How Does Mormon Faith Differ From Christianity?

Origins of the Faiths

The Mormon faith was originated by Joseph Smith in the middle of the 19th century. Smith claimed to have had a series of visions from God, Jesus and an angel named Moroni. From these visions and two gold plates which were left in Smith's keeping by Moroni, Smith interpreted and dictated a series of documents that became the foundation of the Mormon religion. These documents were added to other transcriptions of messages and visions from God, and altogether they became a compilation known as the Book of Mormon. Mormons follow the Book of Mormon and the Bible as their sacred texts.

The Christian faith was originated by Jesus, during his time on earth, and perpetuated by the disciples and other followers he left behind. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, and spent several years of his life teaching people about what he called the kingdom of God and what it meant to live as a part of this kingdom. From the teachings of Jesus and the letters written by the apostles to the various branches of the early Christian church, the New Testament of the Bible was created. Christians follow the Bible as their sacred text.

Beliefs about Jesus

Mormons believe that Jesus and Satan were spirit-brothers, both sons of God. Satan came up with his own plan for mankind's salvation, and Jesus chose to follow God's plan. Christians believe that Satan is a fallen angel who chose to rebel against God and that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God.

Both Christians and Mormons believe that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, was crucified and rose again from the dead after three days. Both Christians and Mormons teach that forgiveness of sins and salvation from spiritual death can only come through faith in Jesus; Mormons teach that physical resurrection is guaranteed to all by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Beliefs about the Afterlife

Mormons believe that humans exist as spirits before birth and are given a physical body for life on earth. During life on earth, each person has the opportunity to make free-will choices that result in rewards or punishments during the afterlife. If a person makes good choices (including faith in Jesus and baptism into the Mormon church), he receives rewards at varying levels, including the potential to produce spiritual children, populate a planet, and become a god in the afterlife. There is punishment for the worst of mankind, Mormons teach, but there are three levels of the "new kingdom" in which all can eventually find a place.

Christians believe that human spirits are created with the creation of the physical body (in the womb). During life on earth, each person has the opportunity to choose faith in Jesus or not; this faith is the sole source of salvation from punishment for sins. In the afterlife, Christians teach, there are only two options: heaven for those who believe in Jesus, and hell for those who have not put their faith in Jesus.