Latter-day Saints (LDS) or Mormons, as they are popularly known, are often misunderstood to be a sub-sect of Christianity. While they do believe in Jesus Christ, their practices and doctrines are considerably different from those of other Christian denominations. From their unique take on the afterlife to the Book of Mormon, there is no shortage of ways in which LDS is different from Christianity.
One of the biggest differences between LDS and Christianity is how they approach the concept of God. In Christianity, God is generally considered to be an omnipotent, omniscient being who created the universe and everything in it. But, in LDS, God is seen as an exalted human who progressed to godhood after a mortal life. Furthermore, according to the doctrine of LDS, there are many gods who rule over their own worlds and universes. This is a concept that is not present in any other Christian denomination.
Another key difference between LDS and Christianity is their approach to salvation. In Christianity, salvation is viewed as a gift from God. One simply needs to believe in Jesus Christ as the savior and accept him into their heart. However, in LDS, salvation is seen as a process. It is not enough to just have faith in Jesus Christ. One has to follow the commandments, participate in religious rituals like baptism and temple ceremonies, and live a righteous life. This process of earning salvation is referred to as exaltation in LDS.
Basic beliefs of Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion centered around the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that God sent his son to Earth to live a perfect life, die on the cross for the sins of humanity, and rise from the dead on the third day, offering salvation to all who believe in him. Here are a few of the basic beliefs of Christianity:
- Belief in the Trinity – Christians believe in one God, who exists in three forms: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ – Christians believe that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and that no amount of good works can save a person from their sins.
- The Bible is the inspired word of God – Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, and that it contains all the knowledge and guidance necessary for salvation.
These beliefs are foundational to the Christian faith, and are shared by Christians across denominational lines.
Basic beliefs of LDS
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), also known as the Mormon Church, is a unique religious denomination with its own set of beliefs that sets it apart from other Christian denominations. The following subtopics delve into the basic beliefs of LDS.
Belief in God and Jesus Christ
- LDS believe in God the Father, His son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. They believe in the unity and trinity of these three individuals as the Godhead, but see them as separate beings with distinct roles.
- LDS believe that God the Father and Jesus Christ have a physical body, whereas the Holy Ghost is a spiritual being.
- LDS believe that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary, and that He atoned for the sins of humanity through His death and resurrection.
Belief in Prophets and Scripture
LDS believe that God communicates with His children through prophets who are called and ordained as His representatives. They see the Bible as sacred scripture but also believe that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and contains the fullness of the gospel. LDS also believe in the Doctrine and Covenants, which is a collection of modern revelations given to prophets of the church, and the Pearl of Great Price, which contains additional scripture and the writings of Joseph Smith.
Belief in the Plan of Salvation
LDS believe that humans existed as spirits before birth and that this life is a period of testing. They believe that individuals have the ability to choose between right and wrong, and that the choices made in this life will determine one’s eternal destiny. The ultimate goal of LDS is to return to live with God in the highest degree of His kingdom through living a life of faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. The church also places high importance on families and teaches that families can be united for eternity through ordinances performed in the temple.
Belief in Eternal Progression
| Mormon Belief | Christian Belief |
|---|---|
| One can become like God and progress to godhood through eternal marriage and obedience to God’s commandments. | There is only one God and humans can never become gods. |
LDS believe in the doctrine of eternal progression, which teaches that human beings can progress to godhood through living a life of obedience to God’s commandments, receiving sacred ordinances, and being sealed to their spouse for eternity in the temple. They believe that once individuals reach the highest level of the Celestial Kingdom, they can continue to progress and become like God. This belief is unique to LDS and is not shared by mainstream Christianity.
Key Differences between Christianity and LDS
Christianity and the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, or LDS, have numerous differences in doctrine, theology, and practice. Here are some key differences between the two:
- Godhead: Christianity believes in the Holy Trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct persons in one Godhead. In contrast, LDS teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are separate beings with distinct roles in the Godhead.
- Scriptures: Christianity believes in the Bible as the inspired word of God. In contrast, LDS also believes in the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants as additional scriptures.
- Salvation: Christianity teaches that salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ alone. In contrast, LDS teaches that salvation comes through a combination of faith, works, and obedience to the commandments.
It is important to note that while these are significant differences, both Christianity and LDS share a belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior. Despite the theological differences, both religions promote moral and ethical values, including compassion, service, and honesty. The ability to respect and recognize these similarities and differences is crucial for interfaith understanding and dialogue.
If we take a look at the table below, we can see a side-by-side comparison of some of the main differences between Christianity and LDS:
| Christianity | LDS | |
|---|---|---|
| Godhead | Trinitarian | Three distinct beings |
| Scriptures | Bible | Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants |
| Salvation | By faith alone | By faith, works, and obedience to commandments |
In conclusion, while Christianity and LDS differ in their understanding of God, scriptures, and salvation, they both share a belief in Jesus Christ and promote moral and ethical values. It is vital to respect and understand one another’s religious beliefs to foster a more peaceful and accepting world.
Similarities between Christianity and LDS
While there are differences between Christianity and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), there are also similarities that the two traditions share. Here are some of the most notable:
- Belief in Jesus Christ: Both Christianity and LDS believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of the world.
- The Bible: Both traditions revere the Bible as a sacred text, although LDS also consider the Book of Mormon as Holy Scripture.
- The Trinity: While there are differences in the interpretation of the doctrine of the Trinity, both traditions affirm the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as divine beings.
Despite these similarities, there are still some key differences between Christianity and LDS that set them apart from each other.
One of the primary differences is the role of prophets. In the LDS tradition, prophets are seen as essential to guiding and directing the church. In contrast, many Christian denominations don’t have a singular prophet that is seen as authoritative in the same way.
Another key difference is the practice of baptism. Christianity traditionally practices baptism by immersion, and while LDS also practice baptism by immersion, they believe in additional ceremonies for the baptism of the dead.
Overall, while there are similarities between Christianity and LDS, there are also key differences that make the two traditions distinct. Nevertheless, both traditions strive to follow Jesus Christ and live according to His teachings.
| LDS Beliefs: | Christianity Beliefs: |
|---|---|
| Belief in modern-day prophets | Interpretation of scripture by pastors or priests |
| The Book of Mormon as additional scripture | Only the Bible as scripture |
| Baptism of the dead | Only baptism by immersion |
Despite these differences, both Christianity and LDS share the core belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and work to live according to His teachings.
How LDS Views God
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), also known as the Mormon Church, is often misunderstood when it comes to the subject of God. The belief system of the LDS Church is based on the teachings of Joseph Smith, Jr., who founded the Church in the early 19th century. One of the most significant differences between the LDS Church and other Christian denominations is how they view God.
- God has a physical body: According to LDS teachings, God has a body of flesh and bones, just like a human being. This belief is based on the idea that man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27).
- God is one of many gods: This belief is often misunderstood, but it is not the same as polytheism, which is the belief in many gods. The LDS Church believes that there are many gods, but there is only one God that is worshipped. They believe that God the Father is the highest of all the gods.
- God is eternal: The LDS Church believes that God has always existed and always will exist. They do not believe in the concept of the Trinity, which teaches that there is one God in three persons. Instead, they believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings.
One of the most significant differences between the LDS Church and traditional Christianity is the idea that God has a physical body. This belief is rooted in the Book of Mormon, which teaches that Jesus Christ was resurrected and that his physical body was raised from the dead.
It’s important to note that the LDS Church does not believe that God’s physical body is like ours, which is subject to disease, injury, and death. Instead, they believe that God’s body is perfect and immortal.
| Aspect of God | LDS view | Traditional Christian view |
|---|---|---|
| God’s Nature | Physical body of flesh and bones | Spiritual being |
| God’s Relationship with Man | Father of all mankind | Creator of all mankind |
| God’s Plan of Salvation | Plan of happiness, or the Plan of Salvation | Salvation by faith in Jesus Christ |
| God’s Relationship with Jesus Christ | Separate beings | One being in three persons (Trinity) |
In summary, the LDS Church has a unique understanding of God. They believe that God has a physical body, that there are many gods, and that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings. While these beliefs may differ from traditional Christian views, they are at the core of the LDS faith.
How Christianity views God
Christianity views God as the one and only all-powerful being who created the universe and everything in it. In the Christian faith, God is seen as a loving and just father figure who desires a personal relationship with each individual. This belief in the nature of God has been central to Christian theology from its inception.
- Trinity: Christianity believes in the Trinity- the three persons in one Godhead: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This concept holds that the three persons are distinct, but inseparable and equal in power and glory.
- Creator: According to Christian beliefs, God created the universe and everything in it. In Genesis, the first book of the Bible, it is recorded that God created the world in seven days.
- Salvation: Christianity has a strong emphasis on the salvation of souls. According to Christian teachings, because of sin, humans are separated from God and need a savior to reconcile them to Him. Christians believe that Jesus Christ came to earth and took on the sin of humanity, dying on the cross, and rising from the dead to offer eternal life to those who believe in Him.
The Attributes of God in Christianity
Christians also believe in the attributes of God. These are the characteristics that make up God’s nature and personality. Some of the attributes of God in Christianity include:
- Omnipotence: God is all-powerful, with the ability to do anything He chooses.
- Omnipresence: God is present everywhere, at all times.
- Omniscience: God is all-knowing and has complete knowledge of all things past, present, and future.
- Love: Christianity teaches that God is love. This means that everything He does is motivated by love.
- Justice: God is a just God who punishes sin but also forgives those who repent.
Christianity and Other Religions
Christianity is often contrasted with other religions, including Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism. While there are some similarities, there are also significant differences in the way each religion views God. For example, Islam believes in a single powerful God (Allah) who is not seen as a father figure but rather as a distant deity. Judaism sees God as a personal God who desires relationship, but without the Trinity or the belief in Jesus as the savior. Lastly, Hinduism presents a different concept of God as multiple gods and goddesses, each responsible for different aspects of creation.
| Religion | God’s Nature |
|---|---|
| Christianity | All-powerful, all-knowing, all-present, loving, and just Father-figure |
| Islam | All-powerful, but distant deity |
| Judaism | A personal God who desires relationship |
| Hinduism | Multiple gods and goddesses responsible for different aspects of creation. |
Understanding the differences in how God is viewed is essential in understanding the fundamental differences between various religions.
The role of the Bible in Christianity and LDS
Both Christianity and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) consider the Bible to be a central scripture. However, there are significant differences in how the Bible is viewed and used in each religion.
- Christianity views the Bible as the infallible word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the foundation of Christian faith. It is a complete and closed canon of scripture that contains the Old and New Testaments.
- LDS also believes that the Bible is the word of God but views it as an incomplete record of God’s interactions with his children. They believe that it has been mistranslated, misinterpreted, and lost some of its original meaning over time. Therefore, they also consider additional books of scripture, including The Book of Mormon, to be the word of God and a companion to the Bible.
- Christianity interprets the Bible through a literal and historical approach, while LDS uses a more symbolic and spiritual approach to interpreting the Bible.
Here is a table highlighting the key differences in the role of the Bible in Christianity and LDS:
| Christianity | LDS | |
|---|---|---|
| View of the Bible | Infallible and inspired word of God | Incomplete record of God’s interactions with his children |
| Canon of Scripture | Old and New Testaments | Additional books of scripture, including The Book of Mormon |
| Interpretation of the Bible | Literal and historical | Symbolic and spiritual |
Overall, while the Bible is an essential scripture for both Christianity and LDS, the differences in how it is viewed and used demonstrate the fundamental theological distinctions between each religion.
FAQs about How Is LDS Different from Christianity
1. What does LDS stand for?
LDS stands for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a religious denomination that considers itself a form of Christianity.
2. How is LDS different from other Christian denominations?
The LDS Church believes in the Book of Mormon, as well as the Bible, as scripture. They also have a distinct organizational structure, with a prophet as the leader of the church.
3. Can LDS members attend other Christian churches?
Yes, LDS members are encouraged to attend other Christian churches and to respect the beliefs of others. However, they are expected to follow LDS teachings and principles.
4. What is the role of Jesus in the LDS Church?
Jesus is central to LDS beliefs and plays a similar role as in other Christian faiths. However, LDS doctrine includes additional principles such as the pre-mortal existence of spirits and the ability to become like God through obedience to His commandments.
5. How does the LDS Church view families?
The LDS Church places a high value on families and encourages marriage and eternal family relationships. They also believe in performing temple ordinances, such as baptisms for the dead, to help families be united in the afterlife.
6. Does the LDS Church have a distinctive culture?
Yes, the LDS Church has a unique culture, but it varies geographically. However, it is generally characterized by strong family values and an emphasis on self-reliance.
7. Do LDS members practice polygamy?
No, the LDS Church officially outlawed polygamy in 1890 and has since excommunicated members who practice it.
The Bottom Line
In summary, the LDS Church is a form of Christianity with distinct beliefs and practices. While it shares many similarities with other Christian denominations, such as a belief in Jesus as our Savior, it also has unique features, such as the Book of Mormon and prophetic leadership. We hope this article has provided some clarity on how the LDS Church differs from other Christian faiths. Thank you for reading, and we invite you to come back for more informative articles.