Are Mormons Considered Christians?

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Todd Noall

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Todd Noall

Source Expert

Todd Noall is an author and religious scholar at Mormonism Explained with a focus on the history and theology of religion.

Fact Checked by Kevin Prince

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Kevin Prince

Source Expert

Kevin Prince serves as the Source Authority at Mormonism Explained. Mr. Prince is a religious scholar as well as a technology industry CEO and entrepreneur.

Last Updated: March 10, 2025

The question of whether Are Mormons Christians has been a topic of much debate. While members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called Mormons, identify themselves as Christians, the distinction between their faith and that of traditional Christianity can sometimes cause confusion. This post will explore What Mormons Believe and how their beliefs align with or differ from those of other Christian denominations.

The Core Belief in Jesus Christ

At the core of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a firm belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. The name of the Church itself highlights this central tenet, affirming that the teachings and worship of Jesus Christ are foundational to the faith. Members of the Church believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Redeemer, whose life, death, and resurrection are the key to salvation.

Latter-day Saints believe in Jesus Christ as the living Son of God, the Savior who atoned for humanity’s sins. In this way, they fully embrace Do Mormons believe in Jesus as a fundamental truth of their faith. In fact, members of the Church engage in practices like prayer, baptism, and the sacrament in the name of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon, considered by Latter-day Saints as another testament of Jesus Christ, is centered on His teachings and life, reinforcing the belief in Jesus Christ as the Redeemer.

The Doctrine of the Godhead

One key doctrinal difference that has led to questions about whether Are Mormons Considered Christians by others is the belief in the nature of the Godhead. Traditional Christian denominations often hold to the doctrine of the Trinity, which teaches that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are one being in three persons. In contrast, Latter-day Saints believe in a distinct, separate Godhead, with God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost as three separate beings.

Latter-day Saints argue that this belief is rooted in scripture, particularly the accounts of the baptism of Jesus Christ, where God the Father speaks from heaven and the Holy Ghost descends upon Jesus Christ. This understanding of the Godhead reflects their view that Mormonism Explained should focus on a personal relationship with God and Jesus Christ, rather than the abstract concept of the Trinity.

Do Mormons Believe in Jesus?

It is central to What Mormons Believe that they hold Jesus Christ as their Savior. The belief in Jesus Christ is not only professed in word but is also acted upon through teachings, ordinances, and a way of life. Latter-day Saints follow Jesus Christ’s teachings as found in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon. Jesus Christ’s life and teachings guide everything from moral decision-making to religious practices within the Church.

Thus, when people ask, Do Mormons believe in Jesus, the answer is unequivocally yes. Not only do Latter-day Saints believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, but they also seek to emulate His example in their daily lives.

Additional Scriptures and Revelation

Another key difference between Mormons and traditional Christians is the acceptance of additional scripture. While many Christian denominations accept only the Bible as authoritative, Latter-day Saints accept the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price as scripture. The Book of Mormon, in particular, is considered a second testament of Jesus Christ, detailing His life and teachings among the ancient peoples of the Americas.

Latter-day Saints believe that these additional scriptures provide further insight into What Mormons Believe and help clarify the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is particularly important as it emphasizes the divinity of Jesus Christ and His role as the Savior of all mankind. These additional scriptures are not seen as contradictory to the Bible but as further revelation to bring people closer to Jesus Christ.

The Restoration of the Gospel

Latter-day Saints believe that the full gospel of Jesus Christ was lost after the death of the apostles. Mormonism Explained includes the belief that through Joseph Smith, the gospel was restored to the earth in the 19th century, including the restoration of priesthood authority, which is essential for performing saving ordinances such as baptism and the sacrament.

This belief in the Restoration makes Latter-day Saints view their faith as a continuation of the early Christian Church, one that follows the teachings of Jesus Christ as originally intended. For them, the Restoration of the gospel is what sets them apart from other Christian denominations.

Is Mormonism a Cult?

The question of whether is Mormonism a cult often arises in discussions of Latter-day Saint beliefs. Critics of the faith sometimes label it a cult because of its distinctive beliefs, including the nature of the Godhead and the acceptance of additional scriptures. However, Latter-day Saints argue that Mormonism is not a cult but rather a restoration of the original Christian faith.

They believe that the teachings of Jesus Christ were restored through Joseph Smith, and the Church today is a continuation of the faith established by Jesus Christ. The term “cult” is often seen as a negative label and does not reflect the genuine Christian faith that Latter-day Saints embrace. For Latter-day Saints, Mormonism is a deeply Christian faith that strives to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ as closely as possible.

Conclusion

The question of whether Are Mormons Christians is one that depends on one’s definition of Christianity. For Latter-day Saints, Mormonism Explained centers on a belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of all. They believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ, follow His example, and seek to become more like Him through faith and works. While their doctrine differs in some aspects from other Christian denominations, their belief in Jesus Christ makes them undeniably Christian in their eyes.The question of Are Mormons considered Christians has many layers, but at its core, Latter-day Saints affirm that they are Christians because they believe in Jesus Christ and follow His teachings. For them, the term “Christian” includes those who believe in Jesus Christ, strive to follow Him, and seek to live according to His principles. Thus, regardless of doctrinal differences, Mormonism is indeed a form of Christianity.

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By Todd Noall, Source Expert

Todd Noall is an author and religious scholar at Mormonism Explained with a focus on the history and theology of religion.

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Fact Checked by Mr. Kevin Prince, Source Expert

Kevin Prince is a religious scholar and host of the Gospel Learning Youtube channel. His channel has garnered over 41,000 subscribers and accumulated over 4.5 million views. Mr. Prince also created the Gospel Learning App, a reliable platform where individuals seeking truth can access trustworthy answers to religious questions from top educators worldwide.

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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.