Are Mormons Christians? This is one of the most misunderstood things about Mormons.
Mormon, Christian, and Biblical Doctrine
Yes it is true; Mormons and the rest of the world's Christians believe differently. It's true that we don't fully accept all aspects of the various creeds of Christendom - though we do accept most aspects. But that doesn't mean we aren't Christians in our own right, nor does it excuse people to exclude us from the body of Christ on the basis of doctrines that have nothing to do with believing in and obeying Him, serving Him and feeding His sheep.
See my article on Latter-Day Saints and the Creeds of Christendom.
It is evident that there is a need for someone who is a Mormon to explain our beliefs and to defend them from a biblical perspective. In answer to this need, over the last three and a half years, I have built a table that outlines Mormon beliefs, which you can access on my Church page. In the left column, you will a see a doctrine for discussion. In the Old Testament/New Testament column, you will see a link to my biblical defense of that doctrine. In the latter-day scripture column, you will see a link to an explanation of where that doctrine comes from in latter day revelation. On my blog, I strive to explain and defend my own beliefs without attacking those of others. If you ever read anything that appears to be in violation of this cardinal rule, please accept my assurance that this is unintended - an oversight.
Now, with the vast majority of ancillary doctrinal questions thus dealt with, let's get down to answering the central question: are Mormons Christians?
Jesus' Definition of Christianity
All around the world, Mormons - or Latter-Day Saints as we prefer to be called - are known for living up to two things we consider to be the Savior's definition of Christianity:
By this definition, we consider ourselves to be most definitely disciples of Christ!
We aren't perfect, and we don't claim to be. Nor do we expect anyone else to be. But we do believe in Christ, and we strive to live His teachings to the best of our ability. We believe that, in the Savior's eyes, this makes us as Christian as anyone can expect us to be.
The following statements from scripture echo our feelings and attitude toward Jesus Christ and His gospel:
"We are fools for Christ's sake." (1 Corinthians 4:10)
"[We are] not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth..." (Romans 1:16)
"[We are not] ashamed of the testimony of our Lord... [we] know whom [we] have believed, and [are] persuaded that he is able to keep that which [we] have committed unto him..." (2 Timothy 1:8-12)
"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." (2 Nephi 25:26)
"Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men?" (Alma 26:16)
Are Mormons Christians? You bet. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
Also of Interest
Why this blog?
What is Mormonism? Why does your church have such a long name?
Biblical Reasons Why Everyone Should Want to Read the Book of Mormon
Book on Amazon: Are Mormons Christians? By Stephen E. Robinson
Come to church with us!
Meet with LDS missionaries
Mormon, Christian, and Biblical Doctrine
Yes it is true; Mormons and the rest of the world's Christians believe differently. It's true that we don't fully accept all aspects of the various creeds of Christendom - though we do accept most aspects. But that doesn't mean we aren't Christians in our own right, nor does it excuse people to exclude us from the body of Christ on the basis of doctrines that have nothing to do with believing in and obeying Him, serving Him and feeding His sheep.
See my article on Latter-Day Saints and the Creeds of Christendom.
It is evident that there is a need for someone who is a Mormon to explain our beliefs and to defend them from a biblical perspective. In answer to this need, over the last three and a half years, I have built a table that outlines Mormon beliefs, which you can access on my Church page. In the left column, you will a see a doctrine for discussion. In the Old Testament/New Testament column, you will see a link to my biblical defense of that doctrine. In the latter-day scripture column, you will see a link to an explanation of where that doctrine comes from in latter day revelation. On my blog, I strive to explain and defend my own beliefs without attacking those of others. If you ever read anything that appears to be in violation of this cardinal rule, please accept my assurance that this is unintended - an oversight.
Now, with the vast majority of ancillary doctrinal questions thus dealt with, let's get down to answering the central question: are Mormons Christians?
Jesus' Definition of Christianity
All around the world, Mormons - or Latter-Day Saints as we prefer to be called - are known for living up to two things we consider to be the Savior's definition of Christianity:
- "...if ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15)
- "...a new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another as I have loved you. By this shall men know ye are my disciples." (John 13:34-35)
By this definition, we consider ourselves to be most definitely disciples of Christ!
We aren't perfect, and we don't claim to be. Nor do we expect anyone else to be. But we do believe in Christ, and we strive to live His teachings to the best of our ability. We believe that, in the Savior's eyes, this makes us as Christian as anyone can expect us to be.
The following statements from scripture echo our feelings and attitude toward Jesus Christ and His gospel:
"We are fools for Christ's sake." (1 Corinthians 4:10)
"[We are] not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth..." (Romans 1:16)
"[We are not] ashamed of the testimony of our Lord... [we] know whom [we] have believed, and [are] persuaded that he is able to keep that which [we] have committed unto him..." (2 Timothy 1:8-12)
"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." (2 Nephi 25:26)
"Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men?" (Alma 26:16)
Are Mormons Christians? You bet. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
Also of Interest
Why this blog?
What is Mormonism? Why does your church have such a long name?
Biblical Reasons Why Everyone Should Want to Read the Book of Mormon
Book on Amazon: Are Mormons Christians? By Stephen E. Robinson
Come to church with us!
Meet with LDS missionaries
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