God is Creator, Father, and sovereign love; moving toward classical theism
Community of Christ's understanding of God has evolved significantly from the Utah LDS conception of a physical, embodied Father. Contemporary Community of Christ theology speaks of God in terms consistent with classical Christian theism: God as the eternal Creator, the Father of all, characterized above all by self-giving love. The denomination's Enduring Principles describe God's mission as characterized by peace, justice, and healing of the spirit.
The specific LDS doctrine that God the Father has a physical body (D&C 130:22) is no longer emphasized in Community of Christ teaching and is not a required belief. The church's ecumenical engagement has shaped a more classically theistic understanding of God's nature.
Key Distinctions
- Theism type:
- classical Trinitarian theism; increasingly aligned with mainstream Christian theology
- Primary divine attribute:
- love; divine community
Scripture References
Sources
- Community of Christ Enduring Principles
- Community of Christ Basic Beliefs