Nature of God
Christianity teaches the doctrine of the Trinity, affirming one God in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), while Mormonism asserts that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are three separate gods.
Deity of Jesus Christ
Christianity proclaims Jesus Christ as fully God and fully human, while Mormonism teaches that Jesus is a separate god and the spirit brother of all humans.
Salvation
Christianity teaches salvation by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, whereas Mormonism emphasizes the need for good works and participation in Mormon rituals for salvation.
Authority of Scripture
Christianity considers the Bible as the authoritative and sufficient Word of God, while Mormonism includes additional scriptures like the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.
Revelation
Christianity believes that God's revelation to humanity is complete in Jesus Christ and recorded in the Bible, while Mormonism believes in ongoing revelation to living prophets, including additional scriptures.
Original Sin
Christianity teaches that all humans are born with a sinful nature due to the fall of Adam and Eve, while Mormonism asserts that humans are born innocent and are only accountable for their individual sins.
Priesthood Authority
Christianity recognizes the priesthood as a spiritual authority given to all believers, while Mormonism has a hierarchical priesthood structure exclusive to male members.
Eternal Marriage
Christianity does not teach that marriage continues into the afterlife, while Mormonism teaches the importance of celestial marriage for exaltation and godhood in the afterlife.
Temples
Christianity does not emphasize the need for temples, while Mormonism places significance on temple rituals and ordinances for salvation and eternal progression.
Eschatology
Christianity holds to a belief in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the final judgment, while Mormonism includes additional eschatological beliefs, such as the concept of multiple heavens and potential godhood for believers.
Esoteric Teachings
Christianity does not include esoteric or secretive teachings, while Mormonism has certain teachings and rituals that are reserved for temple initiates and not openly discussed.
Atonement
Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross is sufficient for the forgiveness of sins, while Mormonism believes that additional personal effort and obedience to commandments are necessary for full forgiveness.
Preexistence
Christianity generally does not teach the concept of preexistent spirits, while Mormonism teaches that all human spirits existed before birth and were sent to Earth to gain physical bodies.
Heaven and Hell
Christianity teaches the existence of heaven and hell as eternal destinations, while Mormonism includes additional levels of heaven (degrees of glory) and a temporary place called "spirit prison" for some souls before final judgment.
Baptism
Christianity practices baptism by water as a sacrament or ordinance for believers, while Mormonism includes baptism for the dead, where living individuals are baptized on behalf of deceased individuals.
Church Authority
Christianity recognizes various denominations and emphasizes the priesthood of all believers, while Mormonism claims to have restored the true Church with authority given exclusively to its leaders.
Historical Claims
Christianity's origins trace back to the ministry of Jesus Christ and the early Church, while Mormonism claims a restoration of the true Church in the 19th century through Joseph Smith.
Sacraments
Christianity generally recognizes baptism and communion (the Lord's Supper) as sacraments, while Mormonism includes additional ordinances like confirmation, priesthood ordination, and temple rituals.
Worship Practices
Christianity has diverse worship practices across different denominations, while Mormonism has unique practices such as wearing temple garments, performing baptisms for the dead, and using specific handshakes and signs in temple ceremonies.
View of Other Religions
Christianity acknowledges the validity of genuine faith and salvation in Christ alone, regardless of religious affiliation, while Mormonism sees itself as the only true and restored Church with exclusive priesthood authority.