Unpacking Mormonism

Mormonism, formally known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), is one of the most unique and influential religious movements in the modern world. With its roots in Restorationism, additional scriptures like the Book of Mormon, and an emphasis on continuing revelation, Mormonism has distinct beliefs that set it apart from mainstream Christianity.

However, through the lens of Fulfilled Theology and Subjective Christianity, some of Mormonism’s foundational claims and structures are worth re-examining. Does Mormon doctrine align with the fulfilled work of Christ? How do LDS teachings compare to the Great News?

This page explores the key theological, historical, and structural aspects of Mormonism in light of the fulfilled perspective.

The Authority of LDS Scriptures: Bible vs. Book of Mormon

Mormonism uniquely claims four authoritative scriptures:

  • The Bible (with the King James Version being the LDS-preferred translation).
  • The Book of Mormon—claimed to be an ancient record of Christ’s ministry in the Americas.
  • The Doctrine and Covenants—a collection of modern revelations.
  • The Pearl of Great Price—additional writings attributed to Joseph Smith.

In contrast, Fulfilled Theology emphasizes the completed biblical narrative and questions:

  • Do additional scriptures alter or contradict the fulfilled work of Christ?
  • Does the Book of Mormon align with biblical teachings, or does it introduce a different theological system?
  • Is the concept of ongoing revelation necessary if Christ has already completed His work?

While Mormonism expands the biblical canon, the fulfilled perspective holds that Christ fulfilled all things, making additional revelation unnecessary for salvation.


Salvation in Mormonism vs. Fulfilled Theology

Mormon doctrine teaches a multi-tiered view of salvation:

  • Faith in Christ is only the first step—additional works and ordinances are required.
  • Baptism, priesthood authority, temple ordinances, and celestial marriage are essential for full salvation.
  • Three levels of heaven (Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial Kingdoms) dictate one’s eternal destiny.

Fulfilled Theology, however, teaches that salvation is already completed through Christ’s work:

  • No temple rituals, priesthoods, or ordinances are needed—Christ’s death and resurrection fully reconciled all people.
  • Heaven and the kingdom of God are not tiered systems of worthiness—salvation is already a present reality.
  • Faith is an invitation, not a requirement for future rewards—people choose to embrace or reject the fulfilled reality of Christ.

This perspective challenges Mormonism’s conditional salvation structure by emphasizing that grace, not works or priesthood authority, secures one’s standing before God.


The LDS Church Structure: Prophets, Priests, and Temples

The LDS Church is heavily hierarchical, with leadership centralized under a living prophet, apostles, and priesthood authorities. Members are expected to:

  • Follow modern prophetic revelation from the LDS president.
  • Participate in temple ordinances, which are considered necessary for exaltation.
  • Maintain strict obedience to church leadership and teachings.

In contrast, Zero Ecclesiology (as part of Fulfilled Theology) challenges the necessity of institutionalized priesthoods, temples, and hierarchical leadership:

  • Jesus abolished priesthoods and temple worship—access to God is direct, requiring no intermediaries.
  • Spiritual authority is personal, not hierarchical—faith is not dependent on following modern prophets.
  • True worship is lived out in love and freedom—not in required rituals or obedience to an institution.

If Christ fulfilled all religious systems, then the LDS church structure may not be necessary for faith or salvation.


Doctrinal Differences: The Nature of God and Jesus

Mormon theology significantly differs from traditional Christianity in its view of God and Jesus:

  • God the Father has a physical body and was once a man—He progressed to godhood, and humans can do the same.
  • Jesus is God’s literal son, separate from the Father—He is a divine being but not the same essence as God.
  • The Holy Spirit is a separate entity, not part of a Trinity.

These ideas directly contrast both mainstream Christian doctrine and the fulfilled perspective:

  • God is not an exalted man—He is eternal Spirit, without beginning or end.
  • Jesus is the full expression of God, not a separate being who attained divine status.
  • The Holy Spirit is God’s presence, not a separate deity.

Rather than seeing God as an evolved being and humans as potential gods, Fulfilled Theology teaches that humanity is already reconciled to the fullness of God’s presence through Christ.


Living as a Mormon vs. Living in Spiritual Freedom

Mormon life is deeply structured around rules, ordinances, and institutional expectations, including:

  • Word of Wisdom (dietary restrictions on coffee, alcohol, tobacco, etc.).
  • Tithing (mandatory financial contributions to remain in good standing).
  • Temple Recommend System (members must be approved for temple access).
  • Obedience to LDS leadership as a sign of faithfulness.

From a fulfilled perspective, true faith is about spiritual freedom, not religious obligations:

  • Faith is a personal journey, not dictated by an institution.
  • God’s love is unconditional—no requirements, payments, or approvals needed.
  • Salvation and worship are based on love, not temple rituals or rule-keeping.

Rather than binding faith to an institution’s expectations, Fulfilled Theology teaches that believers are already complete in Christ, free from religious obligations.


Conclusion: A Call to Freedom Beyond Religious Systems

While Mormonism offers a structured, rule-based approach to faith, Fulfilled Theology invites believers to experience spiritual freedom without religious institutions.

MormonismFulfilled Theology
Salvation requires faith + works + ordinancesSalvation is already fulfilled—no additional works required
God was once a man, humans can become godsGod is eternal, always Spirit
The LDS Church is the one true churchNo religious institution is required for faith
Temples, priesthood, and ordinances are necessaryChrist fulfilled all religious systems—temples and priesthoods are no longer needed
Faith is structured around obedience and rulesFaith is a journey of freedom and love

For those questioning the weight of LDS teachings, Fulfilled Theology provides a refreshing alternative: a faith unburdened by rules, institutions, and religious obligations—centered entirely on the completed work of Christ.

Explore our Comparative content collection

For decades, we at The Great News Network have been producing educational content to help you explore and learn about various religious perspectives, particularly with respect to The Great News. We encourage you to explore this content to help you find your own understanding of truth.


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