libterm.com Mormonism, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasizes modern-day revelation and scripture, including the Book of Mormon alongside the Bible. Its distinctive beliefs include the concept of eternal families and the divine potential of humanity, shaping its unique religious practices and community life. Explore the rest of this article to understand how Mormonism impacts the faith and daily lives of its followers.
Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Mormonism | Evangelicalism |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | Joseph Smith (1820s) | Multiple founders; roots in Protestant Reformation |
| Scriptures | Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price | Bible only (Old and New Testament) |
| Godhead | Three distinct beings: God the Father, Jesus Christ, Holy Ghost | Trinity: One God in three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) |
| Salvation | Faith, works, ordinances, eternal progression | Faith alone in Jesus Christ for salvation |
| Afterlife | Multiple heavens (Celestial, Terrestrial, Telestial) | Heaven and Hell |
| Authority | Living prophets and apostles led by the President of the Church | Biblical authority; pastors and elders |
| View on Jesus Christ | Son of God, separate from God the Father, both embodied physically | Divine Son of God, fully God and fully man |
| Church Organization | Hierarchical, centralized leadership | Varies: often congregational or denominational |
Origins and Historical Background
Mormonism originated in the early 19th century through Joseph Smith's visions and the subsequent publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830, establishing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with distinct doctrines such as continuing revelation and the restoration of the ancient church. Evangelicalism emerged from the Protestant Reformation and the Great Awakenings, emphasizing personal faith in Jesus Christ, the authority of the Bible, and the necessity of being "born again," with roots stretching back to the 18th century revival movements in Europe and North America. While Mormonism centers around new scripture and prophetic leadership, Evangelicalism builds on historic Protestant orthodoxy and scriptural sola fide principles.
Core Doctrines and Beliefs
Mormonism, centered on the Book of Mormon and ongoing revelation through prophets, teaches a distinctive view of the Godhead as three separate beings and emphasizes exaltation, where humans can become gods. Evangelicalism relies on the Bible as the sole authoritative source, upholds the Trinity as one God in three persons, and emphasizes salvation by faith alone through Jesus Christ's atonement. Both traditions affirm Jesus Christ's divinity but diverge significantly on scripture authority, nature of God, and the afterlife.
The Nature of God and the Trinity
Mormonism teaches that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct beings united in purpose but separate in substance, rejecting the traditional doctrine of the Trinity as one essence. Evangelicalism adheres to the orthodox Christian doctrine of the Trinity, affirming one God in three coequal, coeternal persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--sharing the same divine essence. This doctrinal divergence shapes fundamental theological differences regarding the nature of divinity and salvation within the two faiths.
Jesus Christ: Divinity and Mission
Mormonism teaches that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God, a distinct being from God the Father, emphasizing His role as a created divine being and the central figure in the plan of salvation. Evangelicalism affirms the doctrine of the Trinity, proclaiming Jesus Christ as fully God and fully human, eternally coequal with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and the sole mediator who redeems humanity through His atoning sacrifice. The divergent views on Christ's divinity and mission profoundly shape each faith's theology, worship, and understanding of salvation.
Scripture and Canonical Texts
Mormonism follows a unique scriptural canon that includes the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, emphasizing ongoing revelation and modern prophets. Evangelicalism strictly adheres to the Bible as the sole authoritative scripture, typically the Old and New Testaments, upholding sola scriptura as a foundational principle. The differing views on canonical texts highlight core theological distinctions, with Mormonism embracing additional scriptures and continuous revelation, while Evangelicals rely exclusively on the biblical canon.
Salvation: Faith, Works, and Grace
Mormonism teaches that salvation requires a combination of faith in Jesus Christ, adherence to specific ordinances, and ongoing good works, emphasizing grace as enabling but not solely sufficient. Evangelicalism stresses salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ, viewing works as a natural outcome of genuine faith rather than a requirement for salvation. The theological divergence centers on the role of grace as either the exclusive means of salvation or a catalyst empowering obedience and temple rites.
Authority and Church Leadership
Mormonism centers authority in the President of the Church, regarded as a prophet, seer, and revelator who receives direct revelation from God, supported by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Evangelicalism emphasizes the authority of Scripture alone (sola scriptura) as the ultimate guide for faith and practice, with church leadership typically consisting of pastors, elders, or deacons serving various roles without a centralized prophetic figure. The divergence in authority reflects differing views on ongoing revelation, with Mormonism endorsing continuous prophetic guidance and Evangelicalism upholding the closed canon of the Bible.
Worship Practices and Rituals
Mormon worship practices center around temple ceremonies, including baptisms for the dead, the endowment ceremony, and eternal marriage, which emphasize covenants and sacred ordinances unique to Latter-day Saint theology. Evangelical worship services typically feature dynamic preaching, contemporary music, and communal prayer, with an emphasis on personal conversion and biblical teaching. While Mormons perform ritual ordinances as a means of spiritual progression, Evangelicals prioritize individual faith expression and biblical sacraments such as baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Afterlife and Eternal Destiny
Mormonism teaches that afterlife involves multiple degrees of glory--Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial Kingdoms--where eternal destiny depends on faithfulness, ordinances, and works, with the potential for exaltation and becoming like God. Evangelicalism emphasizes salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, granting believers eternal life in Heaven and eternal separation from God in Hell for unbelievers. Both traditions assert the significance of earthly choices but differ fundamentally in the nature of salvation and the structure of the afterlife.
Contemporary Influence and Growth
Mormonism has experienced rapid growth through global missionary efforts and community-centered initiatives, particularly in Latin America and Africa, emphasizing family values and social welfare. Evangelicalism continues to expand rapidly, especially in the Global South, driven by dynamic worship styles, robust media presence, and engagement with social issues. Both movements shape contemporary religious landscapes by influencing politics, culture, and social norms worldwide.
Mormonism Infographic
