The question of how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the Mormon Church, relates to mainstream Christianity is a complex one, marked by both shared foundational beliefs and distinct theological developments. While Latter-day Saints identify themselves as Christians and center their faith on Jesus Christ, their theological framework and scriptural canon diverge significantly from the creeds and doctrines that have historically defined orthodox Christianity. Understanding these differences requires examining key aspects of their beliefs, practices, and understanding of God and salvation.
Core Christian Tenets and Latter-day Saint Affirmation
At its heart, Christianity is defined by a belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ, his atoning sacrifice for humanity’s sins, his resurrection, and the salvation offered through faith in him. Latter-day Saints wholeheartedly affirm these central tenets. They believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the central figure of their faith. His atonement, they teach, makes possible resurrection and eternal life for all humanity. The Bible, specifically the New Testament, is considered a sacred scripture, and the teachings of Jesus within it are paramount.
The Nature of God
A fundamental point of divergence lies in the understanding of the Godhead. Mainstream Christianity generally adheres to the doctrine of the Trinity, which posits one God existing in three co-equal, co-eternal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. This doctrine, formalized in early Church councils, asserts that there is only one divine substance or essence.
Latter-day Saints, however, hold a different view. They believe that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three distinct, separate beings, united in purpose and will, but not in substance or essence as understood by Trinitarianism. God the Father is understood as a perfected, glorified man with a tangible body of flesh and bone. Jesus Christ, as the Son, is also understood to have a physical body, begotten of the Father. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit, without a physical body. This doctrine of a “social” or “plural” Godhead is a significant departure from Trinitarian orthodoxy.
The Nature of Jesus Christ
While both traditions revere Jesus Christ, their understanding of his nature and pre-mortal existence differs. Mainstream Christianity views Jesus as the unique, begotten Son of God, eternally existing with the Father. His divinity is inherent and uncreated.
Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ is the literal, first-born Spirit Child of God the Father and a Heavenly Mother in the pre-mortal existence. He is considered the “Elder Brother” of all humanity, including Lucifer. This concept of a pre-mortal existence, where all spirits lived with God before coming to earth, is a core doctrine. Jesus, as the “Firstborn” Spirit, was chosen to be the Savior. His divine nature and role as Messiah are affirmed, but his eternal genesis is understood within this pre-mortal framework.
Scripture and Revelation
Another significant area of distinction is the understanding of scripture and ongoing revelation. Mainstream Christianity generally regards the Bible (Old and New Testaments) as the complete and final word of God, containing all necessary truths for salvation. While some traditions believe in the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the canon of scripture is considered closed.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints views the Bible as the word of God, “as far as it is translated correctly.” However, they believe that God continues to reveal His will to humanity through prophets in modern times. This belief is rooted in the concept of continuing revelation. Their scriptural canon includes:
- The Bible: Both the Old and New Testaments.
- The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ: Latter-day Saints believe this ancient record contains the history and dealings of God with the inhabitants of the ancient Americas, testifying of Jesus Christ. It is considered a companion scripture to the Bible.
- The Doctrine and Covenants: A collection of revelations given through modern prophets, primarily Joseph Smith, concerning the organization and governance of the Church.
- The Pearl of Great Price: Contains selections from ancient scriptures, including writings of Moses, Abraham, and Joseph Smith’s own history and testimony.
This expansion of the scriptural canon is a fundamental reason why many Christian denominations do not consider the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be part of mainstream Christianity. The belief in additional scriptures and living prophets is seen as a departure from biblical sufficiency.
Ongoing Revelation and Prophets
The concept of ongoing revelation is intrinsically linked to the expanded scriptural canon. Latter-day Saints believe that God does not cease to speak to humanity. They sustain living prophets and apostles who, they believe, receive divine guidance for the Church and the world today. This contrasts with the general Christian belief that the prophetic office ceased with the apostles of Jesus Christ, and that God’s will is fully expressed in the Bible. The authority of modern prophets and their pronouncements on doctrinal matters and Church governance is a cornerstone of Latter-day Saint belief.
The Plan of Salvation and Exaltation
The understanding of salvation, the afterlife, and humanity’s ultimate potential also presents key differences. Mainstream Christianity typically focuses on salvation through faith in Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice, leading to eternal life in heaven or condemnation in hell.
Latter-day Saints teach a more nuanced “Plan of Salvation,” which includes several stages and possibilities.
Pre-Mortal Existence and the Great Plan of Happiness
As previously mentioned, Latter-day Saints believe in a pre-mortal existence where all spirits lived with God. They believe this was a time of learning and preparation for mortal life, which is seen as a crucial test and opportunity for growth. This life is part of a “Great Plan of Happiness” orchestrated by God.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to the Latter-day Saint plan of salvation. It is understood to overcome the effects of Adam’s fall (death and separation from God) and to provide a way for individuals to overcome their own sins. However, the application of the Atonement requires faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost, as well as enduring to the end in righteousness.
Degrees of Glory and Exaltation
A significant distinctive doctrine is the belief in different kingdoms or “degrees of glory” in the afterlife, based on an individual’s choices and actions in mortality. These are often described as:
- The Celestial Kingdom: The highest degree of glory, where resurrected beings who have kept their covenants and received Jesus Christ will live eternally in the presence of God and the Lamb. This is the ultimate goal of exaltation.
- The Terrestrial Kingdom: A lesser glory, for those who were honorable but did not fully embrace the gospel or were not valiant in their testimonies.
- The Telestial Kingdom: The lowest degree of glory, for those who were wicked but repented before death or whose sins are not unforgivable.
Furthermore, Latter-day Saints teach the doctrine of “exaltation,” which is the highest level of salvation available in the Celestial Kingdom, involving eternal progression, becoming like God, and the continuation of family relationships in eternity. This concept of humans having the potential to become like God is a significant theological departure from traditional Christian views, which generally hold that God is unique and uncreated, and that humanity’s role is to worship Him.
Baptism for the Dead
The practice of baptism for the dead is another unique Latter-day Saint ordinance. They believe that individuals who died without having the opportunity to accept the gospel can still receive it in the spirit world. Living Latter-day Saints can be baptized by proxy on behalf of these deceased individuals in sacred temples. This practice underscores their belief in the universality of the gospel and the opportunity for all to accept it.
Ordinances and Priesthood Authority
Latter-day Saints emphasize the importance of sacred ordinances (rituals performed by proper authority) as essential for salvation. These include baptism by immersion, confirmation (receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost), and partaking of the sacrament (communion). Beyond these, they place immense value on temple ordinances, such as endowments and eternal marriage sealing, which they believe are necessary for reaching the highest degree of salvation and exaltation.
Priesthood Authority
A core belief is that the “true” priesthood authority, lost after the death of the original apostles, was restored to Joseph Smith through divine messengers. This Melchizedek Priesthood (the higher priesthood) and Aaronic Priesthood (the lesser priesthood) are believed to be essential for administering the ordinances of the gospel. Men, ordained to the priesthood, hold significant leadership roles in the Church. This concept of a restored priesthood authority, distinct from and continuing the authority of biblical figures, is a critical element of their theological structure.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shares a profound reverence for Jesus Christ and embraces many foundational Christian principles, its distinct theological framework places it outside the boundaries of traditional, orthodox Christianity as defined by historical creeds. The unique understanding of the Godhead, the expanded scriptural canon, the doctrine of continuing revelation, the concept of a pre-mortal existence, the nuanced Plan of Salvation with its degrees of glory and potential for exaltation, and the belief in restored priesthood authority are key differentiators. These divergences, while often viewed as fundamental by mainstream Christian denominations, are considered essential to the unique gospel message and divine purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.