I’ve been curious about the beliefs of different religious groups, and one question that keeps coming up is, Do Mormons believe in Jesus? I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) mention Jesus in their name, but I’m wondering, what do Mormons believe about Jesus specifically?
I’ve also heard that their views on the nature of Jesus might differ from traditional Christian beliefs. For example, do Mormons believe in the Trinity, or do they have a different understanding of the relationship between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit?
I’d love to hear from anyone with knowledge or experience in this area. Thanks!
I have done a great deal of research on Mormons in a peer reviewed, academic setting. My conclusion is that they are not Christian, but a bizarre off-shoot of Christianity. Mormonism is one of the more unfortunate offshoots of the Second Great Awakening.
They are indeed non-Trinitarian, and have been controversial since their inception. During Covid, many younger Mormons had time to study the Bible and theology- and quickly deconstructed their faith. Mormonism is bleeding members much like Christian churches as they learn of cover ups, violence, and outright control techniques used by elders and the hierarchy.
It is a controlling religion with odd ceremonies and secrecy.
It is, however, also an original American religion.
When the Vatican once again explained a few years ago that LDS baptisms would not be recognized, Mormonism was aptly described as “an entirely different matrix” from Christianity.
Mormons believe in Jesus, but not the Jesus of the NT - and the context (theology) is completely different. An analogy is a New Age religion that believes in Jesus as an Ascended Master.
The LDS Church is increasingly trying to posture itself as more mainstream, but the actual theology is jaw-droppingly different in critical ways.