Do Mormons claim to be Christians?

Mormonism categorizes itself within Christianity, and nearly all Mormons self-identify as Christian. For some who define Christianity within the doctrines of Catholicism, Eastern and Oriental Orthodoxy, the Churches of the East, and Protestantism, Mormonism's differences place it outside the umbrella of Christianity.

Do Mormons consider themselves to be Christians?

As evidenced by its name, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints identifies itself as devoutly Christian. Though the label “Christian” is often associated with particular creedal claims which the Church does not adopt, Latter-day Saints use it to express their belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ.

What is the most controversial Mormon belief?

The most controversial Mormon beliefs often involve {!nav}polygamy (historically practiced, now prohibited but still referenced in doctrine), secret temple rituals like endowed garments (often called "magic underwear") and secret handshakes, the unique theology of God's nature (man becoming a god), and the {!nav}racial history (past priesthood ban on Black men and linking dark skin to a curse). Other points of contention include {!nav}baptism for the dead (especially for Holocaust victims), {!nav}Joseph Smith's polygamist marriages (including to minors), {!nav}financial secrecy (massive church wealth vs. stated needs), and {!nav}treatment of LGBTQ+ members. 

Who do Mormons think Jesus is?

Mormons talk about a Jesus who was the spirit child of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother. They refer to Jesus as the brother of Lucifer who proposed a better plan of redemption and won the designation “Messiah.” They believe in a Jesus who filled in the gap of humanity's need through his atoning sweat in the garden.

What religion is Mormonism closest to?

Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is closest to Christianity, as it centers on Jesus Christ and uses the Bible, but it differs significantly, viewing itself as a restoration of original Christianity and diverging on doctrines like God's nature, the Trinity, and ongoing revelation, leading many mainstream Christians to see it as separate. It shares structural/doctrinal parallels with some Protestant branches (like emphasis on revelation) but diverges on core creedal tenets, creating a unique branch of Christianity. 

Why I say Mormon isn't Christian, though I wish it was.

What do Mormons and Christians disagree on?

In Mormonism, by contrast, God created the universe and everything in it from existing matter. The Mormon sense of "eternal" differs from traditional Christians, who believe God's eternal nature exists outside of space and time. Very few in the LDS Church situate God outside of space and time.

Do Mormons believe Jesus died on a cross?

Yes, Mormons (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) absolutely believe Jesus Christ died on the cross as a crucial part of His atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins, though they often emphasize His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and His resurrection more than the cross symbol itself, which they don't typically use in their buildings. They see His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection as essential for overcoming physical and spiritual death, but focus on the living, resurrected Christ rather than the instrument of torture.
 

What are Mormon wives' rules?

Mormon wives follow general church guidelines, emphasizing modesty, family focus (often as stay-at-home mothers), and the health code known as the "Word of Wisdom," which prohibits alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea, while encouraging education and modest dress. Core expectations center on nurturing families, being supportive partners, and upholding faith, though personal interpretations vary, with some women choosing careers or challenging traditions, as seen in reality shows like The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which highlight these cultural tensions.
 

Why do Mormons deny the Trinity?

Mormons (Latter-day Saints) don't believe in the traditional Christian Trinity because they see the Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit as three distinct, separate beings who are united in purpose, not one single being of one substance. They believe God the Father and Jesus are physical beings with bodies of flesh and bone, unlike the Trinitarian concept of an immaterial, singular God. Their doctrine emphasizes a literal family, divine progression, and that Jesus is a separate, exalted being, differing significantly from the eternal, unified Godhead of traditional Christianity.
 

What did Tom Hanks say about Mormons?

Tom Hanks generated controversy in 2009 by calling Mormon supporters of California's Proposition 8 (banning same-sex marriage) "un-American," but he later apologized, saying it was divisive and that everyone has a right to vote their conscience, though he still believed Prop 8 was discriminatory. His comments were linked to his role as executive producer for HBO's Big Love, which depicted fundamentalist Mormon polygamy, and his personal exposure to Mormonism through his stepmother. 

Do Mormons support LGBTQ?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), or Mormon church, holds a complex stance on LGBTQ+ issues, emphasizing love and inclusion for all members while upholding traditional doctrines defining marriage as between a man and a woman; they support LGBTQ+ rights for non-discrimination in housing/employment but oppose same-sex marriage, though their public stance has softened, leading to increased support for civil rights while maintaining doctrinal distinctions between attraction (not a sin) and acting on same-sex relationships (contrary to chastity laws).
 

What is durfing in Mormon?

In Mormon (Latter-day Saint) slang, "durfing" refers to clothed or unclothed dry humping, often between young members navigating strict chastity rules, sometimes as a form of intimacy within practices like "soaking," where couples seek physical closeness without full intercourse. It's a colloquial term for non-penetrative sexual activity, a workaround for strict prohibitions against premarital sex and certain sexual acts, gaining recent online attention through platforms like TikTok. 

What are the main criticisms of Mormonism?

Academic critics have questioned the legitimacy of Smith and successors prophets as well as the historical authenticity of the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham. Criticism has expanded to include assertions of historical revisionism, homophobia, racism, and sexist policies.

Can Mormons kiss while dating?

Yes, Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) can kiss while dating, but church guidelines strongly discourage passionate kissing and anything that arouses sexual feelings, emphasizing "chaste" affection like a mother's kiss, with heavier intimacy reserved for marriage to maintain purity and prevent spiritual/psychic harm, focusing on self-governance within the principle of chastity. 

Do Mormons pray to the same God as Christians?

Mormons say that God the Father is a separate and distinct personage and god; Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost constitute two other separate and distinct personages and gods.

What age do Mormon girls marry?

Mormon women often marry young, with median ages often cited in the early to mid-20s (around 22-24), though this varies; there's significant cultural emphasis on marrying for eternity, leading some to marry right after missions or college, while others marry later, facing perceived pressure to conform to the younger norm. While historical polygamy involved very young brides, modern practice emphasizes readiness and typically involves women marrying well after age 18, often in their early to mid-20s, but the pressure to marry young is a noted social factor. 

What do Mormons do in the sealing room?

In a sealing room, a bride and groom kneel together at an altar to be sealed for this life and for eternity. This ordinance is also sometimes referred to as “temple marriage” or “eternal marriage.” Children born or adopted into these eternal marriages can also be sealed to their families forever.

Are Mormons allowed to sleep in the same bed before marriage?

No, Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) generally do not sleep in the same bed before marriage, as it violates their Law of Chastity, which prohibits sexual relations outside of marriage and views activities like sharing a bed as an "occasion of sin" or too intimate, even without intercourse, to be appropriate before marriage. While the core rule is about sexual acts, the culture and guidance emphasize avoiding situations that could lead to temptation or appear improper, reserving such intimacy for the marriage covenant. 

What are the two unforgivable sins in the LDS?

Those guilty of committing the unpardonable sin of denying the Holy Ghost and the unforgivable sin of shedding innocent blood must face the justice of God. They must pay the full demands of justice.

Can you wear a cross if you're Mormon?

Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) generally do not wear crosses, focusing instead on the living Christ, but there's no official ban, and some individuals do wear them, leading to varied practice and occasional confusion or judgment within the community. While church buildings lack crosses and the general cultural practice avoids them as symbols of death, members emphasize Jesus's resurrection and the Atonement's meaning, not the instrument of crucifixion, though some wear them to signify their Christian faith or for other reasons, notes Quora users and LDS Living.
 

What does ☦ vs ✝ mean?

The difference between ☦️ (Orthodox Cross) and ✝️ (Latin Cross) lies in their structure and religious tradition: the ✝️ (Latin Cross) is the simple, common cross of Western Christianity, while the ☦️ (Orthodox Cross) features three bars—a top one for the "INRI" sign and a slanted bottom one for a footrest, symbolizing the repentant (up) vs. unrepentant (down) thief, and represents Eastern Orthodoxy. Both symbolize Christian faith, but the Orthodox Cross adds specific theological meaning through its extra bars, particularly the slanted footrest.
 

What religion has the highest suicidal death rate?

Suicide rates between different religions vary. Among the major religions in the US, Protestants have the highest rate of suicide.

Which religions don't support LGBTQ?

Major religions with significant opposition to LGBTQ+ identities and practices include Catholicism, Orthodox Christianity, Islam, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, some Baptist and Evangelical Protestant groups (like the Southern Baptist Convention), and Orthodox Judaism, viewing same-sex acts as sinful or contrary to doctrine, though acceptance levels vary widely within and between faiths, with progressive branches often embracing inclusivity. 

What was Hitler's view on Christianity?

In Hitler's eyes, Christianity was a religion fit only for slaves; he detested its ethics in particular. Its teaching, he declared, was a rebellion against the natural law of selection by struggle and the survival of the fittest.