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by W. John Walsh

Is it true that Mormon identification with Christianity as a whole is relatively new?

One of the favorite misrepresentations used by anti-Mormons is to falsely claim that Latter-day Saints have only recently called ourselves Christians. Now let's examine the historical record:

• The name of the Church since the 1830's has been The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

• The Book of Mormon, published in 1830, was written "to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that JESUS is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself unto all nations" (Title Page of the Book of Mormon). It also teaches that "And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come." (Alma 46:15)

Now let's consider statements by the first three Presidents of the Church.

• Joseph Smith, the first President of the Church, taught "the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it" (TPJS, p. 121).

• Brigham Young, the second President of the Church, taught "We are Christians professedly, according to our religion." (Discourses of Brigham Young, p.350)

• John Taylor, the third President of the Church, taught "We call ourselves Christians, that is, we Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Episcopalians and Mormons, we all call ourselves Christians." (The Gospel Kingdom, p.75-76)

In summary, the name of the Church, the Book of Mormon, and teachings of the first three Presidents of the Church make it absolutely clear that Latter-day Saints have considered ourselves Christians since the founding of our Church. Perhaps President David O. McKay said it best when he said:

"It is my sincere belief and testimony that the Latter-day Saints commonly called Mormons are Christians in the truest and fullest sense of the term, and that this Church is world-wide in its comprehensiveness, in organization, and in its blessing and salvation of the human family." (Gospel Ideals, p.112)

While some may dispute our beliefs and doctrines, the statement that Latter-day Saints have only recently considered ourselves Christians is simply not true.

It should be noted that certain competing denominations have requested Latter-day Saints to stop identifying themselves as Christians because these groups also call themselves Christians. In their minds, our usage of the term causes identity confusion between our denominations. As noted above, the Book of Mormon teaches that true believers in Christ are called Christians. Since we are true believers in Christ, Latter-day Saints cannot and will not yield the term to anyone else. While Latter-day Saints are not offended that other denominations also use the term Christian, the scriptures make it clear that Latter-day Saints are the legitimate holders of the term. We are the ones who have taken upon us the name of Christ, entered the waters of baptism, and accepted the Christian baptismal covenant. In addition, Jesus Christ, the living and resurrected God, is the Head of our Church. Therefore, if these groups are really concerned about confusion between our denominations, they should be the ones to stop using the term. (See Christians and Christianity for a more detailed discussion of this issue)

(See Are Mormons Christians?; Response to Criticism home page; Accusatory Questions home page)