Do Mormons Believe in the Trinity?

Many people question, do Mormons believe in the Trinity? The simple answer is that Mormons, or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), do not believe in the Trinity as it is traditionally understood in mainstream Christianity. However, this offers the impression that Mormons do not believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, or the Holy Ghost, which is untrue. The traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, formulated in the Nicene Creed, holds that God is one being in three coequal, coeternal persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.

Caption: Carl Huneke’s stained glass window – The Holy Trinity – St. Jarlath Catholic Church in Oakland, California

Source: Terry Blaine Archive

In contrast, Latter-day Saints believe in what they refer to as the Godhead, which comprises three distinct and separate beings, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, who are united in purpose, will, and love but not in substance. Here is a detailed explanation of their beliefs regarding the nature of God:

God the Father

Latter-day Saints believe that God the Father, whom they refer to as Heavenly Father, is an exalted, perfected being with a tangible, physical body. He is considered the literal father of all human spirits and the ultimate source of all truth and authority. Heavenly Father is seen as loving, personal, as well as omniscient, and omnipotent.

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is believed to be the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. Latter-day Saints hold that Jesus was the firstborn spirit child of Heavenly Father in the premortal world and that He is divine. After his atonement and death, he rose again with a perfected, resurrected body of flesh and bones. They believe that Jesus created the world under the direction of the Father, atoned for the sins of humanity through His suffering, death, and resurrection, and is central to God’s plan of salvation.

Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost, also known as the Holy Spirit, is understood to be a personage of spirit, without a physical body. The Holy Ghost’s role is to testify of the Father and the Son, provide comfort and guidance, and reveal truth to individuals. Latter-day Saints believe that the Holy Ghost’s influence can dwell with people and impact them directly, offering spiritual insights and confirmations.

Differences from Other Christianity

Here is a summation of the differences between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ beliefs about the Godhead and other Christian Church’s beliefs about the Trinity:

• Distinct Beings: Unlike the traditional Christian view of the Trinity, which emphasizes one God in three persons, Latter-day Saints believe in three distinct and separate beings who are one in purpose but not in substance, as outlined in the Trinitarian view.

• Physical Nature of God the Father and Jesus Christ: Latter-day Saints believe that both God the Father and Jesus Christ have physical bodies, whereas traditional Christianity teaches that God the Father does not have a physical body and is purely spirit.

• Unity in Purpose, Not Substance: The unity among the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost in LDS theology is seen as a unity of purpose, will, and love, rather than a metaphysical oneness. They are perfectly united in their objectives and work together in harmony for the salvation of humanity.

Because of these differences, some other Christians question, are Mormons Christian? The answer to this question depends on whether you think a belief in the Trinity, as defined by early Christian councils is a requirement to be called Christian. If you believe this, Mormons are not Christian. However, if you think a belief in the sacrifice, resurrection, and saving power of Jesus Christ defines a Christian, then Mormons are clearly Christian.

Scriptural Basis

Latter-day Saints base their beliefs on the Godhead on both the Bible and additional scriptures unique to their faith, such as the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Key biblical passages they reference include:

• John 17:20-21: Jesus prays for His disciples to be one as He and the Father are one, interpreted as a unity of purpose rather than of substance.
• Acts 7:55-56: Stephen sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God, suggesting two separate beings.
• Matthew 3:16-17: The baptism of Jesus, where the Father speaks from heaven, the Holy Ghost descends like a dove, and Jesus is in the water, indicating distinct beings.

Conclusion

While Latter-day Saints believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, their understanding of these beings differs significantly from the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity. They emphasize the distinct, personal nature of each member of the Godhead, united in purpose and will, and believe in the physical, tangible nature of both the Father and the Son. This theological difference is one of the key distinctions between the LDS Church and mainstream Christian denominations. So, the answer to the question, do Mormons believe in the Trinity, is that they believe in the divinity of all three members of the Trinity, but do not believe in the traditional definition of the Trinity by early Christian creeds and councils.

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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