Faith shapes lives and unites people across the world. Among those who follow Jesus Christ, two traditions often spark curiosity—Mormonism and Christianity. Many wonder how closely their beliefs align or where they differ. Exploring their roots and core teachings helps build understanding, respect, and a clearer picture of both faiths.
What Is Christianity?
Christianity is the world’s largest religion, centred on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It began in the first century in the Middle East and has since grown into many branches, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy.
At its heart, Christianity proclaims that God loves humanity and offers salvation through Jesus Christ. Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God, whose life, death, and resurrection bring forgiveness and eternal hope.
Core beliefs of Christianity include:
- The Trinity: God exists as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—three persons united as one divine being.
- Salvation: People are saved by faith in Jesus Christ and by God’s grace, not by works alone.
- Scripture: The Holy Bible—the Old and New Testaments—is the inspired Word of God.
- The Church: Believers gather in worship, prayer, service, and fellowship to grow together in faith.
For most Christians, faith is more than doctrine—it is a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. His teachings guide their choices, shape their values, and offer the promise of everlasting life.
What Is Mormonism?
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
Mormonism, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), began in the early 1800s in the United States. It was founded by Joseph Smith, who members believe was called by God to restore the original Christian church through modern revelation.
Mormons believe that God continues to guide humanity through living prophets and personal revelation. Their faith centres on Jesus Christ as Savior and Redeemer, emphasizing how His teachings bring peace, purpose, and joy to everyday life.
Core beliefs of the LDS Church include:
- Scriptures: In addition to the Bible, members study the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.
- The Godhead: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct beings perfectly united in purpose.
- Salvation: Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, and obedience to God’s commandments lead to salvation.
- Modern Prophets: God continues to reveal truth today through living prophets and apostles.
Family, community, and moral growth are central to Mormon life—seen as key ways to live faithfully and draw closer to God.
Core Beliefs — Mormonism vs. Christianity
| Doctrine | Mormonism (LDS) | Mainstream Christianity |
|---|---|---|
| View of God | Three separate beings—Father, Son, and Holy Ghost—united in purpose. | One God in three persons (the Trinity). |
| Jesus Christ | Son of God, Savior, firstborn spirit child of God the Father. | Son of God, eternally divine, second person of the Trinity. |
| Scripture | Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price. | Bible only (Old and New Testaments). |
| Salvation | Faith in Christ plus obedience to commandments and temple ordinances. | Salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. |
| Afterlife | Degrees of glory: Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial kingdoms. | Heaven and Hell based on faith and repentance. |
| Prophets | Living prophets and ongoing revelation. | Biblical prophets only; no new revelation after Christ. |
This side-by-side comparison highlights the key theological distinctions that often define the “Mormonism vs. Christianity” discussion.
Bible vs. Book of Mormon — Scriptural Differences
Mormons regard the Bible as sacred and inspired but believe it is not complete. The Book of Mormon, translated by Joseph Smith, is viewed as another testament of Jesus Christ, containing the writings of ancient prophets from the Americas. Both texts are studied together in Mormon worship.
Most Christian denominations, however, accept only the Bible as authoritative scripture. They view additional writings as inconsistent with the belief that divine revelation ended with the apostles.
Despite these differences, both faiths emphasize scripture study as a path to understanding God’s will and deepening spiritual growth.
How Their Practices Differ
Faith is expressed through daily living—and though Mormons and Christians share devotion to God, their practices often reflect distinct traditions.
Worship:
Mormon services focus on participation—members share testimonies, lead prayers, and give talks. Christian worship varies widely but often includes liturgy, sermons, hymns, and sacraments such as communion.
Missionary Work:
The LDS Church is well known for its global missionary efforts. Many Christian groups also send missionaries worldwide, though approaches differ by denomination.
Sacraments and Ordinances:
Mormons practice ordinances such as baptism for the dead and eternal marriage, viewed as essential for salvation. Most Christians observe two main sacraments—baptism and the Lord’s Supper—as symbols of faith and remembrance.
Community and Family Life:
For Mormons, family is eternal and central to spiritual growth. Christians also value family and community, focusing on love, service, and moral integrity as expressions of faith.
Why Some Christians Do Not Consider Mormons “Christian”
This question often arises sincerely and deserves thoughtful explanation. Many Christians view Mormonism as distinct because of key doctrinal differences—especially regarding the Trinity, scripture, and salvation.
- Trinity vs. Godhead: Christianity teaches one divine being in three persons, while Mormonism teaches three separate beings united in purpose.
- Additional Scripture: Mormons accept new revelation, which most Christian denominations reject.
- Salvation: Traditional Christianity emphasizes grace alone; Mormonism includes faith, obedience, and ordinances.
Historical and Cultural Context
Mormonism emerged in 19th-century New York and eventually moved west, establishing its headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. Christianity, on the other hand, has a two-thousand-year history, spreading from Jerusalem across every continent.
In places like Utah, both faiths often coexist peacefully—collaborating on community projects and interfaith dialogue while maintaining their distinct beliefs.
Modern Perspectives and Ongoing Conversations
Today, discussions about Mormonism and Christianity extend into online spaces like Reddit, YouTube, and TikTok, where believers and seekers alike share insights and experiences.
According to the Pew Research Centre, about half of U.S. adults view Mormonism as a Christian faith, while others see it as distinct—showing that public understanding continues to evolve toward greater nuance and empathy.
Summary: Shared Faith, Different Paths
Though Mormonism and mainstream Christianity differ in theology, scripture, and interpretation, both share a deep devotion to Jesus Christ, moral living, and service to others.
Shared Beliefs:
- Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Savior of humanity.
- The Bible is sacred and guides moral life.
- Prayer, worship, and service nurture spiritual growth.
Distinctive Beliefs:
- Mormonism embraces modern prophets, new scripture, and temple ordinances.
- Christianity upholds the closed canon of the Bible and the doctrine of the Trinity.
In essence, both represent different understandings of divine revelation—one grounded in ancient tradition, the other in modern restoration. Yet both continue to shape lives through faith, hope, and devotion.
Author’s Reflection
Exploring Mormonism and Christianity invites us to look beyond labels and see the shared humanity behind each belief. Whether one views them as separate or connected, both reflect the enduring power of faith to bring light, purpose, and love into the world.
