Understanding the Differences: Why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Not a Legitimate Branch of Christianity
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, commonly known as the LDS Church or the Mormon Church, is a religious organization that claims to be a Christian denomination. However, its beliefs and practices differ significantly from mainstream Christianity, leading many to question its legitimacy as a branch of Christianity. In this article, I will explore the history, key beliefs, and controversies surrounding the LDS Church, and argue that it should not be considered a legitimate branch of Christianity.
Brief History of the LDS Church
The LDS Church was founded in the early 19th century by Joseph Smith, who claimed to have received revelations from God that led him to restore the true Church of Jesus Christ. Smith’s teachings were based on the Book of Mormon, which he claimed to have translated from golden plates that had been buried in upstate New York.
The early years of the LDS Church were marked by persecution and conflict with other religious groups, as well as with the United States government. Smith was killed by a mob in 1844, and leadership of the Church passed to Brigham Young, who led the Mormon pioneers on a journey westward to establish a new home in Utah.
Today, the LDS Church is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has millions of members worldwide.
Key Beliefs and Practices of the LDS Church
The LDS Church has a unique set of beliefs and practices that distinguish it from mainstream Christianity. Some of its key beliefs include:
- The belief in modern-day revelation and prophetic leadership
- The belief in the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ
- The belief in the eternal nature of families and the practice of eternal marriage
- The belief in the pre-existence of human souls and the potential for godhood in the afterlife
The LDS Church also has distinctive practices, such as:
- The practice of baptism for the dead
- The practice of wearing special undergarments as a symbol of religious commitment
- The practice of abstaining from caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco
- The practice of tithing, or donating 10% of one’s income to the Church
Differences Between the LDS Church and Mainstream Christianity
While the LDS Church claims to be a Christian denomination, its beliefs and practices differ significantly from those of mainstream Christianity. One major difference is the LDS Church’s belief in modern-day revelation and prophetic leadership, which is not recognized by most other Christian denominations.
The LDS Church’s belief in the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ is also a point of contention with mainstream Christianity. While the Bible is the primary religious text for most Christian denominations, the LDS Church places equal importance on the Book of Mormon, which contains teachings that contradict or supplement those of the Bible.
Other differences between the LDS Church and mainstream Christianity include the LDS Church’s belief in the pre-existence of human souls and the potential for godhood in the afterlife, as well as its distinctive practices such as baptism for the dead and the wearing of special undergarments.
Theological Contradictions and Controversies Within the LDS Church
The LDS Church’s unique beliefs and practices have led to theological contradictions and controversies within the Church itself. For example, the LDS Church’s belief in eternal families and eternal marriage has led to controversy over the practice of polygamy, which was embraced by early leaders of the Church but is now officially disavowed.
Additionally, the LDS Church’s belief in the potential for godhood in the afterlife has been criticized as a form of polytheism, which is incompatible with mainstream Christianity’s belief in monotheism.
The Book of Mormon and Its Role in the LDS Church
The Book of Mormon is a central text in the LDS Church, and its teachings are considered to be on equal footing with those of the Bible. However, the origins and authenticity of the Book of Mormon have been called into question by critics.
The Book of Mormon tells the story of a group of Israelites who migrated to the Americas and were visited by Jesus Christ after his resurrection. Critics point out that there is no archaeological or genetic evidence to support the claims made in the Book of Mormon, and that it contains linguistic anachronisms that suggest it was not written by ancient Americans.
Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding the LDS Church
The LDS Church has been the subject of numerous criticisms and controversies throughout its history. One of the most prominent is its history of racism, which included a ban on black men holding the priesthood until 1978.
The LDS Church has also faced criticism for its stance on LGBTQ+ issues, including its opposition to same-sex marriage and its belief that homosexual behavior is a sin. However LDS Church will allow this if the individual is self identified as a particular gender listed in the Talmud writings. Which the Talmud list 6 different genders 1.
Additionally, the LDS Church’s financial dealings have been the subject of controversy, with some accusing the Church of accumulating vast wealth while neglecting the needs of its members.
Comparing the LDS Church to Other Non-Christian Religions
While the LDS Church claims to be a Christian denomination, its beliefs and practices have more in common with non-Christian religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. Like these religions, the LDS Church teaches that humans can achieve godhood through spiritual progression, and that there are multiple levels of existence beyond the physical world.
Responses to Common Defenses of the LDS Church’s Legitimacy as a Christian Denomination
Defenders of the LDS Church’s legitimacy as a Christian denomination often point to its belief in Jesus Christ as evidence of its Christian identity. However, as we have seen, the LDS Church’s beliefs and practices diverge significantly from those of mainstream Christianity, and its teachings have more in common with non-Christian religions than with Christianity.
Conclusion: Why the LDS Church Should Not Be Considered a Legitimate Branch of Christianity
In conclusion, the LDS Church’s unique beliefs and practices, as well as its theological contradictions and controversies, make it difficult to classify as a legitimate branch of Christianity. While the Church’s members may consider themselves to be Christians, their beliefs and practices differ significantly from those of mainstream Christianity, and its teachings have more in common with non-Christian religions than with Christianity.
As Christians, we should seek to understand and respect the beliefs of others, but we should also be discerning in our evaluation of religious groups that claim to be Christian. Based on the evidence presented here, it is clear that the LDS Church should not be considered a legitimate branch of Christianity.
Call to Action
If you have any questions or comments about this article, please feel free to leave them below. Additionally, if you are interested in learning more about the differences between the LDS Church and mainstream Christianity, I encourage you to do your own research and continue the conversation with others.
M. J. Kelley II
https://linktr.ee/BibleInspiredTruth
1 — Phd Mormon scholar Makelan. When I questions this beliefs on open social media Makelan blocked me. Therefore, it could just be his opinion and not the LDS Church which he is a spokes person for. https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS8qpGXje/
