The Pentagon’s recent update has reignited a debate surrounding the classification of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) as a Christian denomination. While many Latter-day Saints identify as Christians, some prominent Christian scholars disagree due to differing views on God and the Trinity, and the LDS’s unique scripture not found in the traditional Christian Bible.
Utah Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis, both Latter-day Saints, criticized the Pentagon’s omission of their faith from its Christian religions list. This revision is part of the Department of Defense’s effort to streamline the list of over 200 religious affiliations available to troops, removing alternatives like atheists and pagans.
“Latter-day Saints are among the most patriotic, service-oriented individuals in our country,” Curtis argued. “They are also unequivocally Christian — just look at who is in the name of the Church.”
The Pentagon responded by removing the Christian label from 20 other groups, including Catholic and Lutheran traditions, asserting that the changes do not question the legitimacy of any belief but aim to assist chaplains in providing better resources.
Latter-day Saints’ Christian Identity
The LDS Church, known as the Mormon Church, boasts nearly 18 million members globally, mostly in Utah. Known for its emphasis on patriotism, the church has a strong history of military service and support through chaplaincy.
Matthew Bowman, from Claremont Graduate University, notes that core differences between major Christian doctrines and LDS lie in their views of God and the Trinity. Unlike most Christians who view God as spirit, LDS founders believe God was once human. This divergence is a key point in the ongoing debate.
The Catholic Church, for instance, does not regard LDS baptisms as Christian, reflecting substantial doctrinal differences despite references to the Trinity.
Political Ramifications
This religious debate has influenced U.S. politics, particularly affecting interactions between evangelical Christians and Latter-day Saints. Both groups share conservative views on social issues, yet tensions have persisted, notably during Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential bid.
The rise of Donald Trump altered alliances, with some younger Latter-day Saints perceiving evangelicals as increasingly hostile. This shift highlights ongoing challenges within the religious right coalition.
Military Chaplaincy and Religious Discrimination
Former LDS Air Force chaplain Philip McLemore recalls prejudices he faced due to others questioning his Christian identity. Some colleagues feared Mormon chaplains intended to proselytize within the military, further straining relationships.
Despite these challenges, McLemore maintains that denominations often hold less significance in military contexts, as personnel seek chaplains for support with personal and professional concerns, not religious counsel.
Additional insights provided by AP journalists highlight the complexity of defining Latter-day Saints’ place in Christianity and their broader societal implications.