Sunday, March 27, 2016

Another Jesus? Are Mormons Christian?

Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) are often criticized for not being Christian. The critics claim that we believe in "another" Jesus, or the devil portraying himself as a messenger of light. I find it hard to accept that the following scriptures quoted from the Book of Mormon could be the work of the grand deceiver.

Christ’s Image, by Heinrich Hofmann

And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.
(Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 2:26)
Ascension of Jesus, Andrei Rublev, 1408, Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia

And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.
(Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 33:10)
Panneau du Christ et de l'abbé Ména, VIIIe s. ap. J.-C. monastère de Baouit (peinture à la cire et à la détrempe sur bois de figuier) musée du Louvre (Paris, France)

And because of the redemption of man, which came by Jesus Christ, they are brought back into the presence of the Lord; yea, this is wherein all men are redeemed, because the death of Christ bringeth to pass the resurrection,
(Book of Mormon, Mormon 9:13)
Boy Jesus in the Temple (Christ in the Temple), by Heinrich Hofmann

And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.
(Book of Mormon, Moroni 10:33)

Jesus, the Christ, Mosaics at Ravenna

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
(Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 25:26)
Christ Taking Leave of HIs Mother, Albrecht Durer, 1511, British Museum, London, UK

Just as artists around the world in different time periods have interpreted Jesus in different ways, using a variety of materials and media, so likewise have Christians of various denominations and sects viewed and interpreted Him in a number of varying ways. Do members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in "another" Jesus? No, it is the same Jesus. Our perspective is just a little different from other Christians. We firmly believe and testify that He is indeed the Son of God, the Savior of the world, the way, the truth, and the life, and no-one can go unto the Father but by Him.


A replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Christus statue in the Salt Lake North Visitors’ Center.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:6)
We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. (11th Article of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

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