Mormons vs. Christians — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 14, 2024
Mormons, a group within Christianity, adhere to the Book of Mormon as scripture, while other Christians rely solely on the Bible.
Difference Between Mormons and Christians
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mormons are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which views the Book of Mormon as a complement to the Bible. Whereas, other Christian denominations consider only the Bible as the holy scripture. Mormons believe that their church is a restoration of the original church established by Jesus Christ, featuring additional revelations and writings. On the other hand, most Christians hold that their faith traditions have continued unbroken from the time of Christ and apostles.
While Mormons hold Joseph Smith, who founded their church in the 19th century, as a prophet who received new divine revelations, other Christians generally do not recognize modern-day prophets in the same authoritative capacity. Mormons also uniquely practice certain rites, such as baptism for the dead, believing they offer salvation to ancestors who died without the gospel. Whereas, this practice is not found in mainstream Christianity, which typically emphasizes faith and repentance during one's lifetime as the path to salvation.
Mormons believe in a tangible, corporeal God and a distinct Heavenly Mother alongside God the Father, which is distinct from the more abstract and spiritual conception of God in mainstream Christianity. On the other hand, traditional Christian doctrine usually emphasizes the unity of the Godhead in a Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with no corporeal attributes or separate heavenly mother.
Mormons have a structured priesthood hierarchy that includes lay members participating in church governance and rituals, whereas in mainstream Christianity, the priesthood is often a distinct group with seminary training and formal ordination.
Comparison Chart
Scripture
Book of Mormon and the Bible
Primarily the Bible
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Belief in Prophets
Joseph Smith and subsequent church leaders as prophets
Typically only biblical prophets
Concept of God
Corporeal God and Heavenly Mother
Spiritual, incorporeal Trinity
Salvation Practices
Baptism for the dead
Baptism during lifetime, emphasis on personal faith
Priesthood
Lay priesthood, inclusive of church members
Formal clergy, often requiring ordination
Compare with Definitions
Mormons
Believer in the Book of Mormon.
Mormons affirm that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.
Christians
Follower of Jesus Christ.
Christians celebrate Christmas to honor the birth of Jesus.
Mormons
Practitioner of baptism for the dead.
Mormons perform baptisms for the dead in their temples.
Christians
Member of various denominations.
Christians may identify as Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, etc.
Mormons
Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mormons gather every Sunday to participate in sacrament meetings.
Christians
Believer in the Trinity.
Christians often make the sign of the cross in reference to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Mormons
Follower of Joseph Smith's teachings.
Mormons respect Joseph Smith as the founder and prophet of their religion.
Christians
Reader of the Bible.
Christians use the Bible for personal guidance and during church services.
Mormons
Adherent to a restored Christian faith.
Mormons believe their church restores the original Christian church's practices and teachings.
Christians
Christians ( (listen)) are people who follow or adhere to Christianity, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The words Christ and Christian derive from the Koine Greek title Christós (Χριστός), a translation of the Biblical Hebrew term mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ) (usually rendered as messiah in English).While there are diverse interpretations of Christianity which sometimes conflict, they are united in believing that Jesus has a unique significance.The term "Christian" used as an adjective is descriptive of anything associated with Christianity or Christian churches, or in a proverbial sense "all that is noble, and good, and Christ-like." It does not have a meaning of 'of Christ' or 'related or pertaining to Christ'.
Mormons
Mormons are a religious and cultural group related to Mormonism, the principal branch of the Latter Day Saint movement started by Joseph Smith in upstate New York during the 1820s. After Smith's death in 1844 the movement split into several groups following different leaders; the majority followed Brigham Young, while smaller groups followed Joseph Smith III, Sidney Rigdon, and James Strang.
Christians
Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
Mormons
An ancient prophet believed to have compiled a sacred history of the Americas, which was translated and published by Joseph Smith as the Book of Mormon in 1830.
Christians
Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus's teachings.
Mormons
A member of the Mormon Church. Also called Latter-day Saint.
Christians
Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus, especially in showing concern for others.
Mormons
Of or relating to the Mormons, their religion, or the Mormon Church.
Christians
Relating to or characteristic of Christianity or its adherents.
Mormons
Church founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah
Christians
One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
Christians
One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.
Christians
Plural of christian
Christians
Participant in baptism and communion.
Christians receive baptism as a sign of faith and commitment.
Common Curiosities
What sets Mormons apart from other Christian denominations?
Mormons are set apart by their additional scriptures, the Book of Mormon, and unique practices such as baptism for the dead.
How do Christians generally view the Book of Mormon?
Most non-Mormon Christians do not accept the Book of Mormon as scripture.
Are the religious practices of Mormons different from other Christians?
Yes, religious practices such as baptism for the dead and a lay priesthood are unique to Mormons.
How do Mormons view God?
Mormons view God as having a tangible, human-like form and also believe in a Heavenly Mother.
What is the traditional Christian view of the Trinity?
Traditional Christians view the Trinity as one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Do Mormons consider themselves Christians?
Yes, Mormons consider themselves Christians as they believe in Jesus Christ and his teachings.
What is the significance of Joseph Smith in Mormonism?
Joseph Smith is regarded as a prophet who restored the true church through divine revelation in Mormonism.
What is the main scripture for Mormons?
The main scriptures for Mormons are the Book of Mormon along with the Bible.
What is baptism for the dead?
Baptism for the dead is a Mormon practice of baptizing by proxy the deceased, offering them salvation.
Can someone be both a Mormon and a traditional Christian?
While Mormons identify as Christians, traditional Christian denominations often view Mormon beliefs as distinct enough to consider them separate.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
