definitions
Glossary
Definitions matter because shared words can carry different doctrine.
Christian
Used here in the historic biblical and Nicene sense: a church or faith that confesses the one God, the Trinity, Jesus as eternally God, and the apostolic gospel.
This is narrower than a sociological label for anyone who admires or follows Jesus. The narrower definition is necessary because the dispute is doctrinal.
LDS
A shorthand for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its official doctrine. The site also uses Mormon where useful for recognition and search.
When a page says LDS doctrine, it is referring to official sources, LDS scripture, handbook language, Gospel Topics material, or representative General Conference teaching.
Godhead
In LDS usage, the Godhead is Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as distinct beings united in purpose and doctrine. In Christian usage, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons who are the one God.
That difference is one of the main reasons shared words do not settle the question.
Trinity
The Christian doctrine that the one God eternally exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: distinct persons, one divine being.
The word is later than the New Testament. The doctrine summarizes biblical claims about one God, the Son as God and Creator, the Spirit as divine, and real personal distinction.
Exaltation
The LDS highest saving goal, tied to restored priesthood authority, temple covenants, eternal marriage, and becoming gods. It is not the same thing as Christian theosis.
Christian deification language means creatures share God's life by grace while remaining creatures. LDS exaltation places divine potential inside a different metaphysical and temple-covenant system.
Restoration
The LDS claim that priesthood authority, ordinances, and the fullness of the gospel were lost after the apostles and restored through Joseph Smith.
That claim is mutually exclusive with Christian continuity. It says the traditional churches lacked essential authority.
Testimony
In LDS practice, a spiritual witness can function as the central confirmation of the Book of Mormon and the restored church.
Spiritual experiences can be sincere and powerful. They still have to be tested by Scripture, and they cannot redefine the apostolic gospel.
Primary references
The argument rests on public Scripture, official LDS material, and Christian sources.
Godhead, Topics and Questions
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Official LDS teaching that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are distinct beings, one in purpose and doctrine.
Becoming Like God
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Official essay explaining LDS divine potential and acknowledging that LDS teaching goes beyond most contemporary Christian churches.
Doctrine and Covenants 132
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Canonical LDS text tying exaltation to covenant sealing and saying the exalted shall be gods.
Restoration of the Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Official LDS source saying the fullness of the gospel was taken from the earth and restored through Joseph Smith.
Moroni 10
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Book of Mormon passage commonly used for the LDS spiritual witness test.
Nicene Creed
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Representative text of the historic Nicene confession of one God, the Trinity, and the eternal deity of Christ.