Throughout Christian history, theological debates have centered on the nature of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. One of the earliest and most significant theological disputes was Arianism, a belief that Jesus Christ was not co-eternal with the Father but rather a created being. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), established in the 19th century, also diverges from traditional Trinitarian doctrine, leading many to compare its theology to Arianism. While these two belief systems share similarities, they also have fundamental differences that define their respective views on divinity and salvation.
Similarities Between LDS Theology and Arian Christianity
1. Rejection of the Traditional Trinity
A central characteristic of both Arianism and LDS theology is the rejection of the Nicene doctrine of the Trinity. The Nicene Creed (325 AD) defined God as one essence in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Arians believed that only the Father was the absolute God, and Jesus was subordinate to Him, created before time but not co-equal.
LDS doctrine teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three distinct beings, unified in purpose rather than substance (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22).
2. Subordination of Christ to the Father
Both belief systems affirm that Jesus Christ is not co-equal with God the Father.
Arianism held that Jesus was the highest of all created beings but was not eternal or of the same divine essence as the Father (Gregg, Early Arianism, 1981).
LDS theology describes Jesus as the firstborn spirit son of Heavenly Father (Colossians 1:15; Abraham 3:22-23), acknowledging His divine role but affirming that He is subject to the Father’s authority.
3. Emphasis on Pre-Mortal Existence
Arians believed that Jesus existed before creation but was created at some point by the Father.
LDS doctrine teaches that all human spirits, including Jesus, existed in a pre-mortal state before being born into physical bodies (Doctrine and Covenants 93:29).
4. The Holy Spirit as a Separate or Lesser Entity
Arians viewed the Holy Spirit as a force or power emanating from God rather than a co-equal, co-eternal person.
LDS teachings state that the Holy Ghost is a separate being but does not have a physical body (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22).
Differences Between LDS Theology and Arian Christianity
1. Eternal Nature of Jesus
Arianism believed that Jesus was created and not eternal.
LDS theology teaches that Jesus (Jehovah) is eternal but separate from the Father (Moses 1:33).
2. Concept of Divine Progression
Arianism did not emphasize the idea that humans could become divine.
LDS doctrine teaches the principle of exaltation, in which faithful individuals can progress to become like God (Doctrine and Covenants 76:58).
3. Modern Revelation and Prophets
Arians adhered to biblical scriptures but did not claim new prophetic authority.
LDS theology upholds continuing revelation through living prophets (Amos 3:7; Articles of Faith 1:9).
4. Canonical Scripture
Arianism relied on traditional biblical texts, interpreting them differently from Trinitarians.
LDS belief includes additional scripture: The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price (Articles of Faith 1:8).
Conclusion
While LDS theology and Arian Christianity share notable similarities—such as the rejection of Trinitarianism, the subordination of Christ, and a belief in pre-mortal existence—their fundamental doctrines differ in significant ways. LDS teachings emphasize divine progression, modern revelation, and a broader canon of scripture, whereas Arianism was primarily concerned with Christ’s relationship to the Father within a biblical framework. These distinctions make LDS theology unique while still bearing resemblance to one of early Christianity’s most debated theological movements.
Citations
Gregg, Robert C. Early Arianism: A View of Salvation. Fortress Press, 1981.
Doctrine and Covenants, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Book of Mormon, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Council of Nicaea, Nicene Creed, 325 AD.
Amos 3:7, Colossians 1:15, Moses 1:33, Abraham 3:22-23.
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