The Mormon faith is strongly connected to mainstream Christianity – and many Mormons consider themselves to be Christians – but Mormon beliefs are not all the same.
You might be wondering, then, do Mormons believe in the Trinity?
The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints (commonly known as Mormonism) does believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, but they do not believe in the Trinity in the same way that many Christians do.
Read ahead to find out more about this fascinating concept, and what Mormons actually believe about it.
What Is The Trinity?
The Trinity, in Christian terms, is the concept that there are three distinct versions of God that all share one essence, and are therefore part of one unified entity.
Many Christians believe that God can be manifested as three separate persons: “the Father who begets, the Son who is begotten, and the Holy Spirit who brings about.”
The idea of the Trinity is the belief that each of these persons is different and distinct, but also part of the same singular essence.
For those that believe in the Trinity, God is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit all at the same time.
They are like multiple faces of the same die – where each is separate from the other but also part of the whole. The doctrine itself is known as Trinitarianism, but there are Christians that do not follow it.
Although this idea is mainly found in Christian beliefs, there are parallel views within Judaism as well, particularly in writings from the traditions of Kabbalah.
What Do Mormons Believe About The Trinity?
Unlike many Christians, the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints does not follow the doctrine of Trinitarianism.
While Mormons do believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, they believe that each individual is a separate, distinct personage.
The first Article of Faith for the LDS Church says that “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost”.
Mormons believe that they are not one singular being, and they refer to Them as the Godhead.
In Mormonism, the Godhead is made up of three divine beings that are independent of one another but perfectly united in one purpose.
To support this belief, Mormons refer to Matthew 3:16–17 which is an account of the baptism of Jesus. In this passage, all three of the different persons are present.
Jesus is being baptized, the Father’s voice is heard from heaven, and the Holy Spirit “descends like a dove”.
What Are The Roles Of The Father, The Son, And The Holy Spirit In Mormonism?
One of the important reasons why Mormons believe in the separation of these three persons is because they believe that each has a distinct and divine role.
The Father
For Mormons, God the Heavenly Father is the father of Mormon spirits. He is the being that they communicate with through prayer, the author of the plan for salvation and all Mormons love and worship him.
The Son
Within the LDS Church, Jesus Christ is the Son of the Heavenly Father. He is the savior and redeemer that was born on Earth to Mary and was crucified on the cross. Through his sacrifice, Mormons believe that it is now possible to return to Heaven to live with both Jesus Christ and the Father.
The Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost (or the Holy Spirit) is, in Mormonism, the messenger and revealer of both the Son and the Father. He is a spiritual entity that allows Mormons to learn and recognize the truth, including the gospel. The Holy Ghost makes it possible for God and Jesus to communicate love, comfort, and peace to Mormons.
Summary
So, do Mormons believe in the Trinity? No. Mormons do not believe in the Trinity in the same way that many Christians do.
According to the LDS Church, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are all separate divine beings, with separate roles to play. Collectively, Mormons refer to them as the Godhead but they are not one entity.
The Trinity, on the other hand, is the belief that each of these three beings is an aspect of one singular essence – the unified God.