all-encompassingly

This article on Mormonism was written by Pamela. It is one of a series of informational posts about perceived mysteries or secrets of the LDS Church. –Admin

Are Mormons Christians?

“…We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles – that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come…”1 This testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ was made known to the members of the Mormon Church and the world in April 2000, by the duly ordained Twelve Apostles and First Presidency of the Mormon Church. (This is only a partial testimony of “The Living Christ” and can be read in its entirety.)

Many in the world refer to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the ‘Mormons’. However, the official name is, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The name itself should explain that the Mormons believe in Jesus Christ, but there is always a question of whether or not that is true.

Definition of the word ‘Christian’ should be clarified foremost: A Christian is one who believes or professes to believe in Jesus Christ and the truth as taught by Him; and is one whose life is conformed to the doctrines of Christ. A Christian is also one who is a member of a church or group professing Christian doctrine or belief.

With these two definitions, members of the Mormon Church qualify as Christians. There is no mystery in the Mormon Church – the doctrines are available to all. The Mormon Church “teaches the same principles and performs the same ordinances as were performed in the days of Jesus. The first principles and ordinances of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”2

The fullness of the gospel and the Book of Mormon was restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. He is a prophet of God and was ordained to be such. Today the Mormon Church has Gordon B. Hinckley as its prophet, seer and revelator. It is through him that the Lord speaks to His people, member and nonmember alike. The misconception is that, members of the Mormon Church worship Joseph Smith or Gordon B. Hinckley. They do not! They honor them as prophets of the Lord Jesus Christ and as one who speaks for God.

The doctrine of the Mormon Church is defined in the standard works of the Church, meaning the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. It is through the scriptures and the prophets that we find instruction in which to govern our lives and to find happiness in this world and the world to come. It is through the gospel of Jesus Christ that an understanding of the purpose and nature of God is revealed. It is through the Gospel of Jesus Christ that all can live together as eternal families and that this life is not the end, it is only the beginning of the great plan of happiness.

For more information on the Mormon Church please see the following websites:

Mormon Church