Are Mormons Christians?

With all the hype in political news lately with the GOP candidates it has been interesting for me to notice the rising question of Mormons being Christians. I think this assumption may come into factor due to the nickname "Mormon" given to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by the world. People assume we worship Mormon or even Joseph Smith.

It always helps to educate oneself before making an assumption. Which I hope my response below will do just that. It's funny to me how many people who believe that LDS members are not Christian are a bit hostile in doing so. Over the last days I have read several mean and spiteful comments coming from these people towards members of the Mormon faith. The Savior Jesus, Christ was very loving towards all people during his ministry on Earth regardless of their beliefs. Those who are true followers of Christ today do the same.

My response about Mormons not being Christians:

The definition of the term Christian is "a follower of Christ". The LDS (aka- Mormon) church is the "Church of Jesus Christ" of Latter Day Saints. With Christ in the name and recognized as the head of the church it is very clearly stated that we are 100% Christian.

All people, of all faiths who believe in Christ and follow him are Christian. The Articles of Faith, which sum up best what Latter Day Saints believe state,

" 1-We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

3-We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4- We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost

........and my favorite......

13 -We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."

In the Book of Mormon , 101 names/titles of Christ are collectively presented 3,925 times in 6,607 Book of Mormon verses (see * below). Which averages the mentioning of Christ once every 1.7 verses. The Old Testament, New Testament and Additional Testament of Christ visiting the American Continent (aka Book of Mormon) is what we believe to be true and the core of our beliefs.

With that being said Jesus Christ is who we serve daily and the core of our beliefs and testimony.

It is important that during these interesting political times we don't lose sight of what's really important. It's easy to get caught up in defending who is right and wrong and why, however that is not the way to bring people unto Christ. Be a light to the world by your example and compassionate love towards others. The key to entering the kingdom is charity (compassion for all).

"Gentiles … show unto them that faith, hope and charity", Ether 12:28

"Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth", 1 Corinthians. 8:1

"Whoso is found possessed of charity at last day, it shall be well with him", Moroni. 7:47

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ - Amen.

References:

*http://www.schoolofabraham.com/findingchrist.htm