Are Mormons Christian? Who Jesus Really is to Latter-day Saints

Since the faith’s beginnings in the 1830s, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as Mormons) have affirmed, without hesitation, that they are Christians. However, critics still frequently make the claim that Latter-day Saints believe in a “different Jesus” or that they fall outside the bounds of Christianity altogether. A closer look at what Latter-day Saints actually teach and practice reveals a different story: a community profoundly devoted to following Jesus Christ.

But who exactly is Jesus to Latter-day Saints? Here are some answers to the question of are Mormons Christian, and why the claim that they worship a “different Jesus” does not hold up.

A Christ-Centered Faith

Latter-day Saints describe their religion as fundamentally oriented toward Jesus Christ. The founder of the Church, Joseph Smith, summarized the faith this way:

“The fundamental principles of our religion is the testimony of the apostles and prophets concerning Jesus Christ, ‘that he died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended up into heaven;’ and all other things are only appendages to these.”

Modern apostles reaffirm that centrality:

“Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. … His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.”

From the Latter-day Saint viewpoint, discipleship to Christ in the question of is Mormonism Christian isn’t just a given. It is the core of worship, daily devotion, and eternal identity.

What Latter-day Saints Believe About Jesus Christ

Jesus Is the Son of God and the Promised Messiah

Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus is the literal Son of God, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah. They accept the New Testament accounts of His life, ministry, and teachings as historical and truthful, embracing both the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith.

They believe:

• He was born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem.
  
• He inherited mortality from Mary and divinity from the Father.
  
• He lived a sinless, powerful, and compassionate mortal life, possessing divine authority even as He walked the earth.
  
• His miracles—healing the sick, raising the dead, forgiving sin, and exercising power over nature—are authentic and real.
  
• His teachings outline the “glad tidings” of salvation and the responsibility each person has toward God and to fellow humans.
  

His Church, His Example, His Authority

Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus organized a Church during His mortal ministry, appointing leaders, giving priesthood authority, and establishing a framework meant to unify and perfect His followers.

The Atonement: Central and Sacred

Some wonder: are Mormons Christians when it comes to the grace of Jesus Christ? A defining feature of Latter-day Saint belief is a focus on the atonement of Jesus Christ: His suffering in Gethsemane, His crucifixion at Calvary, and His resurrection.

They believe:

• His sacrifice was voluntary, motivated entirely by divine love.
  
• He took upon Himself the effects of the Fall of Adam and the sins of all humanity in a way that is ultimately mysterious but spiritually real.
  
• All people will receive the gift of resurrection through Christ.
  
• Those who accept Him and follow His commandments may receive the full spiritual benefits of His redeeming sacrifice.
  

Latter-day Saints stress that human effort—faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and Christian service—is necessary, but never sufficient on its own. Salvation comes “through the merits, mercy, and grace of the Holy One of Israel.”

Why Some Claim Latter-day Saints Are Not Christian

Despite these shared beliefs, some critics argue that Latter-day Saints are not Christians. Here are the three most cited reasons.

1. They Do Not Accept Post–New Testament Creeds

Latter-day Saints do not subscribe to post-biblical Christian creeds. They believe that certain philosophical influences, especially Greek metaphysics, altered early understandings of God. Some wonder: do Mormons believe in the Trinity? They affirm what they see as a restored view of the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost as distinct beings united in purpose and divinity.

Despite this main difference in are Mormons Christian, each member of the Godhead has a similar role in Latter-day Saint thought as they do to much of the Christian world:

• God the Father: the loving, omnipotent, omniscient object of worship
  
• Jesus Christ: the Lord and Redeemer
  
• The Holy Ghost: the messenger and revealer of divine truth
  

2. They Do Not Descend from any Historical Christian Branches

Latter-day Saints believe that apostolic authority was lost after the deaths of Christ’s apostles, and later restored through divine messengers to Joseph Smith. For this reason, their church does not branch from Catholicism, Protestantism, or Orthodoxy. It claims to be a restoration, not a reformation.

3. They Accept an Open Canon of Scripture

Latter-day Saints believe the Bible is sacred and inspired, but not the final word of God. They accept additional scripture: the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.

Critics sometimes argue that this excludes them from Christianity, but Latter-day Saints counter that:

• The Bible does not claim to be the final revelation.
  
• Many Christian traditions also supplement the Bible with creeds, authoritative interpretations, and apocryphal writings.
  
• The Book of Mormon intensively testifies of Christ. Its stated purpose is to be a witness for the truth of the Bible and declare Jesus as the Savior of the world.
  

For Latter-day Saints, an open canon expands their witness of Christ rather than challenging it.

Do Latter-day Saints Worship a “Different Jesus”?

Based on their own doctrine, teachings, and worship, Latter-day Saints clearly identify their faith in Jesus Christ with the testimony of the New Testament. Like other Christians, Latter-day Saints embrace Jesus as:

• the promised Messiah
  
• the Light of the World
  
• the Resurrection and the Life
  
• the Savior of all humankind
  
• the center of faith, doctrine, worship, and eternal hope
  

Everything in their theology ultimately points back to Him.

A Not-so-Foreign Philosophy 

When one surveys the actual beliefs Latter-day Saints hold about Jesus Christ, it becomes clear whether or not are Mormons Christian. Far from believing in a “different Jesus,” Latter-day Saints see themselves as following the Jesus testified of in scripture, affirmed by apostles ancient and modern, and experienced personally by millions of believers.

For them, Christ is the central figure of their faith, hope, and joy.

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.

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