Nature of God
Evangelicals believe in the Trinity, where God is one being in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They emphasize the co-equal and co-eternal nature of these three persons. In contrast, the LDS view depicts God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost as distinct beings with physical bodies (except the Holy Ghost), rejecting the traditional concept of the Trinity.
Scripture
Evangelicals rely primarily on the Bible as the sole authoritative scripture. They adhere to the belief in its inerrancy and sufficiency for salvation and guidance. Mormons, however, regard the Bible as sacred but also accept additional texts such as the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price as essential to their faith.
Salvation
Evangelicals emphasize salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, affirming that good works are a response to salvation rather than a means to achieve it. In contrast, the LDS view promotes a combination of faith in Jesus, repentance, baptism, and adherence to commandments as essential for salvation, viewing it as a process involving both grace and works.
Prophets and Revelation
Evangelicals believe that prophecy ceased with the close of the New Testament canon, maintaining that divine revelation is not ongoing. Mormons, however, hold that God continues to speak through modern-day prophets and apostles, with their President regarded as a prophet similar to those in biblical times, receiving ongoing revelation for the church.
Purpose of Life
In Evangelical belief, the purpose of life centers around knowing God, glorifying Him, and sharing the Gospel. They emphasize personal relationship with Jesus and life lived in service to others. For Mormons, life’s purpose includes receiving a physical body, gaining knowledge, and progressing toward becoming more like God, which involves eternal family relationships and temple covenants.
Afterlife
Evangelicals generally believe in heaven and hell as the two ultimate destinies, with assurance of eternal life for believers in Jesus. In contrast, Mormons describe a more complex afterlife, with multiple degrees of glory (Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial kingdoms) based on faithfulness and obedience, and the belief in the potential for humans to become like God in the Celestial kingdom.
Community and Worship
Evangelical worship often involves collective congregational activities, with a strong emphasis on preaching, singing, and prayer. Mormons also value community, often gathering for worship services in local congregations, but place a significant emphasis on family and the importance of temple worship, including ordinances that they believe are necessary for exaltation.
