Debate Over Latter-day Saints’ Christian Identity Revived

The Pentagon revisited its list of Christian religions, sparking an ongoing debate about whether The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a Christian denomination. Many Latter-day Saints identify as Christians, though several Christian scholars and clergy dispute this, citing differences in views of God, the Trinity, and scriptures beyond the traditional Christian Bible.

Utah Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis, both Latter-day Saints, opposed the Pentagon’s decision to exclude their faith from the Christian category. This was part of the Department of Defense’s efforts to streamline its list of over 200 religious affiliations available for troops, removing categories like atheists and pagans. Curtis stated on X, “Latter-day Saints are among the most patriotic, service-oriented individuals in our country. They are also unequivocally Christian—just look at who is in the name of the Church.” Curtis asserted it is “unacceptable” for the government to label a faith in a way that conflicts with its self-identification.

The Pentagon subsequently relabeled 20 other groups, avoiding classifying Latter-day Saints as Christian. Their statement clarified that the initiative was not meant to “make any claims on the legitimacy of any faith or religion’s belief” but aid chaplains in allocating resources effectively.

Latter-day Saints Identify as Christians

Commonly known as the Mormon church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has nearly 18 million members worldwide, with a significant presence in Utah. The church emphasizes military service and patriotism. Lee commented on social media, “My church membership is inextricably intertwined with my Christianity, as it is for 17 million other Latter-day Saints. Regardless of what the Pentagon thinks.”

The church’s site describes it as a “Christian Church, but is neither Catholic nor Protestant.” It claims to restore the original Church of Jesus Christ as established in the New Testament. Followers emphasize baptism, prayer, good deeds, and seeing Jesus as central to salvation through faith.

Definitions of God and the Holy Trinity Vary

Matthew Bowman, chair of Mormon studies at Claremont Graduate University, highlighted the key differences between major Christian denominations and Latter-day Saints in terms of defining God and the Trinity.

Most Christians believe God is spirit; founders of the Latter-day Saints believed God was a human who achieved Godhood. Latter-day Saints do not endorse the Nicene Creed, viewing the Trinity as distinct beings in a relationship.

The Catholic Church has consistently stated that Latter-day Saints are not Christian, largely due to differing views on the Trinity. In 2012, the Vatican emphasized that despite mentioning the Trinity in baptismal rites, the church’s beliefs diverge significantly from mainstream Christianity.

Tension Over Religious Beliefs in Politics

This debate has spilled into U.S. politics over the years, influencing relations between evangelical Christians and Latter-day Saints, often aligning on conservative issues like abortion. The debate intensified during Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. Bowman’s research notes that while Evangelicals were surprised by the Latter-day Saints’ Christian identification, many Latter-day Saints were puzzled by Evangelicals’ rejection of their claims.

The political landscape shifted with the rise of Donald Trump, causing Latter-day Saints to question their relationship with Evangelicals, who some perceive as increasingly critical, with movements advocating a more robust, outspoken Christian identity.

LDS Chaplains in the Military

Philip McLemore, a former Latter-day Saint chaplain in the Air Force, shared experiences of discrimination during his service from 1984 to 2005, indicating a perceived bias against Mormon chaplains from other Christians.

Some feared that Latter-day Saint chaplains could use the military as a platform to convert others, given the church’s claims of exclusive truth. Nonetheless, McLemore discovered that service members rarely concerned themselves with chaplains’ denominations, seeking guidance primarily for personal issues.

Coverage provided by AP, with contributions from reporters Konstantin Toropin and Tiffany Stanley.