The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) was founded by Joseph Smith in Fayette, New York on April 6, 1830. It holds a unique theological position among Christian traditions: it affirms that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are three separate and distinct beings; that the priesthood authority was restored through Joseph Smith; that the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price are additional scriptures alongside the Bible; and that human beings can progress toward exaltation (theosis). With over 17 million members worldwide, it operates one of the largest privately funded welfare and disaster relief programs in the world.
Theology
Christology
Soteriology
Salvation
Nuanced
Salvation involves grace, ordinances, and eternal progression; two tiers
Atonement & Ransom
Nuanced
Christ's suffering in Gethsemane and death on the cross together constitute atonement
Predestination
Denies
Calvinist predestination rejected; moral agency is fundamental to LDS belief
Original Sin
Denies
Adam's fall blessed humanity with agency; children are innocent at birth
Eschatology
Soul & Afterlife
Nuanced
Three degrees of glory: celestial, terrestrial, telestial; spirit world interim
Hell
Nuanced
Hell is temporary spirit prison for most; outer darkness for sons of perdition
Heaven
Nuanced
Three degrees of glory; celestial exaltation includes eternal family relationships
Second Coming
Affirms
Jesus will return to reign on earth from Missouri and Jerusalem
Millennium
Affirms
Premillennial; Christ will reign on earth for 1,000 years of peace
Ecclesiology
Church Authority
Affirms
Restored priesthood authority is exercised through prophet and apostles
Clergy & Priesthood
Nuanced
Male-only Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood; women serve in other capacities
Sacraments & Ordinances
Affirms
Essential ordinances include baptism, confirmation, endowment, and sealing
Scripture
Biblical Canon
Nuanced
Bible is scripture but incomplete; Book of Mormon and other texts are also canonical
Biblical Inerrancy
Nuanced
Bible is inspired but contains transmission errors; other scriptures supplement
Extra-biblical Revelation
Affirms
Continuing revelation through living prophet; open canon is a core doctrine
Scripture Interpretation
John 1:1 — "The Word Was God"
Denies
John 1:1 does not affirm Christ's ontological divinity; Word is divine agent
Isaiah 7:14 — "Virgin or Young Woman"
Affirms
Isaiah 7:14 prophesies Christ's virgin birth; confirmed in Book of Mormon
Matthew 16:18 — "Upon This Rock"
Affirms
Matthew 16:18 establishes Peter's authority; supports LDS priesthood restoration
Romans 9:18-21 — "God's Sovereign Choice"
Affirms
Romans 9 teaches God's sovereign choice; supports LDS doctrine of election
James 2:24 — "Justified by Works"
Affirms
James 2:24 teaches faith with works necessary for exaltation; LDS doctrine
Matthew 28:19 — "Baptize in the Name"
Nuanced
Matthew 28:19 basis for baptism; LDS emphasizes authority and priesthood
Hebrews 1:8 — "Your Throne, O God"
Denies
Hebrews 1:8 does not teach Christ is God; Christ is exalted Son
Revelation 20:1-6 — "The Thousand Years"
Affirms
Revelation 20:1-6 literal millennium; Christ will reign personally on earth
Genesis 1:1-2 — "In the Beginning"
Nuanced
Genesis 1:1-2 describes God's creation; LDS theology: creation from pre-existing matter
Mark 16:9-20 — "The Longer Ending"
Affirms
Mark 16:9-20 longer ending affirmed as scripture; supported by Book of Mormon
John 7:53–8:11 — "The Woman Caught in Adultery"
Affirms
John 7:53-8:11 affirmed as scripture; teaches Yeshua's mercy and grace
1 John 5:7-8 — "The Comma Johanneum"
Affirms
1 John 5:7-8 Comma Johanneum affirmed as scripture; supports Godhead
Deuterocanonical Books — "Tobit, Wisdom, Sirach, Maccabees"
Nuanced
Deuterocanonical books not part of LDS canon; but some valued historically
Shepherd of Hermas — "Early Christian Text"
Denies
Shepherd of Hermas not Scripture; early Christian but not canonical
Ethics & Practice
Sabbath
Affirms
Sunday is the Sabbath for Latter-day Saints; strict observance expected
Blood Transfusions
Affirms
No prohibition; standard medical care is fully accepted
Military Service
Affirms
Military service is honorable; just war principles affirmed
Holidays
Affirms
Christmas and Easter celebrated; Pioneer Day is an additional LDS holiday