Are Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses Christian?

[jas84173]

I have always debated this. From what I have read they do have similarities however the differences make it impossible for a traditional Christian to accept these groups as Christian. I try to give them a second doubt as some Protestant Christians say Catholics aren’t Christian. In any case this is how their websites defend them as being Christian. Thoughts please as I am very conflicted on this.

jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/are-jehovahs-witnesses-christians/
ttps://www.mormon.org/faq/topic/about-mormons/question/mormon-christian

 

[josephback]

By Catholic parameters they do not practice valid Baptism and therefore would not be true Christians. This does not mean one should not be nice to them. Do unto others…

 

[CeelosDeznos]

I grew up being trained by an aunt who tried to get me to be a Jehovah’s Witness, and I have close friends who are members of the LDS faith.

According to their respective unique interpretation of what a Christian is, they would answer “yes.” Because they reject tenets which are viewed essential to Christians both Catholic/Orthodox and Protestant, the majority of Christians generally answer “no.”

What may help is to see how they each view other Christians, and make your personal decision based on that.

Both groups view their respective religions as the only true religion. Mormons believe their church is the only true church, and Jehovah’s Witness believe their religion is the only true religion.

While Mormons generally believe people of other faiths will be granted some favorable share in the afterlife, they believe that the greatest rewards of salvation are limited only to Mormons. Mormons will refer to all non-Mormons as “Gentiles,” meaning they see themselves as being true believers and others, even Jews (who they also call “Gentiles”), as non-true believers.

Jehovah’s Witnesses call themselves “true Christians.” They believe that all other faiths, religions and churches are counterfeits under the control of Satan the Devil, and that if you are not one of their members, you literally serve Satan, though you are likely blind to this fact. Jehovah’s Witnesses look forward to the day when God will destroy all other religions and those that desire to remain faithful members of these churches.

Is being a Christian limited to believe Jesus is the Messiah, as both these groups do? Or is being a Christian far more loving and less limiting in scope as the theology these groups promote?

 

[Nelka]

No because they are non-Trinitarian.

 

[Polycarp1]

I think you may have a hard time getting a consensus on this. Its a long and ongoing argument.

I would say that “in general” a Christian is someone who believes that Jesus was the son of God and that He died for our sins. It follows then that if one believes that Jesus was God then they would or should believe what He taught (truth).

Unfortunately just knowing about Jesus is not, by itself, enough. I know that this may sound arrogant. Most religions that call themselves Christians have “truth” in their beliefs to varying degrees, (but only the Catholic Church has the fullness of Truth.) The question then is not really what a church labels or calls themselves but whether a church has enough truth in their beliefs and practices to lead followers to heaven.

During and since the Reformation and many people left the Catholic Church and started their own churches because of abuses real or imagined that were going on in the administration of the Church. Abuses have been going on since Pentecost, as Jesus warned there would be when he spoke about wolves in the sheepfold. He taught the Apostles how to deal with detractors and those who would invent and teach other doctrines. Saint Peter and Paul’s writings were largely about reigning in misguided Catholics and this sort of thing has been going on to some degree ever since. The Church Fathers spent an enormous amount of time and energy doing likewise.

As to the religions you mentioned I know that among other things the Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus was actually Michael the archangel and the Mormon’s believe that there is another genuine gospel apart from the bible. Serious stumbling blocks I would say.

The thing is that nowhere in Jesus’s or the Apostles teachings does it ever say, “if things get bad, leave the Church and go start your own church.” It is not for us to judge others as it is only by God’s mercy that we are members of the Catholic Church, in fact it is important that we speak truth and to pray for all our separated brethren that they find their way home.

 

[Bran_Stark]

I don’t think “Are Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses Christian?” is a very helpful question, because people who define “Christian” in one way will say “yes,” and people who define “Christian” another way will say “no.” The Bible itself, it must be noted, never gives a definition of “Christian,” and only uses the word a handful of times. Which is perhaps a little hint that it’s more important to worry about the difference between orthodox Christians and everyone else than to worry about the difference between unorthodox Christians and non-Christians.

 

[Erich]

There was a time when it was possible to find oneself becoming “Purina Lion Chow” simply for the “crime” of being a Christian… so it became pretty important to nail down exactly what was meant by “being a Christian.”

Did one have to be circumcised and keep the Mosaic law in order to be a Christian? This was decided (in the negative) in the first century.

Is matter evil? Was Jesus the Word of God Incarnate or wasn’t he? Many first- and second-century Gnostics denied the Incarnation, because if matter is evil, then Jesus Christ could not be true God and true man, for Christ is in no way evil. Needless to say, the Gnostic view did not prevail.

Did revelation end with the death of the last Apostle? Or were new revelations/ecstasies binding on the entire Church? Montanism (which made its first appearance in the late second century) was ultimately declared heretical.

Do the three persons of the Trinity exist only in God’s relation to man (i.e. are they distinct “modes” or “aspects” or “offices” of one person)? Or are they three distinct persons? We know that the three persons of the Trinity are three distinct, co-equal, and co-eternal persons; in fact we know from Scripture that they were each present at Jesus’ baptism.

Is Jesus a creature made by God (as Arius taught in the early fourth century)? Or is Jesus “one in being” with the Father? This was nailed down at the Council of Nicaea and reaffirmed at the Council of Constantinople.

The Montanist heresy did not die with Montanus; it’s alive and well – and subscribed to by everyone who believes that works such as the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price are binding.

Similarly, the Arian heresy did not die with Arius; it’s alive and well – and subscribed to by everyone who believes, as Jehovah’s Witnesses do, that “The Word was a god."

 

[Lenten_ashes]

The Church says no, so that’s the final authority.

Doctrinally speaking, those two groups are much worse off than protestants because they don’t rely on the New Testament or sacred Tradition, they rely on sources outside of it for their rule of faith. The Watchtower and Book of Mormon are modern day creations of men. (although LDS folks would like you to believe otherwise)

Some of them may get offended if you don’t address them as Christians…and that is unfortunate and I don’t mean to offend, but things are what they are. I cant go down to the Social security office and tell them i identify as a 62 year old man and want to claim my benefits now. They are going to look at me and laugh, lol.

 

[gazelam]

Doctrinally speaking, those two groups are much worse off than protestants because they don’t rely on the New Testament or sacred Tradition, they rely on sources outside of it for their rule of faith. The Watchtower and Book of Mormon are modern day creations of men. (although LDS folks would like you to believe otherwise)

The LDS Church accepts fully the New Testament (as far as the translation is correct.) Don’t Protestants also reject “Sacred Tradition” in favor of “sola scriptura”? Don’t Catholics also rely on sources like the Old Testament that are outside the New Testament and “Sacred Tradition”? Where are the 10 commandments found? I respectfully disagree that the Book of Mormon is a creation of man.

 

[jas84173]

This is according to the Mormon website

mormon.org/faq/topic/about-mormons/question/mormon-christian
Are Mormons Christians?

Gordon B. Hinckley, prior President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1995-2008), said:

“We are Christians in a very real sense and that is coming to be more and more widely recognized. Once upon a time people everywhere said we are not Christians. They have come to recognize that we are, and that we have a very vital and dynamic religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. We, of course, accept Jesus Christ as our Leader, our King, our Savior…the dominant figure in the history of the world, the only perfect Man who ever walked the earth, the living Son of the living God. He is our Savior and our Redeemer through whose atoning sacrifice has come the opportunity of eternal life. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints pray and worship in the name of Jesus Christ. He is the center of our faith and the head of our Church. The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ and witnesses of His divinity, His life, and His Atonement.”

 

[jas84173]

This is according to the Jehovah’s Witness website
jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/are-jehovahs-witnesses-christians/

Are Jehovah’s Witnesses Christians?

Yes. We are Christians for the following reasons:

We try to follow closely the teachings and behavior of Jesus Christ.—1 Peter 2:21.
We believe that Jesus is the key to salvation, that “there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.”—Acts 4:12.
When people become Jehovah’s Witnesses, they are baptized in the name of Jesus.—Matthew 28:18, 19.
We offer our prayers in Jesus’ name.—John 15:16.
We believe that Jesus is the Head, or the one appointed to have authority, over every man.—1 Corinthians 11:3.
However, in a number of ways, we are different from other religious groups that are called Christian. For example, we believe that the Bible teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, not part of a Trinity. (Mark 12:29) We do not believe that the soul is immortal, that there is any basis in Scripture for saying that God tortures people in an everlasting hell, or that those who take the lead in religious activities should have titles that elevate them above others.—Ecclesiastes 9:5; Ezekiel 18:4; Matthew 23:8-10.

 

[IgnatianPhilo]

The content of Mormon and Jehovah witness faith is at odd with the preaching that the Church has received concerning Jesus. The definition of what a Christian believes is best found in the Nicene Creed and so we cannot call them Christian.

Both of those groups are free according to their theology to dismiss the entire Christian project and it’s theology over the last two thousand years and are deliberately restorationist, believing that the true Church ceased to exist and was overcome by the world.

 

[Lenten_ashes]

The LDS Church accepts fully the New Testament (as far as the translation is correct.) Don’t Protestants also reject “Sacred Tradition” in favor of “sola scriptura”? Don’t Catholics also rely on sources like the Old Testament that are outside the New Testament and “Sacred Tradition”? Where are the 10 commandments found? I respectfully disagree that the Book of Mormon is a creation of man.

They have a different OT than us, that’s why I didn’t bother to mention it.

And Protestants do not have another book(like the book of Mormon) That supersedes the Bible.

They are also inline with correct theology in believing in the Holy Trinity.

And many of them do not reject Sacred tradition so long as it doesn’t contradict their own interpretation of the scriptures.

Both sides have Truth, but the protestants have more.

 

[SyroMalankara]

I have always debated this. From what I have read they do have similarities however the differences make it impossible for a traditional Christian to accept these groups as Christian. I try to give them a second doubt as some Protestant Christians say Catholics aren’t Christian. In any case this is how their websites defend them as being Christian. Thoughts please as I am very conflicted on this.

jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/are-jehovahs-witnesses-christians/
ttps://www.mormon.org/faq/topic/about-mormons/question/mormon-christian

Simple answer, no. Complex answer, no not really but they fall under the umbrella of Christian offshoot

 

[Tarquin]

Requiring Joseph Smith’s approval to enter heaven makes him virtually a co-messiah or co-Judge with Jesus. That seems not Christian, although otherwise belief in Jesus is thought by many to qualify a person as “Christian.” (But see critique of that view in previous posts).

Joseph Smith holds the keys of this last dispensation, and is now engaged behind the vail in the great work of the last days…no man or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the celestial kingdom of God without the consent of Joseph Smith… I will now tell you something that ought to comfort every man and woman on the face of the earth. Joseph Smith, junior, will again be on this earth dictating plans and calling forth his brethren to be baptized for the very characters who wish this was not so, in order to bring them into a kingdom to enjoy…he will never cease his operations, under the directions of the Son of God, until the last ones of the children of men are saved that can be, from Adam till now… It is his mission to see that all the children of men in this last dispensation are saved, that can be, through the redemption. (Brigham Young)

NO SALVATION WITHOUT ACCEPTING JOSEPH SMITH. If Joseph Smith was verily a prophet, and if he told the truth when he said that he stood in the presence of angels sent from the Lord, and obtained keys of authority, and the commandment to organize the Church of Jesus Christ once again on the earth, then this knowledge is of the most vital importance to the entire world. No man can reject that testimony without incurring the most dreadful consequences, for he cannot enter the kingdom of god. 10th Mormon Prophet, Joseph Fielding Smith

 

[jane_doe]

I have always debated this. From what I have read they do have similarities however the differences make it impossible for a traditional Christian to accept these groups as Christian. I try to give them a second doubt as some Protestant Christians say Catholics aren’t Christian. In any case this is how their websites defend them as being Christian. Thoughts please as I am very conflicted on this.

jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/are-jehovahs-witnesses-christians/
ttps://www.mormon.org/faq/topic/about-mormons/question/mormon-christian

He drop the bombshell question- everybody duuuuuuuuck!!!

Ok, more serious now. It all really comes down to a matter of “what do you define as a Christian”. So, I’m just going to give the facts and let you go with your definition. ** Each list is not exhaustive. **

Things Mormons/Protestants/Catholics all agree on:
*Jesus Christ is the Son of God, creator and savior of this world. Without His atonement, no one could enter in the presence of the Father. He is 100% divine and 100% human. He is 100% perfect and sinless, and all powerful. He suffered, died on the Cross, and was literally physically resurrected. Through Him we may be too.

• The Father is also 100% divine, but He’s not the Son. He is the ultimate creator of the Earth (which was done through Christ). He is 100% perfect and sinless, and all powerful.
• The Holy Spirit is also 100% divine, but He’s none of the others. He is the comforter who bears witness of Christ. He is 100% perfect and sinless, and all powerful.
• The Bible is God’s word.
• A disciple of Christian follows Him, and we should do our best at it.

Things Mormons/Catholics agree on, but not Protestants:

• The Bible is God’s word, but God’s word is not confined to just the Bible.
• God has representative on the Earth, successors of Peter, who administer His earthly Kingdom. Obviously, there are disagreements on who are the successors.
• God’s sacraments are not just for show, but are important rituals for a disciple of Christ to go through. Obviously differences in the rituals themselves.

Things Catholics/Protestants agree on, but not Mormons:

• The Father/Son/Spirit have a shared substance.

Also note: LDS use the Bible’s definition of Christian, a disciple of Christ, and acknowledge both Catholics and Protestants as Christians. Obviously, there are differences in theology and all of the above are not in communion.

 

[jane_doe]

Addressing a few things about LDS beliefs (I can’t speak for JW)—

Mormon’s believe that there is another genuine gospel apart from the bible.

This is not an LDS belief. There is only one Gospel.

The Bible itself, it must be noted, never gives a definition of “Christian,”

Acts 11:26

Is Jesus a creature made by God (as Arius taught in the early fourth century)?

Not an LDS belief.

And Protestants do not have another book(like the book of Mormon) That supersedes the Bible…

The Book of Mormon does not supered the Bible, but rather is along side it, the way Gospel of Luke is along side the Book of Exodus and along side the letters to the Corinthians.

I would also like to thank the majority of posts thus far as being fair and respectful.

 

[Kielbasi]

I have always debated this. From what I have read they do have similarities however the differences make it impossible for a traditional Christian to accept these groups as Christian. I try to give them a second doubt as some Protestant Christians say Catholics aren’t Christian. In any case this is how their websites defend them as being Christian. Thoughts please as I am very conflicted on this.

The only thing the Catholic Church is concerned in regards to this is whether individual JW’s or LDS individuals are validly baptized. The answer is “no”, which is useful information when bringing people from these groups in the Catholic Church or in cases of marriage.

However, many individuals in both of these groups are converts to the LDS or JW, and may have been legitimately baptized as episcopalians, or whatever.

 

[Lenten_ashes]

Addressing a few things about LDS beliefs (I can’t speak for JW)—

This is not an LDS belief. There is only one Gospel.

Acts 11:26

Not an LDS belief.

The Book of Mormon does not supered the Bible, but rather is along side it, the way Gospel of Luke is along side the Book of Exodus and along side the letters to the Corinthians.

I would also like to thank the majority of posts thus far as being fair and respectful.

I have been told by LDS members that the BOM does supersede the bible. Example being if you come to fork in the road scripturally and need proper understanding, you consult the BOM as that is the entire reason for its existence…to “restore” the true gospel.

So were they not being honest?

 

[Bran_Stark]

Acts 11:26

“And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” I don’t see how that verse defines what a Christian is. It simply gives a historical account of the first time the word “Christian” was used. It doesn’t even tell us whether the “calling” was one by the Christians themselves or by their pagan opponents.