Latter Day Saint Articles of Faith vs. The Major Christian Creeds

A Guide for Understanding, Dialogue, & Healthy Interfaith Relationships

1. Why This Comparison Matters

Most mainstream Christian denominations (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant) root their core beliefs in early creeds.

Latter-day Saints (LDS), however, summarize their basic doctrines in the 13 Articles of Faith, written by Joseph Smith.

Both sides sometimes assume bigger differences than actually exist, or they talk past each other because they use the same words differently.

This comparison creates clarity, not argument.

2. The Big Picture: What These Documents Are

Early Christian Creeds (Apostles’, Nicene, Athanasian)

• Written between the 2nd–5th centuries.

• Designed to unify Christians around core beliefs about God, Christ, and salvation.

• Used across Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and most Protestant churches.

• Recited as formal declarations of faith.

Think of them like a constitution for early Christianity.

LDS Articles of Faith

• Written 1842 by Joseph Smith.

• A “summary statement” of what Latter-day Saints believe.

• Not creedal or liturgical. More like a mission statement.
  

Example:

A Catholic theologian once told an LDS friend,
“Your Articles of Faith read like an introduction. Our creeds read like a legal framework.”
That’s a perfect way to understand the tone difference.

3. Topic-by-Topic Comparison

A. God & the Trinity / Godhead

Creeds

• Affirm one God in three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).

• Nicene and Athanasian Creeds go deep into Christ’s divinity and eternal nature.

• Stress that the Father and Son are “consubstantial” (same divine essence).
  

LDS Articles of Faith

• Article of Faith 1:
  “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.”

• Reject the traditional Trinity formulation.

• Teach the Godhead: three distinct beings, united in purpose.
  

Similarity

• Both affirm:

  • One Godhead

  • Jesus is divine and the Son of God

  • The Holy Spirit is real and active
    

Difference

• Mainstream Christians emphasize one substance, three persons.

• Latter-day Saints emphasize three distinct beings, perfectly one in unity and will.
  

Middle Ground Opportunity

Use Jesus’ intercessory prayer (John 17) as a bridge:

“That they may be one, even as we are one.”

Evangelicals often interpret “one” as unity of fellowship, not literal metaphysical oneness.
This creates a safe place to acknowledge:
Different models, same desire to honor Christ’s unity with the Father.

Anecdote:

A Pentecostal pastor told an LDS stake president,
“We see the Trinity as a mystery of relationship. You see the Godhead as a relationship of unity. Maybe we’re both trying to describe something bigger than language allows.”
They hugged afterward and partnered on a food drive.

B. Jesus Christ

Creeds

• Jesus is eternally God, uncreated.
  

LDS Belief

• Jesus is fully divine, Son of God.
  

Similarity

• Born of the Virgin Mary.

• Crucified, resurrected, ascended.

• Will judge the living and the dead.

Christianity’s “center of gravity” is shared.

Difference

• LDS reject the creedal definition of the Trinity (not Jesus’ divinity).

• LDS believe Christ and the Father are separate beings.
  

Middle Ground

Focus on the shared love for Christ, not the metaphysical debates.

Anecdote:

At an interfaith Easter event in Utah, an Evangelical speaker said,
“Whatever else we differ on, today we celebrate the empty tomb together.”
The LDS congregation stood and applauded.

C. Scripture & Revelation

Creeds

• Don’t specifically list scriptures, but affirm prophetic revelation culminating in Christ. The creeds presuppose Scripture but do not define it.
  

LDS

• AOF 8: Believe Bible “as far as it is translated correctly.”

• Accept additional scripture (Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price).

• Strong belief in ongoing revelation.
  

Similarity

• Both affirm scripture is inspired and authoritative.

• Both affirm God speaks through prophets.
  

Difference

• LDS accept open canon and modern prophets.

• Creedal Christianity holds a closed canon.
  

Middle Ground Opportunity

Shared belief in spiritual gifts and the Holy Spirit’s ongoing guidance.

Anecdote:

A Pentecostal once told an LDS member:

“We say God still speaks. You just take it further.”

This creates a respectful tone instead of conflict.

D. Salvation

Creeds

• Salvation through Christ’s atonement.

• Grace is central.

• Faith is essential.
  

LDS (AOF 2–4)

• Believe in Christ’s atonement and grace.

• Emphasize faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, enduring in faith.
  

Similarity

• Both agree salvation is rooted in Jesus Christ.

• Both preach the necessity of repentance and discipleship.
  

Difference

• LDS include ordinances (baptism, laying on of hands) as part of the salvation path.

• Evangelicals emphasize faith alone.
  

Middle Ground

Focus on shared transformation in Christ.

Anecdote:

At a charity event, a Baptist minister once said to an LDS bishop,
"You talk about enduring and becoming Christlike. We talk about sanctification. Sounds like cousins to me."

Both laughed and realized they weren’t as far apart as they assumed.

E. The Nature of the Church

Creeds

• One holy catholic (universal) and apostolic Church.

• Structured authority and ancient tradition.
  

LDS

• Believe in a restored church with priesthood authority.

• Distinct structure (prophet, apostles, stakes, wards).
  

Similarity

• Both value organization, leadership, and doctrinal clarity.
  

Difference

• LDS claim a restoration; creedal Christianity claims continuity.
  

Middle Ground

Shared commitment to:

• serving communities

• proclaiming Christ

• uplifting families

• promoting moral living

This is why LDS leaders frequently partner with Evangelical and Catholic leaders in humanitarian projects.

F. Life After Death

Creeds

• Heaven and hell.

• Final judgment.

• Resurrection.
  

LDS

• Resurrection for all.

• Multiple degrees of glory.

• Greater detail about spirit world and eternal families.
  

Similarity

• Eternal life comes through Christ.

• Resurrection is real.

• Judgment is real.
  

Difference

• LDS doctrine is more elaborated and structured.
  

Middle Ground Opportunity

Shared hope in the resurrection.
At funerals, LDS and Evangelical pastors often agree:

“Through Christ, death is not the end.”

That shared hope softens doctrinal divides.

4. Best Practices for Healthy Interfaith Relationships

1. Start with Common Ground, Not Differences

Christ, scripture, prayer, service. These are huge bridges.

2. Define Terms

“Grace,” “Trinity,” “salvation,” “scripture,” and “church authority” carry different meanings.

Once definitions are clear, tension drops instantly.

3. Tell Stories, Not Arguments

Share experiences like:

• Serving with missionaries at food banks

• LDS and Evangelical pastors praying together

• Youth groups partnering on community service

Stories soften theology into relationship.

4. Honor What Each Tradition is Trying to Protect

• Evangelicals defend salvation by grace.

• Catholics defend ancient continuity.

• Latter-day Saints defend restoration and revelation.

When you understand motives, conversations are kinder.

5. Focus on Shared Mission

• Stop trafficking

• Strengthen families

• Support youth

• Promote morality and hope

• Defend freedom of faith and conscience

These are natural partnerships.

5. Quick Summary

Shared Beliefs

• God the Father

• Christ as Savior

• Holy Spirit active today

• Scripture is inspired

• Prayer works

• Resurrection

• Morality matters

• People need Jesus

Differences

• Nature of the Trinity vs. Godhead

• Open vs. closed canon

• Church authority/restoration

• Salvation process

• Details of the afterlife

Middle Ground

• Focus on Christ-centered service

• Emphasize unity of purpose

• Use shared language and shared mission

• Respect each faith’s internal framework

• Build on common values: family, morality, charity, and freedom

Author’s Note

My name is Marlon A. Medina, and I write this as both a friend to my fellow Christians and a committed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I am not a theologian or academic. I’m a Las Vegas community leader, a believer in Jesus Christ, and someone who cares deeply about strengthening relationships between faith traditions. My goal in sharing this comparison is simple:

to build understanding, honesty, and unity among Christians who are working together to make our communities better.

Thank you for taking the time to understand where I’m coming from. My hope is that this opens doors for healthy, respectful, Christ-centered dialogue across our Christian family.

Marlon A. Medina
Las Vegas, Nevada
Interfaith Advocate & Community Partner

Appendix A – The Major Historic Christian Creeds (with brief modern-language notes)

The Apostles’ Creed (c. 2nd–5th century – used daily by hundreds of millions of Christians)

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

(Modern note: “catholic” = universal; “descended to the dead” = descended to the realm of the dead, not necessarily hell as punishment.)

The Nicene Creed (325/381 – the most universal Christian creed)

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

of one Being with the Father [or “consubstantial”].

Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven:

by the power of the Holy Spirit

he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,

and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again

in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father [and the Son],

who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Athanasian Creed (Quicunque Vult - c. 5th–6th century – longest and most detailed on the Trinity)

Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic [universal] faith.

Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.

And the catholic faith is this:

That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity;

neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the Substance [essence].

For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost.

But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost is all one: the glory equal, the majesty co-eternal.

Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Ghost.

The Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, and the Holy Ghost uncreated.

The Father incomprehensible [unlimited], the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Ghost incomprehensible.

The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Ghost eternal.

And yet they are not three eternals, but one eternal.

As there are not three uncreated nor three incomprehensibles, but one uncreated and one incomprehensible.

So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son almighty, and the Holy Ghost almighty.

And yet they are not three almighties, but one almighty.

So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God.

And yet they are not three Gods, but one God.

So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Ghost Lord.

And yet not three Lords, but one Lord.

For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge every Person by Himself to be God and Lord,

so are we forbidden by the catholic religion to say, there be three Gods or three Lords.

The Father is made of none, neither created nor begotten.

The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created, but begotten.

The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son; neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding.

So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts.

And in this Trinity none is before or after another; none is greater or less than another;

but the whole three Persons are co-eternal together and co-equal,

so that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshiped.

He, therefore, that will be saved must thus think of the Trinity.

Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe faithfully the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For the right faith is, that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and man;

God of the Substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and man of the substance of His mother, born in the world;

perfect God and perfect man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting.

Equal to the Father as touching His Godhead, and inferior to the Father as touching His manhood.

Who, although He be God and man, yet He is not two, but one Christ:

one, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh, but by taking the manhood into God;

one altogether; not by confusion of Substance, but by unity of Person.

For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man, so God and man is one Christ;

Who suffered for our salvation; descended into hell [the realm of the dead]; rose again the third day from the dead;

He ascended into heaven; He sitteth on the right hand of the Father, God Almighty; from whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

At whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies and shall give account for their own works.

And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil, into everlasting fire.

This is the catholic faith; which except a man believe faithfully and firmly, he cannot be saved.

Appendix B – The Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1842)

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

2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

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.

5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

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.