Are Mormons Christian?

 Since the arson attack on an LDS church recently, the question has arisen as to whether Mormons are Christians. Below is a comparison of doctrines between the LDS and classic, orthodox, Christianity.

Views of Mormons that conflict with Christianity

Multiple views held by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), often referred to as Mormons, conflict with Christian doctrine, particularly concerning the nature of God, the role of Jesus Christ, salvation, and the biblical canon. While both faiths use similar terminology, the meaning of these core concepts differs significantly. 

The nature of God

• Mormon Godhead: Mormonism teaches that the Godhead is composed of three distinct and separate divine individuals: God the Father (a glorified, physical being), Jesus Christ (a glorified, physical being), and the Holy Ghost (a spirit being). However, these divine individuals are only one in purpose but not one in substance. This makes them multiple gods. 
• Christian Trinity: Christianity, on the other hand, maintains the Nicene Creed's doctrine of the Holy Trinity, which asserts that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct persons in one single, indivisible divine essence. The Orthodox view rejects the idea that these three are separate gods. The hymn “Holy Holy Holy” captures this doctrine when it says “God in three persons, blessed Trinity”. 

The nature of Jesus Christ

• Mormon belief: Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ is the literal spirit son of God the Father, and therefore the spiritual brother of all humans and even Lucifer. They teach that God the Father was once a mortal man who progressed to godhood, and Jesus Christ possesses a "derivative divinity" derived from the Father.
• Orthodox Christian belief: The orthodox Christian Church affirms that Jesus Christ is the eternal, uncreated, and co-equal Son of God, not a created being. He is understood as fully God and fully man, born of the Virgin Mary through the Holy Spirit. Jesus and Lucifer are not considered brothers; Lucifer is a created angel. 

The path to salvation

• Mormon exaltation: Mormonism teaches that faithful, obedient members can achieve "exaltation" or "eternal progression" to become gods themselves and create their own spirit children. They obtain their own planets and become gods to them. 
• Orthodox Sanctification: Orthodox Christianity teaches sanctification, becoming more like Christ,  as the goal of spiritual life. Believers are united with Christ and grow to be more like him, but they always remain distinct from God's uncreated essence. Believers do not become gods and do not receive their own planets. 

Scriptures and continuous revelation

• Mormon belief: Mormons believe in an "open canon" of scripture. In addition to the Bible (which they believe has been corrupted), they consider the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price to be authoritative and inspired. They also believe that their President is a living prophet who receives continuing revelations from God. Thus, they may change their beliefs from time to time as the presidents have new revelations. 
• Protestant belief: Protestants hold that the Bible is the only authoritative scripture. The canon is closed and no books are added to the Bible. 

The Great Apostasy

• Mormon belief: Mormonism's foundation rests on the idea that the original Christian Church fell into a "Great Apostasy" after the death of the apostles, losing divine authority and true doctrine. They believe this lost authority was restored through Joseph Smith in the 19th century.
• Protestant belief: Protestant’s believe that, although the Roman Catholic Church later strayed from the doctrines of the apostles by adding new doctrines, the Reformation renewed and restored the church. The Roman Catholic and the  Orthodox Church purport to trace their lineages in an unbroken apostolic succession back to the original apostles. Both Protestants, Roman Catholics, and the Orthodox Church reject the idea of a complete apostasy. 

Sacraments and ordinances

• Mormon ordinances: Mormons believe that ordinances such as baptism, performed with the restored priesthood authority, are necessary for salvation. They also perform baptisms for the dead by proxy in their temples.
• Orthodox Christian sacraments: There are varieties of belief among Protestant groups, but, generally, Protestants do not believe baptism saves or is required for salvation. Protestants do not believe in a restored priesthood. 

Because these doctrinal distinctions are foundational, most Protestants do not recognize Mormonism as a denomination within historic, orthodox Christianity.