Differences between Christianity and Mormonism
Contents
Christianity vs. Mormonism
Mormonism is a religious tradition that began in the 1820s in the United States with the prophet Joseph Smith.[1] The largest denomination within this movement is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). While the LDS Church identifies as a restorationist Christian denomination, its doctrines differ from the tenets of Nicene Christianity, which encompasses the Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox traditions.[1] Key differences relate to the nature of God, the canon of scripture, and the concept of the afterlife.[2]
Comparison Table
| Category | Mainstream Christianity | Mormonism (LDS Church) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of God | One God in three divine persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), who are of the same substance (Trinity).[3][4] | The Godhead consists of three separate divine beings: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.[4][5] They are one in purpose. |
| Scripture | The Bible (Old and New Testaments) is the sole authoritative scripture; the canon is considered closed.[2] | An open canon includes the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.[1] |
| Jesus Christ | The second person of the Trinity, eternally God, and of one substance with the Father.[3] | The literal, firstborn spirit child of God the Father and a Heavenly Mother. He is a separate being from God the Father. |
| Revelation | Divine revelation is considered to have ceased after the apostolic age. | Belief in continuing revelation from God through living prophets and apostles, who lead the Church. |
| Humanity's Origin | God created humanity. Adam and Eve were the first humans. | Humans first existed as spirit children of heavenly parents in a premortal state before being born on Earth. |
| The Afterlife | The deceased go to heaven or hell based on faith in Jesus Christ. | A spirit world for the deceased, followed by resurrection and judgment into one of three kingdoms of glory.[1] A temporary spirit prison exists for some, but not a permanent hell.[1] |
| Potential of Humanity | To be saved through grace by faith in Jesus Christ and to worship God eternally.[2] | To progress eternally, with the highest potential for faithful members being exaltation, or becoming like God.[1] |
Godhead and the Trinity
A central difference lies in the conception of God. Mainstream Christianity holds to the doctrine of the Trinity, defining God as one being who exists in three co-equal and co-eternal persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. They are distinct persons but are of a single divine essence.[4]
In contrast, the LDS Church teaches that the Godhead is composed of three physically separate beings: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. God the Father and the resurrected Jesus Christ are understood to have glorified bodies of flesh and bone, while the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit. These three beings are perfectly united in their purpose and will. The LDS Church does not subscribe to the creedal statements of the Council of Nicaea, which established the doctrine of the Trinity.[1][5]
Scripture and Continuing Revelation
Christians in the Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox traditions believe the biblical canon is closed, meaning that divine, authoritative scripture is limited to the Old and New Testaments.
The LDS Church believes in an open canon and uses four scriptural texts, known as the "standard works": the Bible (specifically the King James Version), the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. The Book of Mormon is described as another testament of Jesus Christ. This open canon is tied to the doctrine of continuing revelation, which states that God continues to reveal his will and truth through apostles and prophets, with the President of the LDS Church being a modern-day prophet.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "psalmwisdom.com". Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "propreacher.com". Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "irr.org". Retrieved November 13, 2025.
