Can someone please briefly tell me the difference between the Christian and Mormon faith?
You asked for a brief answer, so I’ll start with one. Some key doctrinal differences between Mormonism and traditional Christianity off the top of my head are: – The number of gods each believes to exist – The “goal” for one’s life in eternity (i.e. the Mormon doctrine of “exaltation”) – The nature of the Trinity – Recognized authoritative religious texts – The infallibility of the Bible – The authority and role of the Priesthood – The means of salvation I typically have a problem with short answers on the subject of Mormonism because I know that many Mormons who read the above assertions will strongly object. They will almost always object whenever someone tries to make them look like non Christians. However they use very different definitions for their terms so that it is difficult for the average person to be able to tell the difference. I try not to say “Mormons are not Christians” because they so devoutly believe that they are. Instead I try to say that IF Mormons are Christians,
Mormons say they are Christians. A lot of Christians say they are not. The main reason I have heard: ‘Mainstream’ Christians believe in the Trinity and Mormons believe in the Godhead. Others have given detailed descriptions. Personally, I think that your ‘average’ Christian filling a pew on Sunday doesn’t really understand what the Trinity says or what it means or where it originated from. What I thought when I was a Protestant was different than what the Trinity really is defined as and I thought I paid attention. To me, the Godhead makes more sense. In my opinion, the Trinity isn’t backed by Biblical sources. It might be hinted at if you twist a verse or two. It makes no difference to me if you want to believe in the Trinity. I would certainly not say you are not a Christian because of that belief, so why do you turn the tables on Mormons?
It is true what the others have written, so, again, Mormons are Christians…. Although, there are many differences between the Mormons and Catholics the one I found the most interesting was where the Catholics simply described their definition of a SIN as simply: Going against the word of God…..whereupon, the Mormons add one little word that seems to make a world of difference in those going down a Bible laden path… The Mormons define SIN as so: Knowingly going against the word of God. I like the idea of Knowingly….maybe, because I understand different forms of Christian guilt laid upon me throughout my childhood… Although I am not a Mormon, my mother converted us in my growing years from Catholicism, and it was a far more accepting western religion to me then….and even now. She still has her Church and when I go to visit I am often encountered by them…Never with judgment and always up for a discussion/(debate)….Ah, that’s me… I like to get at it…
