Curiosity piques when it comes to understanding the differences between Mormon beliefs and Christianity. While both faiths revolve around the divine, they have distinct perspectives on various doctrines and practices. From their theologies to sacred texts, delve into this captivating exploration to gain a clearer understanding of how Mormon beliefs diverge from those of mainstream Christianity.
Belief in God
Mormons believe in the existence of God and view Him as the Heavenly Father. They believe that God is loving, kind, and merciful, and that He desires the happiness and eternal progression of His children. Mormons believe that God has a body of flesh and bones, and that He is a personal Being who can be prayed to and communicated with.
Nature of God
Mormons believe that God is all-knowing (omniscient), all-powerful (omnipotent), and everywhere present (omnipresent). They believe that He is the creator of the universe and everything in it. Mormons also believe that God is a perfect being who is filled with love and wants to have a personal relationship with each individual.
Godhead
Mormons believe in the concept of the Godhead, which consists of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. They believe that these three beings are separate and distinct individuals, but that they are united in purpose and work together for the salvation of humanity. Mormons believe that the Father and the Son have physical bodies, while the Holy Ghost is a spiritual being.
Divinity of Jesus Christ
Mormons believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ and view Him as the Savior and Redeemer of the world. They believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the literal offspring of God the Father, and that He was chosen and ordained to fulfill the role of the Savior. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation and exaltation.
Differences in Jesus’ Nature and Role
Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God, begotten by God the Father. They believe that Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary through a divine conception, and that He lived a perfect and sinless life. Mormons also believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation and that through His Atonement, all individuals can be forgiven of their sins and have the opportunity for eternal life.
Jesus as the Son of God
Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God and that He inherited divine attributes from His Father. They believe that Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament and that He fulfilled the ancient prophecies of the coming Savior. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God in a literal and physical sense, and that His divine nature and role are central to their faith.
Scriptures
Mormons believe that the Bible is the word of God and is inspired by Him. They believe that the Bible contains the recorded teachings, experiences, and testimonies of ancient prophets and apostles. Mormons view the Bible as an essential source of guidance, inspiration, and wisdom in their lives.
Additional Scriptures
In addition to the Bible, Mormons also believe in other scriptural texts. They believe in the Book of Mormon, which they consider to be another testament of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is seen as a companion to the Bible and contains the writings of ancient prophets who lived in the Americas. Mormons believe that the Book of Mormon was translated by the prophet Joseph Smith through the power of God.
The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is considered to be a sacred scripture by Mormons. It contains the teachings, prophecies, and experiences of ancient prophets who lived on the American continent. Mormons believe that the Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ and that it supports and clarifies the teachings found in the Bible. They view the Book of Mormon as an essential part of their religious canon and believe that it provides additional insights into God’s plan for humanity.
The Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church, is the religious organization established by Jesus Christ Himself in the latter days. Mormons believe that the Church is the restored and true church of Jesus Christ, organized according to His teachings and priesthood authority.
The Church Organization
Mormons believe in a hierarchical structure for the organization of the Church. At the head of the Church is the prophet, who is considered to be the mouthpiece of God on Earth. Below the prophet, there are apostles who are chosen to guide and lead the Church. Mormons also have local leaders, called bishops, who oversee individual congregations and provide spiritual guidance to members.
Prophets and Apostles
Mormons believe in the ongoing revelation through prophets and apostles. They believe that God continues to communicate with His children through modern prophets, just as He did in ancient times. Mormons view the words and teachings of the living prophets and apostles as authoritative and binding upon the Church. They believe that these leaders receive inspiration and guidance from God to lead and direct the Church according to His will.
Sacraments and Ordinances
Mormons believe in the importance of sacraments and ordinances in their worship and spiritual growth. They view these sacred acts as channels through which individuals can receive divine blessings and progress in their spiritual journey.
Baptism
Baptism is considered a necessary ordinance for salvation in the Mormon faith. Mormons believe that baptism is a symbolic representation of a person’s commitment to follow Jesus Christ and His teachings. Baptism is performed by immersion in water by the authority of the priesthood. Mormons believe that through baptism, individuals enter into a covenant with God and receive the remission of sins.
Laying on of Hands
The laying on of hands is an important ordinance in the Mormon Church. It is performed by individuals who hold the priesthood authority. Mormons believe that through the laying on of hands, individuals can receive blessings, such as the gift of the Holy Ghost, healing, and the bestowal of priesthood authority. They view this ordinance as a way to receive divine power and guidance in their lives.
The Afterlife
Mormons believe in the concept of the afterlife and view it as an essential part of God’s plan for His children. They believe that after death, individuals will be judged according to their works and will be assigned to specific destinations based on their faithfulness and obedience to God’s commandments.
Heaven and Hell
Mormons believe in the existence of heaven and hell. They view heaven as a place of eternal happiness and glory where individuals can be reunited with their families and God. Hell, on the other hand, is seen as a state of temporary punishment for those who choose not to follow God’s commandments. Mormons believe that through repentance and the Atonement of Jesus Christ, individuals can escape the punishment of hell and inherit the blessings of heaven.
Degrees of Glory
Mormons believe in the concept of degrees of glory in the afterlife. They believe that individuals will be assigned to one of three main kingdoms of glory: the Celestial Kingdom, the Terrestrial Kingdom, or the Telestial Kingdom. The Celestial Kingdom is reserved for those who have lived up to the highest standards of righteousness and is considered the highest degree of glory. The Terrestrial Kingdom is a place for those who have lived honorable lives but did not fully embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Telestial Kingdom is for those who rejected the gospel and embraced a life of sin and darkness.
Plan of Salvation
The Plan of Salvation, also known as the Plan of Happiness, is a central belief in Mormonism. Mormons believe that before coming to Earth, individuals lived in a premortal existence, or preexistence, as spirit children of Heavenly Parents. They view life on Earth as a temporary period of testing and growth, where individuals have the opportunity to make choices and learn from the consequences of their actions.
Preexistence and Eternal Progression
Mormons believe in the concept of preexistence, which means that individuals existed as spirits before being born on Earth. They believe that during this preexistent state, individuals had the opportunity to learn and progress, and that their experiences in that realm influenced their mortal lives. Mormons also believe in the concept of eternal progression, which means that individuals have the potential to continue to learn and progress even after death.
Importance of Agency
Mormons place a strong emphasis on the concept of agency, or the ability to choose for oneself. They believe that agency is a fundamental attribute granted to individuals by God, and that it is necessary for personal growth and development. Mormons believe that through the exercise of agency, individuals can make choices that will lead to their eternal progression and happiness.
The Atonement
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is a central belief in both Mormonism and Christianity. Mormons believe that through the Atonement, Jesus Christ suffered for the sins and sorrows of humanity and made it possible for individuals to be forgiven, redeemed, and reconciled with God.
Views on the Atonement
Mormons believe that the Atonement is an act of infinite love and mercy on the part of Jesus Christ. They view the Atonement as a voluntary sacrifice made by Jesus to satisfy the demands of justice and provide a way for individuals to overcome sin and death. Mormons believe that through the Atonement, Jesus Christ took upon Himself the sins of the world and suffered in Gethsemane and on the cross to atone for those sins.
Jesus’ Sacrifice and Redemption
Mormons believe that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all individuals can be redeemed from the effects of the Fall and have the opportunity for eternal life. They believe that Jesus’ sacrifice offers forgiveness of sins and the hope of resurrection and eternal life. Mormons view the Atonement as a central part of their faith and believe that by accepting Jesus Christ and His sacrifice, they can receive the full blessings of salvation.
Grace and Works
Mormons believe in the importance of both grace and works in the process of salvation. They believe that salvation is made possible through the grace of Jesus Christ, but that individuals must also actively strive to follow His teachings and commandments.
Salvation through Grace
Mormons believe that salvation is a gift of grace from Jesus Christ and that it cannot be earned solely through good works. They believe that all individuals are in need of the grace of Jesus Christ to be saved from sin and death. Mormons view grace as the enabling power that allows individuals to overcome their weaknesses and strive towards perfection.
Importance of Good Works
While Mormons believe in the importance of grace, they also emphasize the need for good works in the process of salvation. They believe that true faith in Jesus Christ leads to action and that individuals should actively strive to follow His teachings and commandments. Mormons believe that good works are an expression of gratitude for the grace and blessings they have received and are necessary for spiritual growth and progression.
Marriage and Family
Mormons place a strong emphasis on the importance of marriage and family. They view the family as a fundamental unit of society and believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained by God and essential for eternal progression.
Eternal Marriage and Sealing
Mormons believe in the concept of eternal marriage, which means that marriages can extend beyond mortality and continue into the eternities. They believe that through temple ordinances, couples can be sealed together for time and all eternity, allowing them to be together not only in this life but in the afterlife as well. Mormons view eternal marriage as a source of joy and happiness and believe that it is a necessary step towards eternal progression and exaltation.
Importance of Family
For Mormons, the family is a central focus of their faith. They believe that the family unit can provide support, love, and guidance and that it plays a crucial role in their spiritual development. Mormons strive to create a loving and nurturing environment within their families, where they can teach and live the principles of the gospel. They believe that strong families are a source of stability and happiness in this life and that they have the potential to endure throughout eternity.