Mormonism and Christianity: Key Theological Differences

TL;DR

Mormonism differs fundamentally from Christianity in its view of the nature of God, with Mormonism positing a corporeal God while Christianity upholds God’s spiritual and unchangeable nature.
The concept of the Trinity in Christianity is distinct from the Mormon belief in the Godhead, emphasizing one God in three persons versus separate beings with one purpose.
Christianity and Mormonism have contrasting beliefs about the authority of Scripture, with Christianity relying solely on the Bible, while Mormonism includes other texts like the Book of Mormon.
The doctrine of salvation reveals significant differences; Christianity teaches salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, whereas Mormonism includes additional requirements and works.

The Nature of God

In discussing the theological differences between Mormonism and Christianity, a key area of divergence is the nature of God. Christian theology, rooted in Scripture, asserts that God is spirit (John 4:24) and unchanging (Malachi 3:6). In contrast, Mormonism posits that God has a physical body, as emphasized in the Doctrine and Covenants, one of the faith’s key texts.

This distinction is critical as it impacts the understanding of God’s transcendence and immanence. The Bible presents God as omnipresent, not confined to a physical form (Psalm 139:7-10), and immutable, meaning He does not change over time (Hebrews 13:8). These attributes highlight the distinctness and majesty of God in Christian thought.

Furthermore, Isaiah 43:10 affirms that there is only one God, challenging the Mormon belief in the potential for humans to become gods. The Christian perspective, based on scriptural revelation, views God as unique and unparalleled in His divinity, which is not attainable or replicable by humans.

The Trinity vs. The Godhead

The concept of the Trinity is central to Christian theology, where God is understood as one being in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). This triune nature of God is a mystery that underscores the unity and diversity within the Godhead.

Mormon theology, on the other hand, describes the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as separate gods, united in purpose but not in being. This view diverges significantly from the traditional Christian understanding of the Trinity, as articulated in the Nicene Creed, which emphasizes one God in three co-equal and co-eternal persons.

Scriptures such as Deuteronomy 6:4 (“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”) and John 10:30 (“I and the Father are one.”) underscore the unity of God in Christian doctrine, challenging the Mormon perspective of a more divided Godhead.

Authority of Scripture

Another significant theological difference lies in the authority of Scripture. In Christianity, the Bible is the sole infallible rule of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This belief in Sola Scriptura asserts that the Bible contains all knowledge necessary for salvation and holiness.

Contrastingly, Mormonism does not hold the Bible as the sole source of divine truth. It includes other texts like the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. This additional revelation is seen as complementary and equally authoritative to the Bible, a stance that deviates from the Christian view of the sufficiency and finality of the biblical canon.

Christians affirm that the revelation of God in the Bible is complete and that no other scripture is needed for knowing God and His will (Revelation 22:18-19). The addition of other texts in Mormonism raises concerns about the consistency and reliability of their teachings compared to the biblical narrative.

Doctrine of Salvation

The doctrine of salvation presents perhaps the most critical difference between Christianity and Mormonism. Traditional Christian belief, as expressed in Ephesians 2:8-9, is that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works, so that no one can boast. This doctrine emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement on the cross for the forgiveness of sins (Romans 5:8-9).

Mormonism, however, adds to this the necessity of certain works and ordinances for salvation, such as baptism, membership in the LDS Church, and various temple rituals. These requirements extend beyond the biblical teaching of salvation by faith alone.

The Bible clearly states that righteousness cannot be achieved by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16). This fundamental difference in understanding salvation points to deeper theological rifts between the two faiths.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the theological differences between Mormonism and Christianity are profound and foundational. They encompass divergent views on the nature of God, the Trinity, the authority of Scripture, and the doctrine of salvation. These differences are not merely doctrinal nuances but represent fundamental deviations from historic Christian orthodoxy as grounded in Scripture.

“The Gospel According to Jesus” by John F. MacArthur – A thorough exploration of biblical salvation, contrasting it with various other religious teachings.
“Knowing God” by J.I. Packer – Offers deep insights into the nature and character of God from a traditional Christian perspective, aiding in understanding the distinctions between Christian and Mormon views of God.