Is the Mormon Church Considered a Christian Faith?

LDS Perspective

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as the Mormon Church) identifies itself as a Christian faith and affirms a deep commitment to Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of humanity. The name of the Church itself, as given by revelation, explicitly includes "Jesus Christ," which underscores this commitment (Doctrine and Covenants 115:4). Members of the Church strive to follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, emphasizing faith in His Atonement, teachings, and resurrection. However, theological differences between Latter-day Saint beliefs and those of traditional Christian denominations have led to debates regarding this identity. For instance, Latter-day Saints have unique teachings about the nature of God, the purpose of life, and the afterlife. Th

Historical Perspective

The question of whether the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as the Mormon Church) can be classified as a Christian faith is a subject of considerable debate. The term "Christian" is defined mainly by one’s belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the savior of humanity. Latter-day Saints strongly affirm this belief, stating that their faith is centered on Jesus Christ, whom they follow as their Redeemer (FAIR Latter-day Saints, 2021). They consider the New Testament canonical and hold the belief that Christ's Atonement and resurrection are central to salvation. However, while Latter-day Saints consider themselves Christians and actively emphasize their commitment to following Jesus Christ, mainstream Christian denominations often dispute this classificat