Are Latter-day Saints Christian? Key Insights

Question: Are Latter-day Saints Christians?

Answer: Yes, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) identify as Christians. They affirm their faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, their Savior, and Redeemer. However, theological differences between the LDS faith and some traditional Christian denominations often lead to debates over what constitutes “Christianity.”

Below, we will examine claims often made to exclude Latter-day Saints from Christianity, offering both clarification of LDS beliefs and exegetical commentary.

1. Do Latter-day Saints believe in one God?

Evangelical Claim:
Mormonism denies monotheism, teaching the existence of multiple gods and that God was once a man.

LDS Perspective:
Latter-day Saints believe in God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost as distinct personages united in purpose, love, and glory (Articles of Faith 1:1). This belief is referred to as a Godhead rather than the creedal Trinity. While Latter-day Saints accept the potential for humans to become “heirs of God” (Romans 8:17) and partake of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), this concept does not diminish worship of or dependence on the one God who is central to their faith.

Exegetical Commentary:

  • Isaiah 43:10, 44:6, 45:5 (Monotheism):
    These verses affirm that there is no God beside Jehovah. Latter-day Saints agree that God the Father is the one God worshiped. Claims about theosis (becoming like God) align with biblical passages that highlight humankind’s divine potential without asserting equality with God’s eternal supremacy.
  • John 17:20-23:
    Jesus prays for His followers to be one as He and the Father are one. LDS teachings interpret this unity as a model for spiritual oneness, not a denial of distinct personages within the Godhead.

2. Do Latter-day Saints teach that salvation is by grace alone?

Evangelical Claim:
Mormonism adds works to salvation, denying grace as the sole means of forgiveness.

LDS Perspective:
Latter-day Saints affirm that salvation comes through the grace of Jesus Christ. They believe in the necessity of faith, repentance, baptism, and enduring to the end (2 Nephi 31:20). However, they also teach that grace empowers and enables good works, which are expressions of faith and discipleship.

Exegetical Commentary:

  • Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:28 (Grace Alone):
    These passages emphasize salvation as a gift, not earned by works. LDS teachings harmonize with this, emphasizing that grace is essential and foundational. However, James 2:14-26 underscores that faith without works is dead, showing that works are evidence of living faith, not a means of earning grace.
  • 2 Nephi 25:23 (“After All We Can Do”):
    Critics often misinterpret this verse. In LDS theology, “all we can do” does not mean achieving perfection independently but striving faithfully while wholly relying on Christ’s atonement. This is consistent with Philippians 2:12-13, where believers “work out [their] own salvation” with God working in them.

3. Do Latter-day Saints believe Jesus is God?

Evangelical Claim:
Mormonism denies the full divinity of Jesus, teaching He is a created being.

LDS Perspective:
Latter-day Saints unequivocally affirm that Jesus Christ is divine, the Son of God, and the Creator of all things under the direction of the Father (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17). While they teach that Jesus is distinct from the Father, they affirm His eternal preexistence and role as Savior.

Exegetical Commentary:

  • John 1:1, 14 (The Word Was God):
    Latter-day Saints agree that Jesus is divine, fully participating in God’s eternal nature. LDS theology emphasizes His voluntary condescension and incarnation, consistent with biblical teachings.
  • Colossians 1:15 (“Firstborn of All Creation”):
    Evangelicals often read this metaphorically to emphasize Jesus’s preeminence, not creation. Latter-day Saints interpret “firstborn” as a role of preeminence and love, harmonizing it with Christ’s eternal nature as co-eternal with the Father.

4. Do Latter-day Saints reject the Bible’s authority?

Evangelical Claim:
Mormonism undermines the Bible, claiming it is only true “as far as it is translated correctly.”

LDS Perspective:
Latter-day Saints revere the Bible as the word of God. The qualification regarding translation stems from textual differences across centuries, a concern shared by many Christian scholars. Latter-day Saints also accept additional scripture (e.g., Book of Mormon), viewing it as complementary to the Bible.

Exegetical Commentary:

  • 2 Timothy 3:16 (Scripture as Inspired):
    LDS theology affirms this principle and encourages study of the Bible alongside other revealed scriptures. Additional texts, such as the Book of Mormon, align with Amos 3:7, which teaches that God reveals His will to prophets.

Conclusion

The question of whether Latter-day Saints are Christians depends largely on theological definitions. By self-identification and adherence to the teachings of Jesus Christ, Latter-day Saints are undeniably Christian. Theological differences, such as the nature of God or the role of works, reflect broader interpretative debates within Christianity rather than a denial of faith in Christ.

The Bible calls for unity in Christ (Ephesians 4:5-6) and warns against exclusionary judgments (Matthew 7:1-5). Engaging in respectful dialogue allows believers of all backgrounds to better understand each other and seek common ground in worshiping the Savior.