Are Mormons "Christian" or "Christlike"?

By David Alvord

This morning the latter-day Saints were saddened by the news of President James E. Faust's passing. Elder Faust has touched many lives and spread the message of the Master throughout the earth. As one of His special witnesses, President Faust bore humble testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I wonder whether Elder Faust would rather have us remember him as being a "Christian" or as having been "Christlike".

While both words could be considered synonyms, I think that the latter emphasizes an attribute rather than a designation.

As the presidential election heats up, there will be some who will question whether members of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints are considered "Christian". Naturally members of the church get defensive when people say that they are not Christian. Try telling a Muslim that he is not a Muslim, or a Jew that he is not Jewish.

As Mormons, we think of ourselves as being Christian...and so it boggles our minds when we hear otherwise. Some reading this could bring up complex arguments that demonstrate doctrinal differences. I have found that those accusing the LDS people of being outside of mainstream Christianity focus narrowly on the finer points of doctrine while ignoring behavior completely.

Like the Sadducee of old, some would rather rely on doctrine or genealogy for their salvation

Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.

And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

The Savior emphasized behavior in His example, rather than a designation based on historical or other means. As latter-day Saints, let us live Christ-like lives. In the end, we want to be approved by the Savior...whether or not the current definitions call us "Christian".