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Are Mormons Christians?
Missionaries are taunted with it; investigators and recent converts are challenged with it; lifelong members are often puzzled with it-the charge that Mormons are not Christians. Unless we understand the basis for the charge, we are not prepared to deal with it. This book explains each of the arguments used against Latter-day Saints, and demonstrates beyond dispute-using non-LDS authorities-that these arguments are based on false premises. The definitive work on the subject, this book is a must for every LDS home.
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First published November 15, 2010
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About the author
Stephen E. Robinson
22 books40 followersStephen E. Robinson has taught at Brigham Young University since 1986. He received a B.A. from Brigham Young University in 1971 in English Literature and a PhD from Duke University in 1978 in Biblical Studies. He and his wife, Janet, have six children.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 18, 2008
This short book (113 pgs) is a good response to arguments made against Mormons being Christian. BYU professor Stephen Robinson classifies and discusses the many reasons given by both Protestant and Catholic for claiming that Mormons are not Christian. His chapters include Exclusion by Definition, by Misrepresentation, by Name-calling, as well as Traditional and Canonical exclusion. His arguments are well reasoned, and at times footnoted with references to Christian groups once believing as do the LDS, and contemporary Christian scholars making arguments for beliefs similar to Mormon teachings which have been rejected as unchristian by strident evangelicals.
Robinson writes very clearly, and makes his points well without becoming overly pedantic or argumentative. I like this book much better than “Offenders for a Word” by Peterson & Ricks which is written with excruciating scholarly detail, and a very pugnacious attitude. OK, . . I don’t always mind the hard-nosed argument, but unless you obsessive and hard-bitten, you will probably like this book much better.
Robinson writes very clearly, and makes his points well without becoming overly pedantic or argumentative. I like this book much better than “Offenders for a Word” by Peterson & Ricks which is written with excruciating scholarly detail, and a very pugnacious attitude. OK, . . I don’t always mind the hard-nosed argument, but unless you obsessive and hard-bitten, you will probably like this book much better.
January 6, 2011
The message of Are Mormons Christians could be summarized in a single sentence: the reasons that are usually given for excluding Mormons from the "Christian" fold could also be used to exclude famous Christians like the Apostle Paul, the Apostolic Fathers, Cyril of Jerusalem, and C.S. Lewis. Robinson relentlessly hammers this point home in chapter after chapter, and to his credit, he makes his case well. Catholics and Protestants who have heard the rumor that "Mormons aren't Christians" but who have little or no familiarity with Mormon doctrine might do well to buy this book. As another reviewer put it, it is an invitation to understanding.
That said, Robinson overlooks one reason-- perhaps the most important reason-- that people exclude LDS from the Christian faith: namely, that they worship "a different Jesus". He states on page 111 that "of all the various arguments against Latter-day Saints being considered Christians, not one-- not a singe one-- claims that Latter-day Saints don't acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord." But it could be argued that the one reason he overlooks (which I have seen used more often than any other) DOES in fact suggest that Mormons don't acknowledge Jesus-- or rather that they don't acknowledge the REAL Jesus, the Jesus of traditional Christianity. Fortunately, this reason has been dealt with in a book by Robert Millet titled, A Different Jesus? The Christ of the Latter-day Saints. That book, in my opinion, is considerably better-written than this one. I recommend that all readers interested in this subject purchase a copy.
Are Mormons Christians? also doesn't stay entirely focused on the subject at hand. There are portions where Robinson is clearly chomping at the bit to try to PROVE the LDS position on a particular issue. The chapter on the Trinity, for example, reads like an excuse to criticize the orthodox view rather than an attempt to defend Mormonism as Christian; on p. 83, in fact, Robinson goes so far as to suggest that Nicene Christians don't worship the God of the NT! These little diversions are all over the book, and make for interesting reading for those who are interested in apologetics (like me), but not for someone who is only trying to figure out whether or not Mormons are Christians. One of the better ones was the defense of esoteric doctrine on pp. 96-103. Much worse, In my opinion, was the treatment of polygamy on pp. 91-96.
This is hardly Robinson's best work. I much more highly recommend How Wide the Divide, which he co-authored with Craig Blomberg. That book is more comprehensive, more focused, more balanced, less rhetorical, and better-written. Still, Are Mormons Christians? is interesting, and die-hard Stephen Robinson fans may find it a rewarding read.
That said, Robinson overlooks one reason-- perhaps the most important reason-- that people exclude LDS from the Christian faith: namely, that they worship "a different Jesus". He states on page 111 that "of all the various arguments against Latter-day Saints being considered Christians, not one-- not a singe one-- claims that Latter-day Saints don't acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord." But it could be argued that the one reason he overlooks (which I have seen used more often than any other) DOES in fact suggest that Mormons don't acknowledge Jesus-- or rather that they don't acknowledge the REAL Jesus, the Jesus of traditional Christianity. Fortunately, this reason has been dealt with in a book by Robert Millet titled, A Different Jesus? The Christ of the Latter-day Saints. That book, in my opinion, is considerably better-written than this one. I recommend that all readers interested in this subject purchase a copy.
Are Mormons Christians? also doesn't stay entirely focused on the subject at hand. There are portions where Robinson is clearly chomping at the bit to try to PROVE the LDS position on a particular issue. The chapter on the Trinity, for example, reads like an excuse to criticize the orthodox view rather than an attempt to defend Mormonism as Christian; on p. 83, in fact, Robinson goes so far as to suggest that Nicene Christians don't worship the God of the NT! These little diversions are all over the book, and make for interesting reading for those who are interested in apologetics (like me), but not for someone who is only trying to figure out whether or not Mormons are Christians. One of the better ones was the defense of esoteric doctrine on pp. 96-103. Much worse, In my opinion, was the treatment of polygamy on pp. 91-96.
This is hardly Robinson's best work. I much more highly recommend How Wide the Divide, which he co-authored with Craig Blomberg. That book is more comprehensive, more focused, more balanced, less rhetorical, and better-written. Still, Are Mormons Christians? is interesting, and die-hard Stephen Robinson fans may find it a rewarding read.
February 19, 2023
Robinson is very knowledgeable on the subject of religion, which was evident in every single chapter of this book. However, despite being knowledgeable, he relied on quotes from other experts, both members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and members of other denominations, to support his claims. He also relied on direct quotes from the Bible and Book of Mormon as well as knowledge from a plethora of other sources. Furthermore, I loved the format in which he presented his arguments. Each chapter was devoted to one common excuse that people come up with for excluding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from the title of “Christian”. Robinson gave clear, intelligent refutations to each excuse, and was able to do so in a way that was easy to understand and respectful to both sides of the argument.
Overall, this book was very well-written and I would definitely recommend it.
Overall, this book was very well-written and I would definitely recommend it.
December 12, 2017
If you've been deceived by haters or uninformed persons about the true nature of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this book is an excellent way to help you gain a better understanding of the beliefs of the LDS church and its followers. It does not seek to convert you, or to preach to you, but shows how the church is truly a Christ-centered church, even if you don't agree with the church's teachings.
August 7, 2021
This book was surprisingly helpful in the way it frames Christianity, as defined by Christian leaders, believers, and scholars.
It shows clearly, how fragmented Christianity has become.
It’s also a helpful reminder of the importance of thoughtfulness and context before making judgments.
I’d recommend this book.
It shows clearly, how fragmented Christianity has become.
It’s also a helpful reminder of the importance of thoughtfulness and context before making judgments.
I’d recommend this book.
January 24, 2021
Wonderful book! Robinson tackles the arguments used to proclaim members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as non-Christian and debunks them. He uses a lot of philosophy and logic in his arguments making this book rather scholarly.
October 15, 2025
"This book debunks, beyond a shadow of doubt, the accusation that Mormons are not Christians. Whether this charge has ever bothered you or not you must read this book. I couldn’t put it down." --Customer Review
June 24, 2022
Remarkable book. Every missionary should read this. I learned new things and appreciated the answers given to many questions that scholars and critics have.
October 24, 2025
A good introduction to help members of The Church of Jesus Christ refute claims made against our faith. This would be a good book for every future missionary to study.
October 3, 2025
BOOK REVIEW - Are Mormons Christians? by Stephen E. Robinson (1991)
I read this book when I was in the middle of a significant interfaith dialogue when the larger Christian community in my adopted hometown of Rochester, NY, was expanding its reach beyond the mainline churches. I was bishop at the time, and my stake president encouraged me to continue. The primary question among the more conservative traditions was whether “Mormons” were Christians. It was note an exclusionary question but rather an honest theological inquiry.
Robinson was one of the first to write extensively on the subject. He wrote not as an apologist or a defender. I used many of his points in our dialogue that lasted many months. Robinson’s book remains one of the most thoughtful and gracious responses to one of the longest-standing and most emotionally charged questions about the Latter-day Saint faith. The book has the rare combination of scholarship, clarity, and fairness. Robinson, then a professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University and a respected New Testament scholar, writes not only as an academic but also as a believer. His tone is direct yet generous — more about building understanding than winning arguments.
The book’s central claim is both simple and profound: words matter, and definitions should be applied consistently. Robinson shows that the term Christian has been defined in multiple ways throughout history — from early discipleship in the New Testament church to later creedal orthodoxy and contemporary denominational boundaries. He argues that by the most essential and scriptural meaning — faith in and commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior — members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints plainly qualify. He does not gloss over doctrinal distinctions such as views of the Godhead, continuing revelation, or scripture beyond the Bible. Instead, he makes space for those differences while insisting that Christian identity must rest on devotion to Christ rather than on narrow theological gatekeeping.
Robinson’s method is part biblical exegesis, part historical analysis, and part patient dialogue. He frequently turns to the New Testament itself, inviting readers to look at how early believers were defined and what truly anchored their faith. He also dissects the use of later Christian creeds as exclusionary tests, pointing out that creedal boundaries arose centuries after Christ and should not be wielded as weapons against sincere discipleship. Perhaps most disarming is his charitable tone: Robinson refuses to caricature other Christians and often expresses gratitude for shared convictions. That spirit of mutual respect makes the book accessible to thoughtful non-LDS readers who may have been taught that Mormon belief is something alien or non-Christian.
For readers seeking to move beyond slogans or inherited prejudice, Robinson’s work remains a model of faithful scholarship and bridge-building. It demonstrates that one can hold firm theological convictions while engaging generously and thoughtfully with those who differ. Above all, it keeps Jesus Christ at the center — not as a debating point but as the shared foundation of living faith.
Robinson ends the book with a tender and memorable metaphor about grace and human effort. He describes his young daughter wanting a bike she could not afford; she brought him her small savings — only a few coins — and he supplied the rest. So too, he writes, salvation comes when we bring to Christ all we have, however inadequate, and He makes up the infinite difference. The parable beautifully illustrates Robinson’s conviction that Latter-day Saints believe fully in grace: human striving matters, but only Christ’s power completes the journey.
Quotes:
“It seems ironic that people who insist that one must ‘accept Christ’ as the sole criterion for salvation are unwilling to accept Latter-day Saints as Christians when we do precisely that. We confess him as Lord and Savior, we worship him as the Son of God, we rely on his atoning grace. What more is required to be Christian than to follow the Christ?”
“Our differences matter, but they do not erase what is most central: that we believe Jesus is the Son of God, born of Mary, crucified and risen, the Redeemer of the world. If we cannot call that Christian, then the word has lost all meaning.”
I read this book when I was in the middle of a significant interfaith dialogue when the larger Christian community in my adopted hometown of Rochester, NY, was expanding its reach beyond the mainline churches. I was bishop at the time, and my stake president encouraged me to continue. The primary question among the more conservative traditions was whether “Mormons” were Christians. It was note an exclusionary question but rather an honest theological inquiry.
Robinson was one of the first to write extensively on the subject. He wrote not as an apologist or a defender. I used many of his points in our dialogue that lasted many months. Robinson’s book remains one of the most thoughtful and gracious responses to one of the longest-standing and most emotionally charged questions about the Latter-day Saint faith. The book has the rare combination of scholarship, clarity, and fairness. Robinson, then a professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University and a respected New Testament scholar, writes not only as an academic but also as a believer. His tone is direct yet generous — more about building understanding than winning arguments.
The book’s central claim is both simple and profound: words matter, and definitions should be applied consistently. Robinson shows that the term Christian has been defined in multiple ways throughout history — from early discipleship in the New Testament church to later creedal orthodoxy and contemporary denominational boundaries. He argues that by the most essential and scriptural meaning — faith in and commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior — members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints plainly qualify. He does not gloss over doctrinal distinctions such as views of the Godhead, continuing revelation, or scripture beyond the Bible. Instead, he makes space for those differences while insisting that Christian identity must rest on devotion to Christ rather than on narrow theological gatekeeping.
Robinson’s method is part biblical exegesis, part historical analysis, and part patient dialogue. He frequently turns to the New Testament itself, inviting readers to look at how early believers were defined and what truly anchored their faith. He also dissects the use of later Christian creeds as exclusionary tests, pointing out that creedal boundaries arose centuries after Christ and should not be wielded as weapons against sincere discipleship. Perhaps most disarming is his charitable tone: Robinson refuses to caricature other Christians and often expresses gratitude for shared convictions. That spirit of mutual respect makes the book accessible to thoughtful non-LDS readers who may have been taught that Mormon belief is something alien or non-Christian.
For readers seeking to move beyond slogans or inherited prejudice, Robinson’s work remains a model of faithful scholarship and bridge-building. It demonstrates that one can hold firm theological convictions while engaging generously and thoughtfully with those who differ. Above all, it keeps Jesus Christ at the center — not as a debating point but as the shared foundation of living faith.
Robinson ends the book with a tender and memorable metaphor about grace and human effort. He describes his young daughter wanting a bike she could not afford; she brought him her small savings — only a few coins — and he supplied the rest. So too, he writes, salvation comes when we bring to Christ all we have, however inadequate, and He makes up the infinite difference. The parable beautifully illustrates Robinson’s conviction that Latter-day Saints believe fully in grace: human striving matters, but only Christ’s power completes the journey.
Quotes:
“It seems ironic that people who insist that one must ‘accept Christ’ as the sole criterion for salvation are unwilling to accept Latter-day Saints as Christians when we do precisely that. We confess him as Lord and Savior, we worship him as the Son of God, we rely on his atoning grace. What more is required to be Christian than to follow the Christ?”
“Our differences matter, but they do not erase what is most central: that we believe Jesus is the Son of God, born of Mary, crucified and risen, the Redeemer of the world. If we cannot call that Christian, then the word has lost all meaning.”
May 14, 2011
Before I write (or rather copy down) the summary, I just want to say that I believe Mormon and non-Mormon alike should read this book. Not only does Stephen Robinson respond to each argument people have made about Mormons, but he discusses what different people and/or groups define as "Christian". Reading this made me think about and understand Christianity in a different way than I had before. I also appreciated that Robinson isn't out to make an argument about whether or not Mormon doctrine is true because it isn't relevant to the purpose of the book.
So, like I said, I copied this from someone else because I'm not very good at summarizing: "This short book is a good response to arguments made against Mormons being Christian. BYU professor Stephen Robinson" (a scholar of interfaith relations) "classifies and discusses the many reasons given by both Protestant and Catholic for claiming that Mormons are not Christian. His chapters include Exclusion by Definition, by Misrepresentation, by Name-calling, as well as Traditional and Canonical exclusion. His arguments are well reasoned, and at times footnoted with references to Christian groups once believing as do the LDS, and contemporary Christian scholars making arguments for beliefs similar to Mormon teachings which have been rejected as unchristian by strident evangelicals.
"Robinson writes very clearly, and makes his points well without becoming overly pedantic or argumentative."
So, like I said, I copied this from someone else because I'm not very good at summarizing: "This short book is a good response to arguments made against Mormons being Christian. BYU professor Stephen Robinson" (a scholar of interfaith relations) "classifies and discusses the many reasons given by both Protestant and Catholic for claiming that Mormons are not Christian. His chapters include Exclusion by Definition, by Misrepresentation, by Name-calling, as well as Traditional and Canonical exclusion. His arguments are well reasoned, and at times footnoted with references to Christian groups once believing as do the LDS, and contemporary Christian scholars making arguments for beliefs similar to Mormon teachings which have been rejected as unchristian by strident evangelicals.
"Robinson writes very clearly, and makes his points well without becoming overly pedantic or argumentative."
September 12, 2008
Robinson's book not only answer the question in the affirmative but it provides what I few as the Achilles heel of anti-Mormonism; equity. This is the standard upon which Robinson operates as he surveys various beliefs and compares and contrasts them with LDS belief arguing that if one does not exclude certain groups within historical Christianity as non-Christian for holding such beliefs than neither can they exclude Latter-day Saints from being Christian. Although Robinson has been raked across the coals for at least one error within the book (namely that Robinson’s quotation of Irenaeus was faulty and he failed to check the secondary source upon which he relied against the primary one) the primary premises and conclusion of the book are, I believe, quite sound. I would heartily recommend the book.
August 2, 2009
This short book (116 pages) is an insightful look throught historical Christianity into the question of "Are Mormons Christians?" The history of the Christian era and the Primitive Church and then the era of the Seven Councils, (beginning with the First Nicene Council) was very informative. Reading of the history of Christ's Church, the Apostolic Era and then the revisions of the Councils helped me to understand where doctrines originate and why traditional christian churches believe as they do. This book strengthened my testimony of our doctrines and gave me greater understanting. I think one of the reasons that we are be-littled by other churches is that we don't fully understand our doctrines oursleves. This book was great in helping to sort out bibilical facts behind our religious beliefs.
May 27, 2008
Another excellent book by Robinson. He lays out the case that no matter the definition, Mormons are Christian. Upon first thought "Christian" is just a word and it shouldn't really matter whether people label us as such or not. We are what we are. However we are often labeled Non Christian because of ingnorance, misunderstanding, and a use of the term to make it meaningless. Why should we care? Because we have a message the world needs to hear and people put up walls based on unfair labels. Where I live it can also affect profoundly social and professional interactions. Robinson does a very good job of supporting his task at hand.
January 8, 2009
I especially liked how Robinson didn't really use any direct LDS doctrine to explain how Mormons are Christians. He also didn't prove that Mormons are Christians. Instead, he only proved false/incomplete/incorrect the arguments against Mormons being Christians.
I loved most of the examples and especially some of the stories. I wouldn't call this a nice light, speed-read kind of book. It reads more like a philosophy book (you know, big words and actual trains of thought). So, you have to pay attention.
I loved most of the examples and especially some of the stories. I wouldn't call this a nice light, speed-read kind of book. It reads more like a philosophy book (you know, big words and actual trains of thought). So, you have to pay attention.
March 14, 2012
I love the scholarship in this book including information from the First Century BC Christians. I really like the style of Stephen E. Robinson and scholarship. I have read excepts of other books about following Jesus by him that really help one to understand mercy. I do feel a connection to this author as he lived in an area where I served in PA and mentioned someone I knew in one of his books. The book is very logical and I think gives a better understanding of LDS Doctrine.
July 14, 2009
I've always wondered why so many other faiths believe that LDS people are not Christian. This book explains how definitions of the word "Christian" are so varied and subjection and explains the standpoints of various points of view, concluding ultimately that Mormons are in fact very Christian. Well put together, though a little text bookish.
August 3, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is short - I finished it in less than 24 hours, but it is packed with scholarly information. It addresses the major arguments used to accuse Mormons of not being Christians, an idea that Mormons find ridiculous. I learned all kinds of things about early Christianity and gained many new insights into my own religion. I would highly recommend this little book.
September 9, 2014
I loved this book! I already know that Mormons are Christians, but this book made it very clear to me the many reasons why so many others do not think so. I also feel empowered now to respond to that most frequently asked question. I am Mormon and YES I am indeed a CHRISTIAN. Such a good book, I recommend anyone to read it!
April 14, 2008
I enjoyed this book...it's very different style-wise from Robinson's other book (ie. Believing Christ), but it went into great detail the arguments against our profession of Christianity and showed the flaws in the argument.
January 28, 2010
Excellent book, which from the LDS standpoint, responds to frequent question "Are Mormons Christian." Starting with their real name The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints down to their world-wide humanitarian actions, Robinson replies in the affirmative.
February 12, 2008
Very insightful in regards to some of our own doctrines.
April 14, 2008
This is a good book for non LDS people to read to get a concept of what the Mormon church believes. Compares and explains doctrine in an easily readable format.
October 4, 2008
This is unlike his other books. He is writing this book to persuade people and so it is very textbooky (yes I know that is not a word, but deal with it).
August 17, 2020
A very plain explanation of why Mormons ARE Christians!
April 9, 2009
This is a book thoroughly researched, to convince all, not of their religion, but to convince all to apply the same rules of definition to all denominations, including the Latter-Day Saints.
September 13, 2009
Love it. The author's reasoning, experience, straightforwardness, clarity of expression -- all such a pleasure to read. An adventure in logical reasoning.
March 20, 2011
Any one who REALLY wants to know the truth about Mormons will enjoy this book. I did
December 1, 2015
Excellent book! It teaches well that indeed we are Christians.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews