Are Latter-day Saints Christians? Ep. 168

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior – but we also hold some other beliefs that set us apart from mainstream Christianity. This has caused many to ask the question: Are “Mormons” Christian? Let’s talk about it.

— “‘Is Mormonism Christian?’ Reflections on a Complicated Question” by Jann Shipps (Methodist scholar) in BYU Studies Quarterly: https://bit.ly/3LVb3pv
— If you are looking for an overview of some of the reasons why Latter-day Saints are purported to be non-Christians, along with the perspectives of some Latter-day Saints in regards to these claims, I’d suggest the following short book (it’s a bit too sarcastic for my taste in some portions, but it gets the gist across): https://bit.ly/3d9nAaf

Notes:

— Joseph Smith taught, “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

— Methodist scholar Jan Shipps wrote,

“In the fullness of time a decision will be made in a higher court as to whether the Holy Catholic Church that evolved from the apostolic church described in the New Testament managed to stay Christian; whether the Protestants, including the Anglicans, who separated from the Roman church maintained their status as Christians; whether the Methodists who separated from the Anglicans continued to be Christian; and whether the new Christian movements that evolved in the United States in the nineteenth century—Seventh Day Adventism, Mormonism, Christian Science—are authentically Christian. Till then, as one who sees “in a mirror dimly,” I withhold judgment, accounting within the definition of Christian any church, sectarian movement, liberal or conservative coalition, or new religious tradition that gathers persons together in the name of Christ and, in so doing, creates genuine community wherein women and men may—to use Methodist phraseology—take up the Cross and follow him ” Source: “‘Is Mormonism Christian?’ Reflections on a Complicated Question” by Jann Shipps (Methodist scholar): https://bit.ly/3LVb3pv

— Various definitions of “Christian” that I’ve found online:

“The term ‘Christian,’ as we understand it, refers to anyone, man, woman, or child, who trusts in Jesus Christ as his or her Savior and Lord and who strives to follow Him in every area of life.” Source: Focus on the Family

“A true Christian is a person who has put faith and trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ, including His death on the cross as payment for sins and His resurrection on the third day.” Source: GotQuestions.org

“A Christian is someone who is saved, exhibits a changed life, walks in faith, shares the Gospel, and helps teach others how to live like Christ.” Source: Patheos.com

“A Christian is someone whose behavior and heart reflects Jesus Christ.” Source: Compassion.com

“A Christian, then, is a person who is born again by the Spirit of God as he or she wholeheartedly trusts in Jesus Christ and seeks to follow Him in obedience.” Source: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

“…being a Christian means to follow in the steps of Jesus Christ and to be as He was in this world. The emphasis here is on doing, and not being hypocritical.” Source: ActiveChristianity.org

“a person who exemplifies in his or her life the teachings of Christ.” Source: Dictionary.com

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