Are Mormons Christians?

It’s a simple question with a not-so-simple answer.

Mormons consider themselves Christians because they believe in Jesus Christ.

However, many Christian denominations (an non-denominational churches too) disagree due to key doctrinal differences.

Some say yes because Mormons worship Jesus Christ.

Others say no because their doctrines differ significantly from biblical Christianity.

So, who’s right?

Let’s check out both perspectives.

What Do Mormons Believe About Jesus?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly known as the Mormon Church, places Jesus Christ at the center of their faith.

They believe He is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and that salvation comes through Him (partially…).

Sounds Christian, right?

Absolutely.

But here’s where things start to differ from traditional Christianity:

The Godhead vs. The Trinity: Christians believe in the Trinity—God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit as one being. Mormons believe in the Godhead—three separate beings who are unified in purpose but not in substance.
Additional Scriptures: While Christianity is purely based on the Bible, Mormons use the Bible and additional scriptures like the Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. This is one spot where issues really arise, because Galatians 1:6-10 clearly says that “if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” Considering that Joseph Smith claims he translated golden plates given to him by an angel, this is a big contradiction.
Modern Prophets: Mormons believe that God continues to speak through prophets today, just like in biblical times.

So, from a Mormon perspective, they follow Christ.

But from a biblical Christian standpoint, these differences raise theological red flags.

Why Some Christians Say Mormons Aren’t Christian

Many Christian denominations don’t consider Mormons to be Christians because of the differences in doctrine.

Here are a few of the big sticking points:

The Nature of God – Christianity teaches that God has always been God. Mormons believe God was once a man who progressed to become God.
Salvation by Grace vs. Works – This is one of the biggest theological divide between Mormonism and Christianity:
- Christianity: The Bible teaches that salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by works. As Ephesians 2:8-9 states: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
- Mormonism: Salvation is believed to come through faith in Christ plus good works, temple ordinances, and following the commandments.
Scripture – The Bible is the final word for Christians. Mormons add other books, which many Christian denominations reject – as according with Galatians 1:6-10.
View of Heaven – Christianity teaches a Heaven-and-Hell model. Mormons believe in three levels of heaven (Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial) and that almost everyone will end up in some form of paradise and even progress to gods themselves.

Because of these differences, many Christian churches don’t classify Mormons as Christians.

Difference Between Mormons and Christians

Belief	Mainstream Christianity	Mormonism
Nature of God	One God in three persons (Trinity)	Three distinct beings (Godhead)
Scripture	Bible only	Bible + Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price
Salvation	Grace alone through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9)	Faith + Works + Temple Ordinances
Jesus Christ	God in the flesh (John 1:1)	A separate being, spirit child of God
Afterlife	Heaven and Hell	Three Degrees of Glory

Mormon vs. Christian: How Are They Different?

Let’s put it simply:

Mormons believe that their church is the restored church of Jesus Christ, meaning all other Christian denominations lost their way over time.
Christians believe that Mormonism strays too far from biblical teachings to be considered Christian.
Mormons emphasize good works, temple ordinances, and continuing revelation, while traditional Christians rely on grace through faith and God alone.

Are Mormons and Christians the Same?

No, not quiet:

Salvation: Christianity teaches that salvation is a free gift from God through faith in Jesus (Romans 6:23). Mormonism teaches that faith must be accompanied by works and ordinances to reach the highest level of heaven.
Jesus as God: Christianity teaches that Jesus is God in the flesh (John 1:1). Mormonism teaches that Jesus is a separate being from God the Father and was once a spirit child of God.
Temple & Ordinances: Mormon temple ceremonies (like baptisms for the dead) are unique to their faith and are not found in traditional Christianity.
Missionary Work: Mormons have a well-organized missionary system, whereas Christian evangelism varies widely by denomination.

So, Are Mormons Christians?

From a biblical standpoint, Christianity is defined by faith in Jesus Christ as God and salvation by grace alone.

Mormons say yes. They follow Jesus, believe He’s their Savior, and center their faith around Him.
Many Christian denominations say no. Because Mormons do not believe in Jesus as God in the same way and require works for salvation, their doctrine conflicts with the foundational Christian belief that salvation is through faith alone.

In my opinion, there are staggering differences in beliefs about who Jesus truly is, how salvation works, and what the faith is based off of (e.g. the Book of Mormon vs. just the Bible).

These differences seem to be attempted to wash over simply by saying “oh, but Mormons believe in Jesus.”

But that just doesn’t add up.

If being Christian means believing in Jesus Christ as God and trusting in His sacrifice alone for salvation, then Mormonism does not fit that definition.

Final Thoughts

The debate over whether Mormons are Christians isn’t going away anytime soon.

But biblical Christianity teaches that salvation is only through Jesus Christ, who is God, and that His sacrifice alone is sufficient.

What do you think?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

FAQs

What do Christians have to do to be saved?
Christians believe that salvation comes by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ. According to Ephesians 2:8-9, salvation is a free gift from God and cannot be earned through works. To be saved, a person must repent of their sins, believe that Jesus Christ is God who died on the cross for their sins and rose from the dead, and put their full trust in Him as their Lord and Savior.

What do Mormons have to do to be saved?
Mormons believe that salvation requires faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and following the commandments of the LDS Church. They teach that grace plays a role, but that good works, temple ordinances, and lifelong obedience are necessary to achieve “exaltation” in the highest level of heaven.

Do Mormons believe once saved always saved?
No, Mormons reject the doctrine of eternal security (also known as “once saved, always saved”). They believe that a person must continually strive to remain faithful, follow commandments, and endure to the end to receive exaltation.

Do Mormons believe you are saved by grace alone?
No, Mormons believe that grace is necessary for salvation, but they also teach that good works, temple ordinances, and obedience to commandments are required. They reject the idea that salvation is by grace alone, as taught in Ephesians 2:8-9.

How does Mormon differ from Christianity?
Mormonism differs from biblical Christianity in several key ways: Mormons believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are three separate beings, whereas Christians believe in the Trinity (one God in three persons). Mormons accept additional scriptures beyond the Bible, such as the Book of Mormon, and they believe that salvation requires works in addition to faith. They also teach that God was once a man who progressed to become God, whereas Christianity teaches that God has always been God.

Are Mormons Christians yes or no?
No. Mormons consider themselves Christians because they follow Jesus Christ, but many Christian denominations do not recognize them as Christians due to major theological differences regarding salvation, the nature of God, and the authority of scripture.

Do Mormons think Jesus is God?
Mormons believe Jesus is the Son of God, but they do not believe He is the same being as God the Father. They teach that Jesus is a separate being who was spiritually begotten by God and is our older brother in a pre-mortal existence. In contrast, Christianity teaches that Jesus is fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Do Mormons and Christians believe in the same God?
No, traditional Christians and Mormons have very different understandings of God. Christianity teaches that there is one eternal God who has always been God. Mormonism teaches that God the Father was once a man who progressed to become God and that humans can also become gods in the afterlife. This fundamental difference separates Mormon theology from biblical Christianity.

Do Mormons believe Jesus died on the cross?
Yes, Mormons believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and was resurrected. However, they also emphasize that His atonement began in the Garden of Gethsemane, where they believe He suffered for the sins of the world.

Do Mormons celebrate Christmas?
Yes, Mormons celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ. Their celebrations are similar to those of other Christian groups, including nativity scenes, church services, and family gatherings.

Do Mormons believe in multiple wives?
The mainstream LDS Church does not practice polygamy today, but it was a part of early Mormon history. The practice was officially discontinued in 1890. However, some fundamentalist Mormon groups still practice polygamy today, though they are not affiliated with the LDS Church.

What religion believes in God but not Jesus?
Judaism, Islam, and some Unitarian groups believe in God but do not recognize Jesus as God or the Son of God. Some deists also believe in a creator God but reject Jesus’ divinity. Different religions such as Islam believe that Jesus existed, but as a prophet, not God.

Do Mormons believe in the virgin birth?
Yes, Mormons believe that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary. However, their teachings on how this happened differ from traditional Christian views, as some LDS leaders have suggested that God the Father had a direct, physical role in Jesus’ conception.