Are Mormons Christians?

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Worldwide, there are 14.1 million Mormons with 28, 660 congregations based in over 176 countries (“LDS Statistics and . . .). Despite this large amount of people, little is known about the LDS religion. As seen in recent events, people believe that Mormons are not Christians. However, Mormons are Christian based on their church’s name, scriptures, and teachings.

According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, a Christian is somebody who believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ. As spoken of in The Holy Bible, Christ was born 2000 years ago of a virgin mother. In his ministry, he taught that he was the foretold Messiah of the Old Testament. While on the earth, he performed the Atonement, enabling all people to overcome their sins. For his teachings, he was crucified, but was resurrected on the third day. Christ is the basis of many churches, including the Mormon Church.

Actually, “Mormon” is just a nickname for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (Another nickname is the acronym LDS) A cursory glance at the church’s full name contains Christ’s name. By the very name of their church, members state their belief in Christ.

All Christian denominations claim The Holy Bible to be the word of God, testifying of Christ’s ministry. Mormons embrace the Bible, just as others do. In addition to the Holy Bible, though, LDS people believe three additional books to be scripture. The most famous of these books is, The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. This book, translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith, is a record given of an ancient civilization in the Americas. (Perry). This additional book of scripture does not change the fact that people of the LDS faith love the Bible and accept it as sacred testimony of Chris...

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...e Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 30 May 2008. Web. 12 Feb. 2012.

Perry, Seth. "An Outsider Looks In At Mormonism." Chronicle Of Higher Education 52.22 (2006): B9. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 14 Feb. 2012.

Robinson, Stephen E. "Are Mormons Christians?" Ensign May 1998. LDS.org. Web. 10 Feb. 2012.

Walker, Joseph. "LDS Christianity: Differences That Matter." Deseret News [Salt Lake City] 27 Nov. 2011. Print.

"LDS Statistics and Church Facts | Total Church Membership." Newsroom.org. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 7 Apr. 2011. Web. 15 Feb. 2012. .

"The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles." Letter. Salt Lake City: Intellectual Reserve, 2000. Lds.org. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1 Jan. 2000. Web. 15 Feb. 2012.

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