Introduction
Mormonism, also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), and traditional Christianity have some fundamental differences that are important to understand. While both faiths share a belief in Jesus Christ, there are significant theological and doctrinal distinctions between the two. Here, we’ll explore the key differences between Mormonism and mainstream Christianity.
Beliefs About God
One of the core differences between Mormonism and traditional Christianity is the Mormon conception of God. Mormons believe in a Godhead made up of three separate divine beings – God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. They do not adhere to the traditional Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one unified being.
Additionally, Mormons believe that God the Father was once a mortal man who became exalted, and that humans have the potential to likewise become gods. This belief, known as “divine potential,” is a fundamental tenet of Mormon theology. Mormons believe that through obedience to Mormon teachings and ordinances, they can progress towards godhood, eventually becoming like the Heavenly Father.
This view of the divine nature and the possibility of human deification is a significant departure from the monotheistic understanding of God in mainstream Christianity. While both faiths share a belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ, the Mormon conception of the Godhead and the nature of the divine are distinctly different from the traditional Christian perspective.
Understanding these differences in beliefs about God is crucial to comprehending the theological gulf between Mormonism and Christianity. This divergence in the understanding of the divine lies at the heart of many of the other doctrinal and practical distinctions between the two faiths.
Scripture and Revelation
Another key difference between Mormonism and traditional Christianity is the Mormon belief in additional scripture beyond the Bible. Mormons accept the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price as divinely inspired works that complement and expand upon the teachings found in the Bible.
The Book of Mormon, in particular, is central to Mormon theology, as it is believed to be a historical record of ancient American civilizations and an additional testament of Jesus Christ. Mormons view the Book of Mormon as scripture on par with the Bible, and it plays a crucial role in their religious beliefs and practices.
In addition to these extra-biblical texts, Mormons also believe in ongoing divine revelation through the office of the President of the LDS Church, who is considered a living prophet. Mormons believe that God continues to provide guidance and instruction to the church through the words and teachings of the current prophet.
In contrast, most Christian denominations only recognize the Bible as divinely inspired scripture. While some Christian traditions may accept certain extra-biblical texts as historically or theologically significant, the Bible remains the sole authoritative source of scripture.
This divergent view on the nature and sources of scripture is a fundamental difference between Mormonism and mainstream Christianity. It reflects the Mormon belief in a living, growing, and expanding canon of religious texts, as opposed to the Christian emphasis on the Bible as the complete and final revelation.
Salvation and Afterlife
Another significant difference between Mormonism and traditional Christianity lies in their respective beliefs about salvation and the afterlife. Mormons believe that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and obedience to Mormon teachings and ordinances.
Unlike mainstream Christianity, which emphasizes salvation through faith alone, Mormons believe that individuals must actively participate in their own salvation by following the commandments and participating in Mormon rituals and ceremonies, such as baptism and temple ordinances.
Mormons also reject the doctrine of original sin, believing that children are born free from sin and that individuals are responsible for their own sins, rather than inheriting the sin of Adam and Eve.
Furthermore, Mormons believe in the possibility of three degrees of glory in the afterlife, rather than the traditional Christian concept of heaven and hell. Mormons believe that the majority of humanity will be saved and will receive some degree of glory, with the highest degree reserved for those who have been the most faithful and obedient to Mormon teachings.
This nuanced view of the afterlife, which includes the possibility of progression and advancement even after death, is another significant departure from the more binary conceptions of heaven and hell found in mainstream Christianity.
The Mormon understanding of salvation and the afterlife, with its emphasis on individual responsibility, the role of ordinances, and the potential for progression, stands in contrast to the more grace-centered and binary views held by many Christian denominations.
Priesthood and Church Structure
One of the most distinctive features of the Mormon Church is its lay priesthood system. In the LDS Church, male members can be ordained to the priesthood at a relatively young age, often as teenagers. This priesthood structure is central to Mormon theology and church governance.
The Mormon priesthood is divided into two orders: the Aaronic Priesthood and the Melchizedek Priesthood. All worthy male members can be ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood, which is responsible for performing basic ecclesiastical duties such as administering the sacrament. The higher Melchizedek Priesthood is reserved for more senior male members and is responsible for more advanced religious functions, such as performing temple ordinances.
This lay priesthood system stands in stark contrast to the professional clergy found in most Christian denominations. In traditional Christian churches, there is often a clear division between the clergy, who are specifically trained and ordained for their religious roles, and the laity, who do not hold formal religious authority.
The Mormon emphasis on a lay priesthood reflects their belief in the universal priesthood of all believers. Mormons see the priesthood as a divine authority granted to worthy male members, rather than a specialized profession. This decentralized approach to religious leadership is a defining characteristic of the LDS Church’s organizational structure.
The prominence of the priesthood and the lack of a professional clergy are crucial elements that distinguish the Mormon Church from the hierarchical and clergy-centric structures of mainstream Christian denominations.
Conclusion
While Mormonism and Christianity share some foundational beliefs, the theological and doctrinal differences are significant. Understanding these distinctions is important for anyone seeking to grasp the nuances between the two faiths. As with any religious comparison, it’s crucial to approach the topic with openness, respect, and a willingness to learn.
