Darvish Intelligence: Why Is the Christian LDS Church Different Than Protestant, Catholic, or Orthodox Churches?

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Why Is the Christian LDS Church Different Than Protestant, Catholic, or Orthodox Churches?

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS Priest

Introduction

Christianity has historically been divided into three major branches: Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. However, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) stands apart from these groups in both doctrine and practice. Despite being deeply rooted in biblical Christianity, the LDS Church is often misunderstood or miscategorized. This article will explore the key differences that set the LDS Church apart from other Christian traditions and examine which Christian groups it is most similar to.

The Restoration: A Key Difference

The LDS Church believes in the Great Apostasy—a falling away from Christ's original teachings and priesthood authority following the death of the Apostles. Unlike Protestant reformers who sought to correct doctrinal errors within the Catholic Church, Latter-day Saints believe that a full restoration of Christ’s Church was necessary. According to LDS belief, this restoration occurred through Joseph Smith, who was visited by God the Father and Jesus Christ in 1820, leading to the re-establishment of the true church with divine authority (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30).

This differs from Protestant denominations, which claim scriptural authority but reject the need for restored priesthood authority. Catholics and Orthodox Christians, meanwhile, claim an unbroken apostolic succession but do not accept the LDS teaching that priesthood authority was lost and later restored.

Priesthood and Church Authority

A fundamental LDS belief is that divine authority is necessary to perform saving ordinances like baptism, confirmation, and sealing marriages for eternity. The LDS Church teaches that Joseph Smith was visited by resurrected biblical figures—John the Baptist and the Apostles Peter, James, and John—who restored the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods (Doctrine and Covenants 13).

Catholics and Orthodox Christians also emphasize apostolic authority and a hierarchical priesthood, though their structure is different from the LDS model.
Protestants largely reject the need for a formal priesthood and believe in the "priesthood of all believers" (1 Peter 2:9).

Scripture: The Bible and Additional Revelation

Unlike Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Christians, the LDS Church accepts additional scriptures beyond the Bible. These include:

The Book of Mormon (translated by Joseph Smith, believed to be another testament of Jesus Christ).
Doctrine and Covenants (revelations given to modern prophets).
The Pearl of Great Price (including Joseph Smith’s inspired translation of biblical events).

Catholics and Orthodox Christians accept tradition alongside scripture, whereas Protestants typically adhere to the doctrine of sola scriptura, meaning the Bible alone is the authority on Christian doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16).

The Godhead vs. the Trinity

One of the most significant theological differences is the nature of God.

LDS Belief: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings united in purpose but not one substance (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22).
Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Belief: The Trinity—one God in three persons, co-equal and of the same substance (Matthew 28:19).

This distinction causes some mainstream Christians to argue that LDS theology differs fundamentally from Nicene Christianity, but Latter-day Saints affirm that their belief in the Godhead is biblical and aligns with Christ’s own teachings.

Salvation: Grace, Works, and Covenants

Protestants largely believe in sola fide (faith alone)—that salvation comes purely by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Catholics and Orthodox Christians emphasize faith and works (James 2:26).
Latter-day Saints believe salvation comes through both grace and obedience to God’s laws and covenants (2 Nephi 25:23, Book of Mormon).

This LDS perspective aligns more with Catholic and Orthodox views on the importance of both faith and works but differs in the LDS emphasis on covenants made in temples.

Temple Worship and Eternal Marriage

Another major distinction is the LDS belief in temple worship and eternal families.

LDS temples are separate from weekly worship and are used for sacred ordinances, including eternal marriage and baptism for the dead (1 Corinthians 15:29).
Catholics and Orthodox Christians emphasize church sacraments, but their rites do not include LDS temple ordinances.
Protestants typically reject any notion of temple worship in modern times.

Which Christian Tradition Is the LDS Church Most Similar To?

The LDS Church shares some similarities with each Christian tradition:

Like Catholics and Orthodox Christians, it has a hierarchical priesthood, sacraments (ordinances), and an emphasis on works as part of salvation.
Like Protestants, it promotes personal scripture study, rejects creedal theology, and views biblical authority as crucial.
However, the LDS concept of restored priesthood authority, continuing revelation, and temple worship is unique, making it distinct from all other Christian groups.

Conclusion

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands apart from Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism due to its belief in modern revelation, restored priesthood authority, additional scripture, and temple ordinances. While it shares elements with various Christian traditions, it ultimately represents a restoration rather than a reformation of Christ’s original Church. Understanding these differences clarifies why Latter-day Saints view themselves as Christians, yet distinct from mainstream Christian denominations.