Christianity and Mormonism: comparative theological perspectives

Christianity & Mormonism: The Differences and Similarities

Although there are many beliefs that Christians and Mormons have in common, the basic difference between these two sects is the experiential differences in the method that God revealed himself to them. The Mormon religion has 4.9 million members throughout the U.S. The Mormon Church banned polygamy when Utah became a state and has started ordaining individuals of color to the ministry in the last few years.

The Christian faith is based through literature called the "Holy Bible" and the Mormon religion is based through literature called "The Book of Mormon." Although the beliefs held by these two religious sects are very close in a basic sense, there are definite differences specifically in the method that God revealed himself to these peoples. The Christian faith is an extension of the Hebrew religion that was receiver of "The Ten Commandments, given to Moses by God upon the mountain delivered through a burning bush.

The book of Mormon was given to Joseph Smith by an "angel of light." Joseph Smith's encounter with the angel took place during the 1820's where as Moses encounter with God took place many thousands of years ago, in fact several thousand years prior to the birth of Christ Jesus. Moses encounter with God at the time of receiving "The Ten Commandments" is in the Book of Exodus; Chapter 20, verse 18 and verse 19:

18 and all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of a trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed and stood afar off.

19 and they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us lest we die.

20 and Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. (the Holy Bible)

Differences:

One of the major differences, according to the Southern Baptist Convention, is the claim that is made by Mormons that God "used to be a man'. However, the Christian faith holds the belief that God came into the world in the flesh of a man called Jesus, died to redeem the souls of men and then ascended back into the heavenly realm to sit at the right hand of his Father, God. The following is an excerpt from the Book of Mormons, the Three Witnesses:

And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things.

Similarities:

Both the Mormons and the Christian religion supports prayer in school. The Mormons claim that they are Christians because they believe in the Holy Bible. The Mormons are very family oriented, and it has been stated that generally a Mormon will build his home extra large for the taking in of impoverished families. Tithing is very important to the Mormons and their undivided loyalty and devotion is to their family. Both the Mormon religion and the Christian religion stand firm against homosexuality and abortion.

Conclusion:

Other than the claim made by Joseph Smith concerning the golden plates that an angel gave to him during his encounter with the angel, there can not be much to speak of in the way of "differences" between the Mormon and Christian-based religions. The following is from the Book of Mormon; Book of Nephew, Chapter 2 Verses 6 and 8:

6] Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.

8] Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.