Mormonism and Christianity

To check what is the relationship between Christianity and Mormonism, we must first define Christianity. Christianity is defined by both Christians and non-Christians, like this:

1. General definition: Christianity is a religion that preaches the divinity of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Christians believe in the Atonement of Jesus Christ, that is to say, that He atoned for the sins of all mankind and thus ensured the universal salvation. Many people, Christians or not Christians accept this definition.

2. More limited definition: Christianity is a religion that accepts the beliefs presented by the Nicene Creed, a statement of faith written in 325 AD and revised in 381 by a council of bishops. The creed was submitted in 1974 by a group of religious leaders around the world and resulted in a document called “The Lausanne Covenant.” Together, these creeds recognize the doctrine of the Trinity as well as the fullness of the Bible. Christians generally accept this definition of Christianity.

Catholic and Protestant faiths

There are many Christian denominations and a rapidly increasing variety of Christian churches “non-denominational” and in addition, many detailed and specific beliefs differ within these faiths. With hindsight, however, it is clear that despite the differences, both groups commonly believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior and that by learning and accepting that, that can be forgiven for mistakes in this life and that can be saved in the life to come. In most cases, Catholics and Protestants accept the Nicene Creed. Both are clearly Christian religions.

Mormonism and the general definition of Christianity

Let us consider Mormonism: Joseph Smith, the man who organized the religion, said: “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the apostles and prophets concerning Jesus Christ, that he died, that ‘he was buried, and he rose the third day and ascended into heaven, all other things belonging to our religion are only depend on that. “(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 121).

Mormons believe that through the testimonies of the prophets and old (contained in the Scriptures) that one can learn more about Jesus Christ and receive the certainty that He is the Son of God and the Savior of all mankind. So following the example of Jesus Christ and trying to live like Him, that Mormons believe they can be forgiven for their sins and live with God after this life.

Another clear proof that the Mormons believe in Jesus Christ is the name of the church. The Mormon church is officially called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because it’s the same church that was established by Jesus Christ Himself during His earthly ministry.

As we read in the Bible, Jesus established a certain organization within His church. He called the prophets, the twelve apostles, missionaries, and other leaders as we need to teach His doctrine in the surrounding towns and in all countries and to create a church with a solid foundation. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ has restored the same church through Joseph Smith. In the same way He has guided Pierre, Jacques, Jean, Paul and other prophets after His ascension into heaven is to say, through revelation, He continues to guide His church today by through the prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley and the Twelve Apostles.

So not only do Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of all mankind, but they also believe that today, continuing His teachings can be delivered to the attention of all and be followed because Jesus Christ is the head of the Mormon church. Mormonism may indeed be regarded as Christian religion. And just as there are differences between the specific beliefs of every Christian sect, the differences in Mormonism, do not affect in any way, that it is based on the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Embrace Mormonism, then, is to embrace Christianity as it was defined in the general definition.

Mormonism and the limited definition of Christianity

Mormons do not accept the Nicene Creed or the Convention of Lausanne. They do not believe in the doctrine of the Trinity, but instead believe in a Godhead of three persons, God the Father, God the Son, and Holy Spirit, who are united in purpose, but are three separate physical entities . They do not believe in the fullness of the Bible, but they believe that God continues to reveal Himself to mankind.

However, the Mormons say that the acceptance of the Nicene Creed should not be a criterion to qualify a person to “Christian” as being “non-Christian” goes beyond the acceptance of the Nicene Creed. Be “non-Christian” implies a refusal to believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ and live a life that Jesus Christ would not approve.