Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, consider themselves to be Christian. They believe that Jesus Christ lived, preached, performed miracles, and organized His Church in ancient Palestine. He voluntarily gave His life as a ransom for all humankind. After he was crucified and buried, He rose on the third day–a resurrected being. However, many other Christians do not define members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Christians. Their arguments against calling members of the Mormon Church Christians are historical and theological in nature. Their reasons include that first, Mormons do not believe in the authority or doctrine of councils and creeds. Second, the Mormon Church does not descend from the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, or Protestant churches. Additionally, many Protestants also add to these reasons the fact that Mormons have more scriptures than the Bible. Some Protestants even consider Mormonism a cult. Essentially, if belief in Jesus Christ’s divinity and mission as Savior of the world is the definition of a Christian, Mormons are Christians. If the definition of Christianity requires a belief in the authority of the first seven ecumenical councils, or the doctrine of the Trinity (as defined by those councils), or various other theological arguments, then Mormons are not Christians.

    1820

    Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) went to a grove of trees to pray to God about which church he should join. While praying, he reported that he was visited by two beings, God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Because of this experience, Smith and members of the Mormon faith believe that God the Father and Jesus Christ are two distinct beings with bodies of flesh and bone. Joseph also said that he received an answer from these beings that he should not join any church presently organized because “all their creeds were an abomination in his sight.”

    Image Source

    The First Vision, by Gary E. Smith

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

    Biographies

    Joseph Smith 1805-1844
    Joseph Smith Jr., born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, was the fifth child of Joseph Smith and Lucy Mack. He had significant spiritual experiences that led him to his prophetic calling, including a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ in 1820. He translated and published the Book of Mormon and established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 1830. As the leader of the Church, he called Apostles and other leaders, defined doctrines, and guided the community's growth in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Tragically, Joseph Smith was martyred on June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois.
    Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/joseph-smith-jr?lang=eng

    Christians from all major sects of the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant churches believe in the authority of the first seven ecumenical councils of the Christian Church. An ecumenical council is a worldwide council where theological experts discuss church doctrine and discipline. The first council was held at Nicaea and was called because contradictory teachings began to arise regarding the nature of Jesus Christ in 325 A.D. To resolve these issues the Nicene Creed was written and endorsed by the members of the council. A creed is an official statement of belief. The next two councils at Constantinople (381 A.D.) and Ephesus (431 A.D.) added to and reaffirmed the Nicene Creed. The fourth, fifth, and sixth ecumenical councils were called to clarify beliefs about the nature of Jesus Christ. These beliefs called Nestorianism, Monophysitism, and Monothelitism were refuted by the council. The seventh council defined the veneration and use of icons.

    According to some Christians, in order to be called Christian, a person has to affirm the beliefs and authority of the first seven ecumenical councils of Christianity. Since Mormons, or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, do not affirm the authority or doctrine proclaimed by the first seven ecumenical councils, some Christians do not call Mormons Christians.

    • Mormons believe in, and worship God the Eternal Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.
    • Mormons believe the world entered a period of apostasy, or a period of non-orthodox, even heretical teachings after the death of Jesus’ apostles.
    • The apostasy lasted from the death of Jesus’ apostles to the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ by Joseph Smith in 1830.
    • Much of the information written and the doctrines pronounced during this period of apostasy, do not contain authoritative doctrine.

    1830

    March, 1830

    The first edition of the Book of Mormon was published in Palmyra, New York. The Book of Mormon “is a record of God’s dealings with ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel.” The record was “written on gold plates…and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon.” Joseph Smith states that he was told about this record by a heavenly messenger named Moroni, the final prophet from the Book of Mormon. Smith said he received this record and translated it into English. The record also shares the people’s experiences seeing and learning from Jesus Christ after he was resurrected.

    Biographies

    Joseph Smith 1805-1844
    Joseph Smith Jr., born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, was the fifth child of Joseph Smith and Lucy Mack. He had significant spiritual experiences that led him to his prophetic calling, including a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ in 1820. He translated and published the Book of Mormon and established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 1830. As the leader of the Church, he called Apostles and other leaders, defined doctrines, and guided the community's growth in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Tragically, Joseph Smith was martyred on June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois.
    Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/joseph-smith-jr?lang=eng

    In addition to the Bible and Book of Mormon, Mormons also believe that the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price are scripture. The Doctrine and Covenants is a compilation of revelations received by Joseph Smith and other leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Pearl of Great Price contains revelations received by Joseph Smith, one of which is an elaboration on the biblical Book of Genesis. Other books in the Pearl of Great Price are: an inspired translation of the writings of Abraham, an extract from the testimony of Matthew in Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible, excerpts from one of Joseph Smith’s histories, and the Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A statement by Joseph Smith. These were submitted to the whole membership of the church as doctrine and canon. They were ratified by the members of the church as such.

    There are various opinions and critiques of the Book of Mormon. However, when it comes to the issue of Mormons being Christian, some critics list belief in the Book of Mormon as one that precludes Mormons from being Christian. There is an argument among many major Protestant churches that the Bible is the sola scriptura. This Latin phrase translates to “scripture alone” and means that the Bible is the sole scripture of the church. Sola scriptura also contains the idea that the Bible holds all the doctrines and practices necessary for salvation. This theological idea began with Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. Some Protestants assert that Mormons (and members of other denominations, as well) are not Christian because they believe other books, like the Book of Mormon, are scripture and contain doctrines and practices necessary for the worship of Jesus Christ. The scripture that Protestants often use as evidence for the theory of sola scriptura is Revelation 22:18-19 “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

    • It is contradictory to say that the Bible is sufficient for salvation when the seven ecumenical councils wrote creeds that they also say are necessary for salvation.
    • John was only referring to the book of Revelation when he wrote that no one should add or take away from the book. The book of Revelation was circulated as a stand-alone document until the compilation of the Bible. Hundreds of biblical manuscripts were produced in the centuries after Christ was crucified and many of them did not contain the books of the Bible in the order that we have it today. It is illogical to say that John was forbidding people to add to the whole Bible when it did not exist in its current form until hundreds of years later. In addition to this, most scholars would agree that John wrote the Book of Revelation prior to writing his Gospel and his Epistles (Letters of John).
    • An admonition, similar to the one written in Revelation, is written in the book of Deuteronomy, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it…” Deuteronomy clearly isn’t the final book of the Old Testament, nor the New Testament. Moses, like John, was limiting this admonition and was not saying that no further revelation could be received or written down.
    • Protestants do not say that the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, or Ethiopian Churches aren’t Christian, while all of them have different canonical scriptures. For example, the Greek Orthodox Church does not include the Book of Revelation as canon. The Ethiopian Church includes the Shepherd of Hermas, two letters of Clement, and a collection of church law called the Apostolic Constitutions as scriptural canon. Singling Mormons out as non-Christian because of a belief in more scripture, while accepting other churches as Christian, despite their non-Protestant canon is a logical fallacy.

    1838

    May, 1838

    Joseph Smith prepared a list of questions that he, and other leaders of the Mormon faith, had been asked repeatedly during open meetings (meetings where people who were interested in learning about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints taught, could listen to the church’s leaders teach). Joseph Smith published these questions, along with answers for each one. The 20th question asked, “What are the fundamental principles of your religion.” The answer that Joseph Smith wrote was: “The fundamental principles of our religion is the testimony of the apostles and prophets concerning Jesus Christ, ‘that he died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended up into heaven;’ and all other things are only appendages to these, which pertain to our religion.” According to this statement, the most basic precept of Mormonism is that Jesus’ atonement was performed and saved humanity.

    Biographies

    Joseph Smith 1805-1844
    Joseph Smith Jr., born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, was the fifth child of Joseph Smith and Lucy Mack. He had significant spiritual experiences that led him to his prophetic calling, including a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ in 1820. He translated and published the Book of Mormon and established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 1830. As the leader of the Church, he called Apostles and other leaders, defined doctrines, and guided the community's growth in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Tragically, Joseph Smith was martyred on June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois.
    Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/joseph-smith-jr?lang=eng

      1842

      March 1

      John Wentworth, the editor and owner of a newspaper called The Chicago Democrat, wrote a letter to Joseph Smith. He requested that Joseph provide a history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon faith. Wentworth was requesting this on behalf of a friend, George Barstow, who was writing a history of New Hampshire. In response to Wentworth’s request, Joseph wrote a letter outlining the fundamental beliefs of the church. Among these fundamental beliefs were 13 statements called “The Articles of Faith.” The first of these 13 declarations of belief stated: “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.”

      Biographies

      Joseph Smith 1805-1844
      Joseph Smith Jr., born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, was the fifth child of Joseph Smith and Lucy Mack. He had significant spiritual experiences that led him to his prophetic calling, including a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ in 1820. He translated and published the Book of Mormon and established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 1830. As the leader of the Church, he called Apostles and other leaders, defined doctrines, and guided the community's growth in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Tragically, Joseph Smith was martyred on June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois.
      Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
      https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/joseph-smith-jr?lang=eng
      John Wentworth 1815-1888
      John Wentworth was born in Sandwich, New Hampshire on March 5, 1815. While he attended Dartmouth College he taught in schools throughout the state of New Hampshire. After he graduated, he moved west to Chicago. In Chicago Wentworth became very successful. He was the editor and later, the owner of The Chicago Democrat. Wentworth ran for many political offices and was voted into office for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1843-1851, 1853-1855, and 1865-1867. He was mayor of Chicago from 1857-1858 and 1860. He was also the police commissioner of Chicago in 1863. Wentworth died on October 16, 1888, in Chicago.
      Sources: Chicago Public Library, Joseph Smith Papers
      https://www.chipublib.org/mayor-john-wentworth-biography/ https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/person/john-wentworth
      George Barstow 1812-1883
      George Barstow was born in Haverhill, New Hampshire on June 19, 1812. He attended Dartmouth College and moved to Boston to study law in 1836. While there, he wrote a book entitled The History of New Hampshire, from Its Discovery, in 1614, to the Passage of the Toleration Act, in 1819. While in Massachusetts Barstow ran for multiple political offices, but was never voted into office. Barstow moved from Boston back to New Hampshire, then he moved to New York City and eventually settled in San Francisco. He became a law professor at the University of the Pacific. Barstow was a member of the California House of Representatives from 1861-1862 and in 1878. Barstow died on September 9, 1883, in San Francisco.
      Sources: Join California, Joseph Smith Papers
      http://www.joincalifornia.com/candidate/11087 https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/person/george-barstow

      George Barstow thought he might include a brief history of the Mormon faith in his book about New Hampshire because the Smith family lived in New Hampshire when Joseph was a small boy. Joseph lived in New Hampshire from about the age of 6-7 to about 9-10. Barstow did not end up using this information in his book. At the first council of Nicaea (the first ecumenical council) and the council at Chalcedon (the fourth ecumenical council), all churches in the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and major Protestant traditions affirm as declaring true doctrine, defined the nature of God as the Trinity. In trinitarian doctrine, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are considered three coequal persons in one substance, or essence.

      Tied to the objection that Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, cannot be called Christian because they do not believe in the doctrine or authority of creeds and councils, is the objection that Mormons cannot be called Christian because they do not affirm the doctrine of the Trinity, or trinitarianism. Mormons believe that God, the Eternal Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are all members of the Godhead. All members of the godhead are divine. They are also separate beings. God the Father and Jesus Christ have bodies of flesh and bones, while the Holy Ghost is a spirit being. However, Mormons do not believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are considered three coequal persons in one substance, or essence, as defined by creeds and councils. For some members of Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, or Protestant faiths, this excludes Mormons from being defined as Christians. Some members of these branches of Christianity even say that Mormons are polytheists because of their belief that all members of the godhead are separate beings.

      • Mormons believe in all three members of the Trinity–that they are Gods and that they are all divine.
      • Mormons do not believe in the doctrine of the Trinity, as it is written in the Nicene Creed. In particular, the idea is that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are considered three coequal persons in one substance, or essence. This is not supported by biblical accounts and was written during a period of apostasy.

      1916

      The First Presidency of the Mormon Church published a doctrinal explanation about the interrelated roles of God the Father and Jesus Christ. This publication is called “The Father and Son” and the leaders explained four things about Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ: 1. God is the literal, genetic father of Jesus Christ. He is also the literal father of the spirits of the human race. 2. Jesus Christ was directed by His Father to create the heavens and the earth. Because of this, Jesus Christ is considered the Father of the Heavens and the Earth. God the Father is considered the Creator because he is the literal father of the spirits of humankind. 3. Jesus Christ is the Father of those who are “born again” and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 4. When God directs Jesus Christ to speak on his behalf, Jesus Christ acts and speaks as the Father.

        1950s-1960s

        The book The Kingdom of the Cults was written by Walter R. Martin. Martin listed various religions as cults. One of the religions listed is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Mormon Church. Martin defines a cult as a group of people organized around a specific person–or a specific person’s misinterpretation of the Bible. This book gained wide appeal among Evangelical Christians. It was reprinted many times and the 2003 edition added a coauthor Ravi K. Zacharias.

        • Martin’s definition of a cult is subjective–a definition of his own creation. If this was the true definition of a cult, all of Christianity fits in this definition. -Jesus, himself, was a charismatic person, from which an entire religion was formed around. The Jews of Jesus’ day disliked His interpretation of the scriptures–viewing it as a misinterpretation. -The Protestant movement formed in the exact same manner. A single individual, Martin Luther, interpreted scripture to mean that some of the Roman Catholic church's practices were wrong. The Christian authority of the day was the Roman Catholic Church. They believed Luther’s interpretation to be a misinterpretation of scripture. However, Luther formed an entire religious movement around his interpretation of the Bible. -If the author, Martin, uses this definition of a cult to exclude Mormons from the title Christianity and place them under the umbrella of a cult, then Martin has to do the same thing for all Protestants and even all Christians. The dictionary definition of cult says that a cult is a religion that is seen as unorthodox.
        • This definition is entirely dependent on personal belief and perspective. Using this definition, all religions that aren’t your own can be defined as a cult. Singling Mormonism out in this regard is discriminatory.

        2000

        January 1

        To commemorate the 2,000th year of the accepted date of the birth of Jesus Christ, the first presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote a letter. It was published on January 1, 2000. In this letter, they declared the fundamental role of Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. They declare the reality of His role as Jehovah and Jesus Christ. They state that Jesus was resurrected and that He lives.

          2004

          November 14

          A gathering of Evangelical Protestant and Mormon ministers, and theologians met in the Tabernacle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah. The meeting was titled “Evening of Friendship.” One of the Evangelicals in attendance was the coauthor of The Kingdoms of the Cults, Ravi K. Zacharias.

            2007

            December 6

            While vying for the Republican presidential nomination, Mitt Romney gave a speech about his Mormon faith. In the speech, Romney said, “There is one fundamental question about which I often am asked. What do I believe about Jesus Christ? I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. My church's beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths. Each religion has its own unique doctrines and history. These are not bases for criticism but rather a test of our tolerance. Religious tolerance would be a shallow principle indeed if it were reserved only for faiths with which we agree.”

            While acknowledging that Mormons, Mitt Romney in particular, believe in Jesus Christ and His divinity, many evangelical Christians do not classify Mormons as Christian. Previous to Mitt Romney’s speech, Evangelical Leader, Richard Land suggested that Mormonism was the “Fourth Abrahamic Religion.” Although an Abrahamic religion, Mormonism was still not considered Christian. After Romney’s speech, popular televangelist Joel Osteen said on CBS that he sees Mitt Romney as “being a believer in Christ like me.” However, he also said that Mormonism is different from Christianity.

            • Mormons acknowledge the right to define Christianity however you choose. However, Mormons maintain that a belief in the divinity and atonement of Jesus Christ should be the criteria for defining Christianity.
            • It is illogical to exclude Mormons from Christianity based on the fact that they have different doctrinal beliefs. This is true of all Christian denominations. If Mormons are excluded from Christianity for this reason, no denomination can be included under the umbrella of Christianity.

            2018

            September-October

            The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized on April 6, 1930. However, this was not the official name of the church until April 26, 1838. On that date, Joseph Smith received a revelation that stated the Lord wished his church to be called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, early in the church’s history, people, particularly opponents of the church, began calling it the Mormon Church. Its adherents were called Mormons. The name stuck. However, in August and October of 2018, the president of the church, Russel M. Nelson made a statement and (later) gave a talk about using the correct name of the church. In this talk, he stated: “When it comes to nicknames of the Church, such as the ‘LDS Church,’ the ‘Mormon Church,’ or the ‘Church of the Latter-day Saints,’ the most important thing in those names is the absence of the Savior’s name…When we discard the Savior’s name, we are subtly disregarding all that Jesus Christ did for us—even His Atonement.”

            Biographies

            Joseph Smith 1805-1844
            Joseph Smith Jr., born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, was the fifth child of Joseph Smith and Lucy Mack. He had significant spiritual experiences that led him to his prophetic calling, including a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ in 1820. He translated and published the Book of Mormon and established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 1830. As the leader of the Church, he called Apostles and other leaders, defined doctrines, and guided the community's growth in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Tragically, Joseph Smith was martyred on June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois.
            Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
            https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/joseph-smith-jr?lang=eng

            For some members of other Christian denominations, the fact that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not descended from any of the three largest branches of Christianity (Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant) means that they are not Christian.

            • At some point, all of the major branches of Christianity were “new” religions. Christianity grew out of Judaism. Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy split based on doctrinal differences. Protestantism split from Roman Catholicism, and many other Protestant religions split from the Protestantism defined by Martin Luther. None of these religions are considered non-Christian because of their break with each other, or their doctrinal differences. Mormonism should not be excluded based on this argument, either.

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            • 1820

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            • 1830

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            • 1838

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            • 1842

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            • 1916

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            • 1950s-1960s

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            • 2000

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            Introduction

            Historical Context

            What Critics Are Saying

            Response to Critics View

            Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, consider themselves to be Christian. They believe that Jesus Christ lived, preached, performed miracles, and organized His Church in ancient Palestine. He voluntarily gave His life as a ransom for all humankind. After he was crucified and buried, He rose on the third day–a resurrected being. However, many other Christians do not define members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Christians. Their arguments against calling members of the Mormon Church Christians are historical and theological in nature. Their reasons include that first, Mormons do not believe in the authority or doctrine of councils and creeds. Second, the Mormon Church does not descend from the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, or Protestant churches. Additionally, many Protestants also add to these reasons the fact that Mormons have more scriptures than the Bible. Some Protestants even consider Mormonism a cult. Essentially, if belief in Jesus Christ’s divinity and mission as Savior of the world is the definition of a Christian, Mormons are Christians. If the definition of Christianity requires a belief in the authority of the first seven ecumenical councils, or the doctrine of the Trinity (as defined by those councils), or various other theological arguments, then Mormons are not Christians.

              1820

              Joseph Smith Has His First Vision of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

              Historical Context

              What Critics Are Saying

              Response to Critics View

              Joseph Smith Joseph Smith cancel 1805-1844 Joseph Smith Jr., born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, was the fifth child of Joseph Smith and Lucy Mack. He had significant spiritual experiences that led him to his prophetic calling, including a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ in 1820. He translated and published the Book of Mormon and established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 1830. As the leader of the Church, he called Apostles and other leaders, defined doctrines, and guided the community's growth in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Tragically, Joseph Smith was martyred on June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois.

              Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
              https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/joseph-smith-jr?lang=eng               , the founder of Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) went to a grove of trees to pray to God about which church he should join. While praying, he reported that he was visited by two beings, God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Because of this experience, Smith and members of the Mormon faith believe that God the Father and Jesus Christ are two distinct beings with bodies of flesh and bone. Joseph also said that he received an answer from these beings that he should not join any church presently organized because “all their creeds were an abomination in his sight.” info Information Sources: cancel https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1?lang=eng Image Source: The First Vision, by Gary E. Smith The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

              Christians from all major sects of the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant churches believe in the authority of the first seven ecumenical councils of the Christian Church. An ecumenical council is a worldwide council where theological experts discuss church doctrine and discipline. The first council was held at Nicaea and was called because contradictory teachings began to arise regarding the nature of Jesus Christ in 325 A.D. To resolve these issues the Nicene Creed was written and endorsed by the members of the council. A creed is an official statement of belief. The next two councils at Constantinople (381 A.D.) and Ephesus (431 A.D.) added to and reaffirmed the Nicene Creed. The fourth, fifth, and sixth ecumenical councils were called to clarify beliefs about the nature of Jesus Christ. These beliefs called Nestorianism, Monophysitism, and Monothelitism were refuted by the council. The seventh council defined the veneration and use of icons. info Information Sources: cancel https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/nicea https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/quick-facts-7-ecumenical-councils/ https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04423f.htm Anderson, W. P., & Diesslin, R. L. (2010). The Arian Crisis. In A Journey through Christian Theology: With Texts from the First to the Twenty-first Century (2nd ed., pp. 41–58). 1517 Media. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt22h6ss8.6; https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt22h6ss8.6

              According to some Christians, in order to be called Christian, a person has to affirm the beliefs and authority of the first seven ecumenical councils of Christianity. Since Mormons, or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, do not affirm the authority or doctrine proclaimed by the first seven ecumenical councils, some Christians do not call Mormons Christians.

              • Mormons believe in, and worship God the Eternal Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.
              • Mormons believe the world entered a period of apostasy, or a period of non-orthodox, even heretical teachings after the death of Jesus’ apostles.
              • The apostasy lasted from the death of Jesus’ apostles to the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ by Joseph Smith in 1830.
              • Much of the information written and the doctrines pronounced during this period of apostasy, do not contain authoritative doctrine.

              1830

              The First Edition of the Book of Mormon Is Published

              Historical Context

              What Critics Are Saying

              Response to Critics View

              March, 1830

              The first edition of the Book of Mormon was published in Palmyra, New York. The Book of Mormon “is a record of God’s dealings with ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel.” The record was “written on gold plates…and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon.” Joseph Smith Joseph Smith cancel 1805-1844 Joseph Smith Jr., born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, was the fifth child of Joseph Smith and Lucy Mack. He had significant spiritual experiences that led him to his prophetic calling, including a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ in 1820. He translated and published the Book of Mormon and established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 1830. As the leader of the Church, he called Apostles and other leaders, defined doctrines, and guided the community's growth in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Tragically, Joseph Smith was martyred on June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois.

              Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
              https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/joseph-smith-jr?lang=eng               states that he was told about this record by a heavenly messenger named Moroni, the final prophet from the Book of Mormon. Smith said he received this record and translated it into English. The record also shares the people’s experiences seeing and learning from Jesus Christ after he was resurrected. info Information Sources: cancel https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/printing-and-publishing-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng https://www.thechurchnews.com/2000/1/1/23247353/publication-history-of-the-book-of-mormon https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/introduction?lang=eng

              In addition to the Bible and Book of Mormon, Mormons also believe that the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price are scripture. The Doctrine and Covenants is a compilation of revelations received by Joseph Smith and other leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Pearl of Great Price contains revelations received by Joseph Smith, one of which is an elaboration on the biblical Book of Genesis. Other books in the Pearl of Great Price are: an inspired translation of the writings of Abraham, an extract from the testimony of Matthew in Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible, excerpts from one of Joseph Smith’s histories, and the Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A statement by Joseph Smith. These were submitted to the whole membership of the church as doctrine and canon. They were ratified by the members of the church as such.

              There are various opinions and critiques of the Book of Mormon. However, when it comes to the issue of Mormons being Christian, some critics list belief in the Book of Mormon as one that precludes Mormons from being Christian. There is an argument among many major Protestant churches that the Bible is the sola scriptura. This Latin phrase translates to “scripture alone” and means that the Bible is the sole scripture of the church. Sola scriptura also contains the idea that the Bible holds all the doctrines and practices necessary for salvation. This theological idea began with Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. Some Protestants assert that Mormons (and members of other denominations, as well) are not Christian because they believe other books, like the Book of Mormon, are scripture and contain doctrines and practices necessary for the worship of Jesus Christ. The scripture that Protestants often use as evidence for the theory of sola scriptura is Revelation 22:18-19 “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” info Information Sources: cancel https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481320467/sola-scriptura/

              • It is contradictory to say that the Bible is sufficient for salvation when the seven ecumenical councils wrote creeds that they also say are necessary for salvation.
              • John was only referring to the book of Revelation when he wrote that no one should add or take away from the book. The book of Revelation was circulated as a stand-alone document until the compilation of the Bible. Hundreds of biblical manuscripts were produced in the centuries after Christ was crucified and many of them did not contain the books of the Bible in the order that we have it today. It is illogical to say that John was forbidding people to add to the whole Bible when it did not exist in its current form until hundreds of years later. In addition to this, most scholars would agree that John wrote the Book of Revelation prior to writing his Gospel and his Epistles (Letters of John).
              • An admonition, similar to the one written in Revelation, is written in the book of Deuteronomy, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it…” Deuteronomy clearly isn’t the final book of the Old Testament, nor the New Testament. Moses, like John, was limiting this admonition and was not saying that no further revelation could be received or written down.
              • Protestants do not say that the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, or Ethiopian Churches aren’t Christian, while all of them have different canonical scriptures. For example, the Greek Orthodox Church does not include the Book of Revelation as canon. The Ethiopian Church includes the Shepherd of Hermas, two letters of Clement, and a collection of church law called the Apostolic Constitutions as scriptural canon. Singling Mormons out as non-Christian because of a belief in more scripture, while accepting other churches as Christian, despite their non-Protestant canon is a logical fallacy. info Information Sources: cancel https://rsc.byu.edu/new-testament-history-culture-society/canonization-new-testament

              1838

              Joseph Smith Publishes a List of Answers to Common Questions About Mormonism

              Historical Context

              What Critics Are Saying

              Response to Critics View

              May, 1838

              Joseph Smith Joseph Smith cancel 1805-1844 Joseph Smith Jr., born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, was the fifth child of Joseph Smith and Lucy Mack. He had significant spiritual experiences that led him to his prophetic calling, including a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ in 1820. He translated and published the Book of Mormon and established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 1830. As the leader of the Church, he called Apostles and other leaders, defined doctrines, and guided the community's growth in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Tragically, Joseph Smith was martyred on June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois.

              Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
              https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/joseph-smith-jr?lang=eng               prepared a list of questions that he, and other leaders of the Mormon faith, had been asked repeatedly during open meetings (meetings where people who were interested in learning about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints taught, could listen to the church’s leaders teach). Joseph Smith published these questions, along with answers for each one. The 20th question asked, “What are the fundamental principles of your religion.” The answer that Joseph Smith wrote was: “The fundamental principles of our religion is the testimony of the apostles and prophets concerning Jesus Christ, ‘that he died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended up into heaven;’ and all other things are only appendages to these, which pertain to our religion.” According to this statement, the most basic precept of Mormonism is that Jesus’ atonement was performed and saved humanity. info Information Sources: cancel https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/questions-and-answers-8-may-1838/3

                1842

                The Thirteen Articles of Faith Are Published

                Historical Context

                What Critics Are Saying

                Response to Critics View

                March 1

                John Wentworth John Wentworth cancel 1815-1888 John Wentworth was born in Sandwich, New Hampshire on March 5, 1815. While he attended Dartmouth College he taught in schools throughout the state of New Hampshire. After he graduated, he moved west to Chicago. In Chicago Wentworth became very successful. He was the editor and later, the owner of The Chicago Democrat. Wentworth ran for many political offices and was voted into office for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1843-1851, 1853-1855, and 1865-1867. He was mayor of Chicago from 1857-1858 and 1860. He was also the police commissioner of Chicago in 1863. Wentworth died on October 16, 1888, in Chicago.

                Sources: Chicago Public Library, Joseph Smith Papers
                https://www.chipublib.org/mayor-john-wentworth-biography/ https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/person/john-wentworth                 , the editor and owner of a newspaper called The Chicago Democrat, wrote a letter to Joseph Smith Joseph Smith cancel 1805-1844 Joseph Smith Jr., born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, was the fifth child of Joseph Smith and Lucy Mack. He had significant spiritual experiences that led him to his prophetic calling, including a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ in 1820. He translated and published the Book of Mormon and established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 1830. As the leader of the Church, he called Apostles and other leaders, defined doctrines, and guided the community's growth in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Tragically, Joseph Smith was martyred on June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois.

                Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
                https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/joseph-smith-jr?lang=eng                 . He requested that Joseph provide a history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon faith. Wentworth was requesting this on behalf of a friend, George Barstow George Barstow cancel 1812-1883 George Barstow was born in Haverhill, New Hampshire on June 19, 1812. He attended Dartmouth College and moved to Boston to study law in 1836. While there, he wrote a book entitled The History of New Hampshire, from Its Discovery, in 1614, to the Passage of the Toleration Act, in 1819. While in Massachusetts Barstow ran for multiple political offices, but was never voted into office. Barstow moved from Boston back to New Hampshire, then he moved to New York City and eventually settled in San Francisco. He became a law professor at the University of the Pacific. Barstow was a member of the California House of Representatives from 1861-1862 and in 1878. Barstow died on September 9, 1883, in San Francisco.

                Sources: Join California, Joseph Smith Papers
                http://www.joincalifornia.com/candidate/11087 https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/person/george-barstow                 , who was writing a history of New Hampshire. In response to Wentworth’s request, Joseph wrote a letter outlining the fundamental beliefs of the church. Among these fundamental beliefs were 13 statements called “The Articles of Faith.” The first of these 13 declarations of belief stated: “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” info Information Sources: cancel https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-joseph-smith/chapter-38?lang=eng https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/article/articles-of-faith

                George Barstow thought he might include a brief history of the Mormon faith in his book about New Hampshire because the Smith family lived in New Hampshire when Joseph was a small boy. Joseph lived in New Hampshire from about the age of 6-7 to about 9-10. Barstow did not end up using this information in his book.

                At the first council of Nicaea (the first ecumenical council) and the council at Chalcedon (the fourth ecumenical council), all churches in the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and major Protestant traditions affirm as declaring true doctrine, defined the nature of God as the Trinity. In trinitarian doctrine, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are considered three coequal persons in one substance, or essence. info Information Sources: cancel https://ensignpeakfoundation.org/west-lebanon-new-hampshire/ https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/creeds/athanasian-creed

                Tied to the objection that Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, cannot be called Christian because they do not believe in the doctrine or authority of creeds and councils, is the objection that Mormons cannot be called Christian because they do not affirm the doctrine of the Trinity, or trinitarianism. Mormons believe that God, the Eternal Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are all members of the Godhead. All members of the godhead are divine. They are also separate beings. God the Father and Jesus Christ have bodies of flesh and bones, while the Holy Ghost is a spirit being. However, Mormons do not believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are considered three coequal persons in one substance, or essence, as defined by creeds and councils. For some members of Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, or Protestant faiths, this excludes Mormons from being defined as Christians. Some members of these branches of Christianity even say that Mormons are polytheists because of their belief that all members of the godhead are separate beings. info Information Sources: cancel Robinson, Stephen E. (1991). Are Mormons Christians? Bookcraft.

                • Mormons believe in all three members of the Trinity–that they are Gods and that they are all divine.
                • Mormons do not believe in the doctrine of the Trinity, as it is written in the Nicene Creed. In particular, the idea is that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are considered three coequal persons in one substance, or essence. This is not supported by biblical accounts and was written during a period of apostasy.

                1916

                The First Presidency Publishes a Doctrinal Explanation Called “The Father and Son”

                Historical Context

                What Critics Are Saying

                Response to Critics View

                The First Presidency of the Mormon Church published a doctrinal explanation about the interrelated roles of God the Father and Jesus Christ. This publication is called “The Father and Son” and the leaders explained four things about Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ: 1. God is the literal, genetic father of Jesus Christ. He is also the literal father of the spirits of the human race. 2. Jesus Christ was directed by His Father to create the heavens and the earth. Because of this, Jesus Christ is considered the Father of the Heavens and the Earth. God the Father is considered the Creator because he is the literal father of the spirits of humankind. 3. Jesus Christ is the Father of those who are “born again” and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 4. When God directs Jesus Christ to speak on his behalf, Jesus Christ acts and speaks as the Father. info Information Sources: cancel https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203&version=NIV https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203&version=KJV https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2002/04/the-father-and-the-son?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2002/04/the-father-and-the-son

                  1950s-1960s

                  Mormons Begin to Receive More Criticisms From Some Members of the Evangelical Christian Community

                  Historical Context

                  What Critics Are Saying

                  Response to Critics View

                  The book The Kingdom of the Cults was written by Walter R. Martin. Martin listed various religions as cults. One of the religions listed is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Mormon Church. Martin defines a cult as a group of people organized around a specific person–or a specific person’s misinterpretation of the Bible. This book gained wide appeal among Evangelical Christians. It was reprinted many times and the 2003 edition added a coauthor Ravi K. Zacharias.

                  • Martin’s definition of a cult is subjective–a definition of his own creation. If this was the true definition of a cult, all of Christianity fits in this definition. -Jesus, himself, was a charismatic person, from which an entire religion was formed around. The Jews of Jesus’ day disliked His interpretation of the scriptures–viewing it as a misinterpretation. -The Protestant movement formed in the exact same manner. A single individual, Martin Luther, interpreted scripture to mean that some of the Roman Catholic church's practices were wrong. The Christian authority of the day was the Roman Catholic Church. They believed Luther’s interpretation to be a misinterpretation of scripture. However, Luther formed an entire religious movement around his interpretation of the Bible. -If the author, Martin, uses this definition of a cult to exclude Mormons from the title Christianity and place them under the umbrella of a cult, then Martin has to do the same thing for all Protestants and even all Christians. The dictionary definition of cult says that a cult is a religion that is seen as unorthodox.
                  • This definition is entirely dependent on personal belief and perspective. Using this definition, all religions that aren’t your own can be defined as a cult. Singling Mormonism out in this regard is discriminatory.

                  2000

                  The Living Christ Is Published

                  Historical Context

                  What Critics Are Saying

                  Response to Critics View

                  January 1

                  To commemorate the 2,000th year of the accepted date of the birth of Jesus Christ, the first presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote a letter. It was published on January 1, 2000. In this letter, they declared the fundamental role of Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. They declare the reality of His role as Jehovah and Jesus Christ. They state that Jesus was resurrected and that He lives. info Information Sources: cancel https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/20-years-of-the-living-christ-how-the-first-presidency-and-quorum-of-twelve-continue-to-emphasize-the-savior

                    2004

                    Evangelicals and Mormons Meet Together in an “Evening of Friendship”

                    Historical Context

                    What Critics Are Saying

                    Response to Critics View

                    November 14

                    A gathering of Evangelical Protestant and Mormon ministers, and theologians met in the Tabernacle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah. The meeting was titled “Evening of Friendship.” One of the Evangelicals in attendance was the coauthor of The Kingdoms of the Cults, Ravi K. Zacharias.

                      2007

                      Mitt Romney Gives a Speech Entitled, “Faith in America”

                      Historical Context

                      What Critics Are Saying

                      Response to Critics View

                      December 6

                      While vying for the Republican presidential nomination, Mitt Romney gave a speech about his Mormon faith. In the speech, Romney said, “There is one fundamental question about which I often am asked. What do I believe about Jesus Christ? I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. My church's beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths. Each religion has its own unique doctrines and history. These are not bases for criticism but rather a test of our tolerance. Religious tolerance would be a shallow principle indeed if it were reserved only for faiths with which we agree.” info Information Sources: cancel https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16969460

                      While acknowledging that Mormons, Mitt Romney in particular, believe in Jesus Christ and His divinity, many evangelical Christians do not classify Mormons as Christian.

                      Previous to Mitt Romney’s speech, Evangelical Leader, Richard Land suggested that Mormonism was the “Fourth Abrahamic Religion.” Although an Abrahamic religion, Mormonism was still not considered Christian.

                      After Romney’s speech, popular televangelist Joel Osteen said on CBS that he sees Mitt Romney as “being a believer in Christ like me.” However, he also said that Mormonism is different from Christianity. info Information Sources: cancel https://www.christianpost.com/news/mormonism-the-4th-abrahamic-religion.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3glYyqhw2XA

                      • Mormons acknowledge the right to define Christianity however you choose. However, Mormons maintain that a belief in the divinity and atonement of Jesus Christ should be the criteria for defining Christianity.
                      • It is illogical to exclude Mormons from Christianity based on the fact that they have different doctrinal beliefs. This is true of all Christian denominations. If Mormons are excluded from Christianity for this reason, no denomination can be included under the umbrella of Christianity.

                      2018

                      President Russell M. Nelson Encourages the Use of the Proper Name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

                      Historical Context

                      What Critics Are Saying

                      Response to Critics View

                      September-October

                      The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized on April 6, 1930. However, this was not the official name of the church until April 26, 1838. On that date, Joseph Smith Joseph Smith cancel 1805-1844 Joseph Smith Jr., born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, was the fifth child of Joseph Smith and Lucy Mack. He had significant spiritual experiences that led him to his prophetic calling, including a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ in 1820. He translated and published the Book of Mormon and established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 1830. As the leader of the Church, he called Apostles and other leaders, defined doctrines, and guided the community's growth in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Tragically, Joseph Smith was martyred on June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois.

                      Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
                      https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/joseph-smith-jr?lang=eng                       received a revelation that stated the Lord wished his church to be called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, early in the church’s history, people, particularly opponents of the church, began calling it the Mormon Church. Its adherents were called Mormons. The name stuck. However, in August and October of 2018, the president of the church, Russel M. Nelson made a statement and (later) gave a talk about using the correct name of the church. In this talk, he stated: “When it comes to nicknames of the Church, such as the ‘LDS Church,’ the ‘Mormon Church,’ or the ‘Church of the Latter-day Saints,’ the most important thing in those names is the absence of the Savior’s name…When we discard the Savior’s name, we are subtly disregarding all that Jesus Christ did for us—even His Atonement.”

                      For some members of other Christian denominations, the fact that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not descended from any of the three largest branches of Christianity (Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant) means that they are not Christian.

                      • At some point, all of the major branches of Christianity were “new” religions. Christianity grew out of Judaism. Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy split based on doctrinal differences. Protestantism split from Roman Catholicism, and many other Protestant religions split from the Protestantism defined by Martin Luther. None of these religions are considered non-Christian because of their break with each other, or their doctrinal differences. Mormonism should not be excluded based on this argument, either.

                      Timeline

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                      Key Takeaways for Are Mormons Christian

                      Members of the Mormon faith do not believe in the authority, doctrine, or creeds established by the seven ecumenical councils of Christianity. Because of this, some Christians do not consider Mormons to be Christian.
                      Many Protestants do not believe Mormons are Christians because they have more scriptural records, in addition to the Bible. These include the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
                      Mormons believe in God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, as well as the Holy Spirit. They do not, however, subscribe to the theology of the Trinity, as defined by early Christian councils and the Nicene Creed. For some Christians, because Mormons do not believe in the theology of the Trinity, they do not consider Mormons to be Christian.
                      The central doctrine of the Mormon Church is that Jesus Christ was crucified, died, was buried, and was resurrected. Mormons regard Jesus as their literal Savior.
                      Mormons or the Mormon church began as a nickname and epithet against those who belonged to the church. The true name of the church is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The prophet of the church encouraged members (and others) not to take the name of Jesus Christ out of their church by using the nickname “Mormon” in a 2018 address.
                      Some members of the three largest branches of Christianity do not think members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints qualify as Christians because they do not descend from the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, or Protestant churches.

                      Tough Questions + Honest Answers

                      • Are Mormons Christians?
                        • Mormons believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ and “that he died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended up into heaven.” If a belief in Jesus Christ is the criterion for being Christian, then yes, Mormons are Christian. Other Christian churches do not think Mormons are Christians because they use different criteria to define Christianity. For example, a belief in the same creeds and councils or their definition of the Trinity.
                      • Do Mormons Believe in Jesus?

                        • Mormons believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ and “that he died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended up into heaven.”

                        • The leaders of the Mormon Church wrote a document called the Living Christ. They testify of the divine mission of Jesus Christ. It was written to commemorate the 2,000th year since the birth of Jesus Christ.  

                        • Every week, Mormons eat the sacrament of the Lord’s supper and offer two prayers. This is the prayer said over the bread: O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

                      • Is Mormonism a Cult?

                        • The word cult, by definition, is subjective. According to the dictionary, a cult is a group with unorthodox beliefs. By this definition, anyone with different views from your own can be defined as a cult. Mormons do not consider their religion a cult.

                        • According to a book that calls Mormonism a cult, a cult is a group of people organized around a specific person–or a specific person’s misinterpretation of the Bible. By this definition, all of Christianity, which was organized around Jesus Christ, is a cult. All religions would be considered cults.

                      • What Do Mormons Believe About Jesus?

                        • According to the document, the Living Christ, Mormons believe that Jesus’ life “which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world. He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20)…Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.”

                      • Do Mormons Believe in the Trinity?

                        • Mormons believe in the divinity of all three members of the Godhead: God, the Eternal Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Mormons believe they are separate beings and they are divine. Mormons do not believe that the members of the Godhead are three coequal persons in one substance, or essence, as defined by early Christian creeds and councils.

                      • Do Mormons Believe Jesus is God?

                        • The Mormon document, the Living Christ, says “[Jesus] was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.” Mormons honor and worship Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

                      Explore: Are Mormons Chrisitans