Churches of Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are separate religious traditions with significant differences concerning God, Scripture, salvation, and religious authority. Both seek to follow Jesus Christ and speak of restoring His original church, but they disagree about what was lost, what needed restoring, and how God reveals His will today.
The similar names sometimes cause confusion. Their history also includes a surprising connection worth understanding.
Are Churches of Christ and Mormons Historically Connected?
Joseph Smith organized his religious movement in New York on April 6, 1830, originally calling it the Church of Christ. Its name subsequently changed, eventually becoming The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members today prefer the designation Latter-day Saints.
Many modern churches of Christ trace their history to the American Restoration Movement, associated with Barton W. Stone and Alexander Campbell.
Interestingly, Sidney Rigdon, an influential preacher associated with Campbell's movement, joined Joseph Smith's church in 1830. More than a hundred people from his religious community also converted. Rigdon eventually became one of Smith's closest associates.
The two movements therefore had historical contact, although they developed into distinct religious traditions.
What Does Each Church Mean by Restoration?
Latter-day Saints teach that after the deaths of the apostles, a widespread apostasy resulted in the loss of essential priesthood authority. They believe God restored His church through Joseph Smith, providing new revelation and restoring that authority through heavenly messengers.
Churches of Christ generally understand restoration as returning to the teaching and practices recorded in the New Testament. Their aim is to follow the faith delivered through Christ's apostles (; ).
This produces a fundamental disagreement: Does Christ's church require newly restored authority and revelation, or can Christians faithfully follow Him through the apostolic teaching preserved in Scripture?
Do They Accept the Same Scriptures?
Latter-day Saints recognize four books of scripture: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. They also believe God continues revealing His will through living prophets, including the president of their church.
Churches of Christ accept the Old and New Testaments as their authoritative Scriptures. Paul describes Scripture as inspired by God and sufficient to equip His people for every good work (). Jude urges Christians to defend "the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" ().
Churches of Christ understand these passages, together with the apostles' foundational role (), as reasons to rely upon the biblical revelation already given.
Consequently, the Book of Mormon and the teachings of modern prophets are rejected as sources of additional divine authority.
Do They Believe in the Same God and Jesus Christ?
Both groups honor Jesus as the Son of God and Savior. Their understanding of His divine nature, however, differs considerably.
Latter-day Saints teach that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate beings perfectly united in purpose. They believe the Father and Son possess glorified physical bodies. Their teachings also describe human beings as spirit children of heavenly parents who may progress toward exaltation and become like God.
Churches of Christ generally affirm one eternal God, with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit sharing the divine nature. Scripture declares God's uniqueness () and identifies Jesus as the eternal Word who was God and became flesh ().
These differences shape how each group understands God's nature, humanity's relationship with Him, and the eternal life Jesus promises.
What About Priesthood Authority and Baptism?
Latter-day Saints teach that priesthood authority was restored through heavenly messengers to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. This authority is essential to administering their religious ordinances, including baptism.
Churches of Christ understand Jesus as the church's continuing head () and eternal high priest (). Local congregations generally operate independently, with qualified elders providing spiritual oversight ().
Both groups practice baptism by immersion, but their understanding of its authority and relationship to salvation differs. Churches of Christ teach the baptism of repentant believers for the forgiveness of sins (), emphasizing faith in God's saving work ().
How Should Someone Evaluate These Differences?
The most important question concerns the authority behind each teaching. If a religious leader claims to reveal God's will, how can that claim be tested?
John instructed Christians to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God" (). The Bereans likewise examined Scripture to evaluate what they heard, even when Paul was preaching ().
That same responsibility applies today. Read the biblical passages, examine each group's claims, and consider whether those teachings agree with what Christ and His apostles revealed.
At Memorial Church of Christ in Port Arthur, Texas, visitors are welcome to ask questions and study these matters together. Our desire is to honor Jesus Christ by following His Word faithfully.
Plan your visit before you come, so we’ll know to expect you.
To read what the New Testament teaches about becoming a Christian, start here.
When we meet:
- Sunday: Bible Class 9am, Worship 10am, Worship 6pm
- Wednesday: Bible Class 7pm