The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is a distinct faith that, while identifying as Christian, possesses unique doctrines and practices that set it apart from mainstream Christian denominations. Therefore, pinpointing a single "closest" religion is a nuanced question, depending on the criteria of "closeness" applied—whether it's historical origin, core theological tenets, or specific shared beliefs.
LDS and Christianity: Shared Foundations, Divergent Paths
The most apparent connection for the LDS Church is with Christianity, as it centers its faith on Jesus Christ as the Savior and believes in the Bible, "as far as it is translated correctly." Both share a common moral framework rooted in biblical teachings and emphasize family values, community, and service.
However, significant theological differences exist that distinguish Latter-day Saint beliefs from those of Trinitarian Christianity (Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox traditions):
- Nature of God: Mainstream Christianity adheres to the doctrine of the Trinity—one God in three co-equal, co-eternal persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). The LDS Church teaches that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct, perfected beings, united in purpose.
- Scripture: In addition to the Bible, Latter-day Saints believe in other books of scripture, including the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price, which they consider additional witnesses of Jesus Christ and further revelation from God.
- Apostasy and Restoration: A core LDS belief is that a "Great Apostasy" occurred after the death of the apostles, where essential doctrines and priesthood authority were lost. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is believed to be the "restoration" of the original church established by Jesus Christ.
- Salvation and Exaltation: While faith in Jesus Christ is central, LDS theology emphasizes the importance of ordinances (like baptism and temple covenants), good works, and continuous effort as part of the path to "exaltation," a state of eternal progression and glory within God's presence.
Unexpected Common Ground: LDS and Islam
Despite their vastly different origins and core theological frameworks, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shares a significant theological commonality with Islam regarding the afterlife. Both faiths hold a strong belief in a life after death, including the concept of a Last Judgment and an Afterlife. These beliefs are not merely peripheral but are fundamental elements of their respective doctrinal systems. For Islam, belief in the Last Judgment and an Afterlife is one of its Six Articles of Belief, deeply integrated into the faith's understanding of accountability and eternal destiny, much as it forms an essential element of the Latter-day Saint belief system concerning humanity's eternal progression and return to God. This shared emphasis on post-mortal existence and divine accountability highlights an interesting, non-obvious point of theological convergence.
Comparison of Key Beliefs
To illustrate some key differences and similarities, here's a brief comparison:
| Feature | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) | Mainstream Christianity (e.g., Protestantism, Catholicism) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of God | Three distinct, perfected beings (God the Father, Jesus Christ, Holy Ghost) | One God in three persons (Trinity) |
| Primary Scripture | Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price | Bible (Old and New Testaments) |
| Apostasy/Restoration | Belief in a literal restoration of original Christianity | Belief in continuous church lineage or reformation |
| Priesthood | Restored Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood authority | Varies by denomination (e.g., apostolic succession, priesthood of all believers) |
| Salvation Focus | Grace through faith, coupled with ordinances, good works, and continuing effort toward exaltation | Grace through faith in Jesus Christ for justification and salvation |
| Afterlife Concept | Graded kingdoms of glory (Celestial, Terrestrial, Telestial) | Heaven, Hell, sometimes Purgatory |
Organizational and Cultural Characteristics
Beyond theological doctrines, Latter-day Saints also exhibit certain organizational and cultural characteristics that might draw comparisons to other faiths:
- Hierarchical Structure: A highly organized, centralized leadership structure, with a prophet and apostles, can be conceptually compared to the hierarchical organization of faiths like Catholicism.
- Strong Community and Mutual Support: Emphasizes tight-knit community, mutual aid, and extensive volunteerism, fostering a strong sense of belonging and support among members.
- Missionary Work: A robust, global missionary program, similar in zeal and structure to some Protestant evangelical denominations like Jehovah's Witnesses or Seventh-day Adventists.
- Health Code (Word of Wisdom): A strict health code that abstains from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea, aligning with similar dietary restrictions or lifestyle codes found in various other religions.
- Family-Centric: A profound emphasis on the eternal nature of the family, leading to strong family units and extensive genealogical work.
Conclusion
While The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints undeniably has a foundational connection to Christianity through its belief in Jesus Christ and its biblical heritage, its unique doctrines, additional scriptures, and a distinct understanding of the Godhead set it apart from mainstream Christian traditions. Therefore, identifying a single "closest" religion is multifaceted, encompassing shared historical roots with Christianity, distinct theological interpretations, and surprising points of doctrinal commonality with faiths like Islam regarding fundamental beliefs such as the afterlife.
