Addressing the "Are Mormons Christians" Debate

Church members have struggled for decades to overcome these errors of thought and to persuade people to understand their true beliefs. Unfortunately, many people accept the traditions of misconception without investigating the beliefs of Mormonism for themselves. One of the first points that members of the Latter-day Saint faith try to impress upon people who ask the "Are Mormons Christians" question is that the actual name of the church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The very name suggests a belief in the Lord, Jesus Christ, and in fact, Christ is at the core of every belief held by church members.

There is nothing done in the church that is not centered around the teachings of Jesus. All baptismal ordinances are conducted in Christ's name, and in reality, they are performed in the names of all three members of the Godhead. The sacrament, which represents the last supper of Christ, is also blessed and partaken in remembrance of Christ's suffering and atonement. Part of the problem that leads people to pose the "are Mormons Christians" question centers around the fact that Latter-day Saints believe that the original teachings of Christ were changed over time. They were changed to conform with what the people were willing to accept and live. This was especially true after the death of the original Twelve Apostles of Christ. There was a gradual apostasy, or falling away, from pure Christian doctrine.

One key difference between Latter-day Saints and members of other religious persuasions is that non-Mormons do not recognize the need for a restoration of all things. Man-made creeds concerning the Godhead serve as a good example. Many of today's Christians do not recognize the fact that the current concept of the Trinity was not taught by Christ. Latter-day Saints believe that in order to fully follow Christ, His original teachings had to be re-introduced to the world. Many of today's Christians accept the doctrines of Christianity without recognizing that many of them have been changed from Christ's original teachings. Another distinction relating to changes in Christ's original messages leads people to the "Are Mormons Christians" question.

Latter-day Saints believe that with the variety of historical translations of the Bible, important precepts were either lost or changed to gain the approval of the people and their monarchs. With no standard for pure translation, some of Christ's doctrines lost their original message. The Book of Mormon was translated from a set of plates engraved by ancient prophets in the Americas. These were men who followed Christ and who recorded His teachings. Latter-day Saints hold the belief that Christ was not exclusive in His love of mankind, and that after His resurrection, he visited the people of the Americas so they could receive His gospel. The Book of Mormon testifies of His visit and His teachings.

It also demonstrates the blessings which result from following Him. Because these plates were translated just one time, there has been no alteration of Christ's message. People who are able to overcome the idea that Christ only served one group of people are often able to accept the teachings of the Book of Mormon. With a testimony of that book, their understanding of a Latter-day Saint devotion to Christ is clarified. Once they can accept the Book of Mormon, it is easier to understand the fact that God and Christ have not left us alone. God provides us with modern-day revelation through a living prophet which help us in our quest to live the teachings of Jesus Christ and to model our lives after Him.