The Mormon Religion, otherwise known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, is often compared to Christianity. While there are many similarities between the two, there are also notable differences.
Mormon believers have scriptures that are additional to the traditional Christian Bible. These consist of the Book of Mormon, which Joseph Smith (the founder of the Mormon Church) is said to have translated from ancient golden plates, and the Doctrine and Covenants, said to have been revealed to Smith by God. Another volume of scripture is the Pearl of Great Price, an anthology of different texts from various sources.
Mormons consider God and Jesus to be separate entities who are united in perfect harmony. This is in contrast to the traditional Christian belief that God is one person in three distinct entities, known as the Trinity. Mormons also believe that there are various degrees and kingdoms within heaven, in contrast to the traditional Christian belief in heaven being only one realm.
The Latter-Day Saints also differ from Christians in their view on the afterlife. Mormons believe that the souls of humans will be judged according to the works that they have done during the course of their lives, and will be assigned to either a celestial kingdom or telestial kingdom.
Mormons view temples as places of revelation and sacred worship dedicated to God’s commandments, which is different from the traditional Christian perspective that the church is the sole house of God.
Mormonism’s belief in continuous revelation is also a stark contrast to Christianity, who believe in salvation through Jesus and written scripture.
Mormons also differ from Christians in their practice of polygamy. The practice was once widespread among early Mormon settlements, and while it is no longer practiced today, many Mormons, particularly the fundamentalist sects, still follow this tradition.
Baptism
Mormons practice a type of baptism known as “baptism for the dead”, which is contrary to the teachings of most Christianity denominations. It’s thought to provide the deceased with a chance to join the church, enabling them to progress spiritually after death. They believe that even though the deceased may not have accepted the gospel whilst living, they will be given the opportunity to accept it in the afterlife. This is also thought to provide living family members with the chance to be reunited with their loved ones in the afterlife.
Mormon baptism is performed by an authorized priest or elder through a rite known as the “baptismal covenant”. This special ceremony is believed to show repentance and commitment to one’s faith, signifying a rebirth into the church. Once a person has been baptized, they are seen as being reborn into the Mormon faith.
Mormons also take part in other ceremonies such as “temple endowments”, which aid them in their spiritual journey, as well as “sealing ordinances”, which is a type of promise to remain faithful to the covenant of their religion. This is why it’s not unusual to see these religious ceremonies being conducted in a Mormon temple.
Authority
The Mormon Church is organized in such a way that authority is given to its members by the church’s President, who is thought to hold the keys to the kingdom. This gives the Church the power to manage the affairs of the Church, direct its preaching and teaching, and receive revelations for the Church’s members. Unlike traditional Christianity, Mormons believe that the authority comes from Jesus Christ and the Church’s President, rather than from the Bible.
This hierarchical structure allows the Church to be more unified in its decisions and ensures that church members are in accord with each other. It’s also thought to be a way for the Church to ensure that members are able to properly adhere to the teachings of their religion.
Mormons also believe in the importance of service. They view service as a way to show their commitment to their religion and to its values. They believe that through volunteerism, they can uplift not just their own lives, but the lives of other people as well.
The Mormon Church also has a lay clergy, with certain members of the Church being appointed to certain positions according to their level of righteousness. Members who are seen as having a higher level of righteousness and an unwavering commitment to the Church are appointed to leadership positions and are thought to provide spiritual counsel and guidance.
Leaders
The Church is organized and led by a president and two counselors, who are thought to receive guidance from God. These three men are known as the First Presidency and are the highest authority in the Mormon Church.
The president of the Church is chosen by the two counselors, and is conceived as having a special relationship with God. It is this special relationship that allows him to lead and teach the Church, as well as provide guidance for issues and decisions.
The two counselors are chosen from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who act as witnesses and special witnesses to the dealings and policies of the Church. The Latter-Day Saints also accept honorary apostles, who are also seen as witnesses to certain aspects of the Church.
The remaining body of the Church is made up of quorums, or assemblies, of ecclesiastical and priesthood leaders. These are groups of leaders that are organized according to their designated roles in the church, and are seen as providing assistance to Church members as needed.
Worship Practices
The practices and rituals of the Mormon Church differ from traditional Christianity in many ways. For example, the Sacrament service and the practices of fasting, tithing, and visiting the temple are all practices of the Latter-Day Saints that traditional Christianity does not partake in.
Another difference between the two is in their approach to Sunday worship. The Latter-Day Saints are encouraged to spend Sunday in church service, prayer, and study of their scriptures, while traditional Christianity emphasizes worship and leisure activities on Sundays.
Latter-Day Saints also have additional rituals and practices, such as the practice of faith healing ceremonies and the ritual of the “Crossing the River”. The ritual of the “Crossing the River” is performed when a family is joining the Church and involves a short but powerful ceremony about the journey of the Latter-Day Saints.
The Mormon Church also has a unique set of practices and beliefs related to marriage and families, such as the importance of temple marriages, eternal marriage, and the belief that families can be together for eternity. While these beliefs may seem foreign to traditional Christians, many Mormons consider them a foundational part of their religion.
The Global Reach
Mormonism is a global religion with a strong presence in over 170 countries. With its emphasis on missionary work, the Church has grown significantly since its early days, and has managed to build a vast network of established churches and temple sites across the world.
In recent years, the Church has seen a significant amount of growth in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines, resulting in the Church being established in many different parts of the world. This growth has been attributed to the rapid spread of the Church’s teachings through missionary work, as well as the Church’s openness to reaching out to other religions and cultures.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has seen a massive influx of new members from different walks of life, making it one of the most diverse and rapidly growing religions today. In spite of the Church’s vast size, its teachings remain largely the same, emphasizing the importance of righteousness, service, and faith in Jesus Christ.
Recognition
The Mormon Church is often viewed by those outside the faith as an unconventional religion, partly due to its traditional practices. Despite this, many traditional Christian churches recognize the Mormon Church as a legitimate denomination of Christianity, especially with the adoption of traditional Christian activities such as Sunday worship and baptism.
As the Church continues to grow, its membership and doctrine continue to be openly discussed in wider religious debates. Scholars and clergy continue to debate the legitimate place of the Church within Christianity and its teachings, particularly its views on divine revelation, salvation, and the afterlife.
Despite its various differences, many Mormons are quick to point out that the core beliefs of the Church are very similar to traditional Christianity, and that the primary differences between them are generally a matter of interpretation rather than core doctrine.
Conclusion
The differences between the Mormon Religion and Christianity stem from the Church’s unique history, teachings, and practices. Despite their differences, the Church emphasizes the importance of Jesus Christ, His teachings, and the power of faith, which is something they share with traditional Christianity.
Ultimately, the similarities and differences between the Mormon Religion and Christianity are something to be explored and discussed. With so much to learn and understand, it is important to take the time to understand the beliefs of each religion, and to come to a greater understanding of what unites our faiths.
