There's a lot of confusion over whether Mormons are Christian, but most Latter-day Saints would be quick to correct anyone who claims that they aren't. Why all the controversy, and what evidence do Mormons have of their faith in Jesus Christ?
Mormon Articles of Faith
Most Latter-day Saints could easily recite the first of thirteen statements of Mormon religious beliefs known as the Articles of Faith. The First Article of Faith states that “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ.” The Fourth Article of Faith teaches that the primary and most crucial part of religious belief is "faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Book of Mormon: Another Testimony of Jesus Christ
In addition, a sacred LDS book of scriptures known as the Book of Mormon is officially titled “The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.” Though the subtitle was added to the book after its original publication, the message inside has always remained the same. References to Christ abound in the Book of Mormon.
Jesus Christ's Name Frequently Used by Mormons
Mormon prayers are always given in the name of Jesus Christ, and every chapel has the full name of the church inscribed on an outer wall: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The frequent appearance of His name in Mormon religious culture points out the centrality of Jesus Christ in Mormon religious belief.
Why Do People Believe that Mormons Aren't Christians?
- Lack of crosses – Though it is a traditionally Christian symbol, Latter-day Saints do not use the sign of the cross. Many people are confused by the lack of crosses in a Mormon church building. Without trying to offend Christians who use the cross, LDS church leaders have explained that they view the cross as a symbol of Christ's death and choose instead to focus on His resurrection.
- Rejection of the Trinity – The concept of the Trinity stems from the Nicene Creed, an ecumenical statement of faith established at the Nicene Council in 381 A.D. and currently endorsed by most Christian churches. Rather than believing in "three in one," Mormons believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings.
- Neither Catholic nor Protestant – Members of the LDS faith are clearly not Catholic, yet they do not view themselves as a reformist church (as Protestants do). Instead, they see themselves as a restorational church. Their name, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, points out that they see themselves as a church which houses the gospel of Christ as held anciently by the ancient or early-day saints.
Latter-day Saint Belief in Christ in a Nutshell
Core Mormon beliefs regarding Jesus Christ are contained in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, is the son of God, was baptized by John the Baptist, ministered to Jews in and around Jerusalem, and suffered in Gethsemane and died at Calvary to atone for our sins.
The Book of Mormon teaches that Jesus Christ appeared to a group of people in the ancient Americas after His resurrection. In 1820, Jesus is believed to have appeared to Joseph Smith and instructed him to restore His gospel in its purity.
Jesus Christ's grace is considered vital and indispensable in attaining salvation. In turn, people who accept Jesus as their savior should try to do all they can to emulate His behavior in the way that they live. Along with other Christians, they look forward to Christ’s second coming to the earth. For more on the church's official position regarding Christ, visit their website.
While it may be true that Mormons have several beliefs about Jesus Christ that differ from many mainstream religions, assertions that they aren't Christian have no basis in LDS doctrine.
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