Differences Between Mormons & Christians (5 Beliefs Compared)

While Mormons consider themselves to be part of the Christian church, there are a few differences that make some Christians feel that they are not. Here are a few key areas where Mormons and Christians differ:

Scriptural Cannon

• Mormons believe in continuing revelation and accept the following as scripture in addition to the Bible: the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and the inspired words of their living prophet.
• Christians do not generally accept any new scriptural cannon.

View of God

• Mormons believe that God is an exalted man with a physical body. They also believe that humans have the potential to become gods.
• The traditional Christian view is that God is a Spirit without a physical body. While Christians do believe that humans are special to God, they do not believe that humans can become gods.

View of Jesus

• Mormons believe that Jesus is the first spirit born to God in the premortal life. He became incarnate as the son of God and lived a sinless life. His atonement makes it possible for all people to be resurrected and achieve exaltation.
• Christians believe that Jesus was fully human and fully divine, existing as God from eternity. His atonement makes it possible for humans to be forgiven and have eternal life.

View of Humans

• Mormons believe that human beings are literal spirit children of God, and that our purpose is to progress and become like him. We have the potential to become gods ourselves.
• Christians believe that human beings are created in the image of God but have sinned, and our purpose is to be redeemed by Christ and live with him forever.

Salvation

• Mormons believe in conditional immortality – that is, people are not naturally immortal, but can become so through obedience to the gospel. Those who do not obey the gospel will be resurrected but will not attain exaltation.
• Christians believe in natural immortality- that is, people are innately immortal and will live forever either in heaven or hell.

So, while Mormons consider themselves Christians, there are some key doctrinal differences that set them apart from other Christians. That said, even among Christian denominations there can be some very strong differences in belief, so if you’re a Christian who is in contact with Mormons, I encourage you to respect their beliefs and see what you can learn from them instead of trying to persuade them to your own way of thinking.