, they believe they have prophetic leaders that continue to receive revelations for the Church in the present day. They reject the notion that the Bible is the only or final revelation from God.
  

Commonalities and Christ

Despite these differences, Latter-day Saint teachings emphasize core Christian beliefs: God’s unconditional love, Jesus as Savior and Redeemer, and prayer to the Father through Christ. The Book of Mormon alone references Jesus Christ nearly four thousand times, calling Him by many names: “Lamb of God,” “Holy Messiah,” “Redeemer.” Even the Book’s subtitle states that it is “another testament of Jesus Christ.”

For many Latter-day Saints, their faith is deeply personal and Christ-centered. The question of are Mormons Christian is not such a complicated matter to them. In Latter-day Saint testimony meetings, members often share how the Book of Mormon and Jesus Christ transform their lives, helping them overcome challenges and find hope. Their spiritual experiences affirm the sincere Christian devotion within the faith, beyond theological debates.

Theological Differences: The Nature of God

One of the most significant theological divides between Christians and Mormons lies in their interpretations of the nature of God. Traditional Christianity teaches a vast gulf between Creator and creation—the “Wholly Other.” Mormon doctrine, in contrast, embraces a “one species” understanding where God and humans share a more intimate kinship.

This difference has profound implications for how each faith views salvation, grace, and human potential. With these differences, the question still arises: are Mormons Christians? Yet, both traditions share a profound spiritual recognition of the need for a Savior and the wondrous grace given by Jesus Christ.

Moving Toward Dialogue and Mutual Respect

As Richard Mouw suggests, focusing solely on doctrinal disagreements in Christianity vs Mormonism often shuts down conversation. Instead, emphasizing shared spiritual experiences—standing “amazed” at Christ’s love and grace—opens doors for richer dialogue.

Mormons and other Christians alike can learn much from each other by approaching conversations with humility, listening, and a willingness to understand different perspectives without quick condemnation.

A Complex Yet Shared Journey

So are Mormons Christian? The answer depends on how one defines “Christian.” From an academic standpoint, Mormonism can be seen as a new religious movement with Christian roots and a unique theological vision. From the Latter-day Saint perspective, it is the restored Church of Jesus Christ, fully centered on Him. 

What matters most to Latter-day Saints is the shared recognition of Jesus Christ’s central role in salvation and the desire to live faithfully in response to His grace. In a world longing for unity and understanding, engaging thoughtfully with these questions can enrich the broader Christian conversation and build bridges where walls once stood.

About Mormonism Explained

Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.