The short answer
Latter-day Saints affirm faith in Jesus Christ and consider themselves Christian. Most Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant theologians, however, consider the LDS Church a distinct religious tradition rather than a branch of historic Christianity, because of significant differences on the nature of God, the authority of scripture, and the path of salvation.
The history
The LDS Church was founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 in upstate New York. Smith taught that the original Christian church had fallen into apostasy and that he was called to restore it. Today the LDS Church has about 17 million members worldwide and ~6.7 million in the United States.
Key differences from historic Christianity
Nature of God
- Historic Christianity: One eternal God in three Persons (the Trinity). God is uncreated and unchanging.
- LDS: The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three distinct beings, “one in purpose.” God the Father has a physical body. Humans can become like God in eternity (eternal progression).
Scripture
- Historic Christianity: The Bible alone (or Bible + Tradition for Catholics/Orthodox) is divinely inspired.
- LDS: Bible plus the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price as additional inspired scripture.
Jesus Christ
- Historic Christianity: Jesus is the eternal, uncreated Son of God — fully God and fully man — second Person of the Trinity.
- LDS: Jesus is the firstborn spirit child of Heavenly Father, who became human and atoned for sin.
Salvation
- Historic Christianity: Salvation by grace through faith in Christ, varying by tradition on the role of works and sacraments.
- LDS: Salvation has multiple levels (“degrees of glory”). Eternal life requires faith, obedience, and ordinances such as baptism by an LDS priesthood holder.
What LDS Christians share with other Christians
- Worship of Jesus Christ as Savior
- High view of the Bible
- Strong emphasis on family, ethics, and missions
- Sacramental life (baptism, weekly bread/water sacrament)
- Belief in personal moral conduct, modesty, and service
Visiting an LDS service
Sunday meetings (called sacrament meeting) are open to the public, last about an hour, and feature lay-given talks, hymns, and the sacrament of bread and water. Temple ceremonies are reserved for active LDS members in good standing.
Find an LDS church near you
Browse Latter-day Saints church locations in our directory.