Mormonism and Christianity - Compatible?

What do Mormons believe? They like to call themselves the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. But the question is do they believe in the same Jesus that we do? The short answer is no, but let’s talk about the key differences between the two so you can make up your own mind.

I’m speaking to Christians who are honestly wondering if we do worship the same God. There’s no judgement here for wondering about that. It’s a question I needed an answer to as well.

ANOTHER Testament of Jesus Christ? Is it?

My recent inspiration for defending the Christian faith is a verse I found in 2 John, verse 7, which says, “Many deceivers have gone out into the world; they do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh.” Verse 9 goes on to say, “Anyone who does not remain in the teaching about Christ, but goes beyond it, does NOT (emphasis mine) have God.”

To give you some quick background, the Mormon religion was founded a couple of hundred years ago by Joseph Smith, who claimed to have a personal visit from God the Father and Jesus Christ (Articles of Faith, page 35). They told him that all churches and creeds were an abomination (1 Nephi 13:28). Smith set out to restore “true Christianity.”

But here’s the thing: Mormonism contradicts, modifies, and expands on the Bible. This is something that man is commanded not to do.

Deuteronomy 4:2 – “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.”

Proverbs 30: 5-6 – “Every word of God is flawless: He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar.”

Well, let’s go into some of the biggest differences between Mormonism and Christianity.

God:

God used to be a man on another planet (Mormon Doctrine, page 321).

The Father has a body of flesh and bones, as tangible as a man’s (D & C 130:22).

“God Himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder Heavens… (here’s where it gets even stranger) We have imagined that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea and take away the veil, so that you may see.” (Teachings of the prophet Joseph Smith, page 345).

Jesus:

Jesus and Satan are spirit brothers, and we were all born as siblings in heaven to them both (Journal of Discourses, vol. 6, page 8; Gospel Through the Ages, page 15).

“Jesus’ sacrifice was not able to cleanse us from all our sins (even though murder and repeated adultery are exceptions), Journal of Discourses, volume 3, 1856, page 247).

“Christ was not begotten of the Holy Ghost; He was begotten of God. He was not born without the aid of man, and that man was God!! (Doctrines of Salvation, by Joseph Fielding Smith, 1954, 1:18)

I hope you’re beginning to see the contradictions. Here are a couple more to emphasize what I’m saying.

More Teachings

“If it had not been for Joseph Smith and the restoration, there would be no salvation. There is no salvation outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Doctrine, page 670).

Good Latter-Day Saints have the potential to become Gods themselves (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pages 345-347).

“God resides near a star called Kolob (Pearl of Great Price, pages 34-35; Mormon Doctrine, page 428).

“There are many gods,” (Mormon Doctrine, Page 163).

God is married to his goddess wife and has spirit children (Mormon Doctrine, page 516).

Here’s one of the biggest differences between the two faiths: Grace. Christians are saved by their faith in Jesus Christ and by accepting His Lordship in their life and His sacrifice on the Cross to pay for their sins in the eyes of God. It was a penalty that Christians cannot pay on their own.

Mormonism requires a LOT of works to get to Heaven

Like all of the other world religions, this one is about works and man’s efforts to earn Heaven. “We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” (2 Nephi 25:23) It’s yet another religion that dangles the promise of Heaven in return for doing things for the church.

Did you notice the citations on this page? Everything I’ve told you comes directly from Mormon authors in good standing with the Mormon Church. Here’s a link to the websites where I did a lot of research. Carm.org and GotQuestions.org.

Some pretty stark differences. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t want a single Mormon to go to Hell. I want them to come to know the real Jesus Christ and get right with God. We all have to stand before Him someday. I don’t want a single person to have to be afraid. After all, He loved us enough to make a way where there was no way to Heaven before the Cross. The real Jesus IS the Way.