Baptist vs. Mormon: What’s the Difference?

The Baptist tradition and Mormonism are two distinct belief systems with deep-rooted histories and unique practices.

While both have emerged from the broader landscape of spiritual beliefs, they have carved out individual identities.

This article offers a comparative overview, shedding light on their similarities and differences, and enhancing our understanding of their respective places in the tapestry of global beliefs.

Comparing the Baptist Tradition and Mormonism: An Overview

“Baptist” derives from the Greek word “baptizo,” meaning “to immerse” or “dip,” reflecting the tradition’s emphasis on believer’s baptism by immersion.

“Mormon” comes from the “Book of Mormon,” a sacred text in the LDS Church, named after an ancient prophet and historian, Mormon, who compiled the book.

	Baptist Tradition	Mormonism (LDS Church)
Name	Baptist	The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Size	Approx. 100 million worldwide	Approx. 16 million worldwide
Date Started	17th century	1830
Founder	John Smyth (among others)	Joseph Smith Jr.
Key Beliefs	Salvation by faith alone, believer’s baptism	Restoration of original church, additional scriptures, priesthood authority
Key Practices	Believer’s baptism by immersion, Lord’s Supper	Baptism, endowments, sealing, priesthood ordinations
Divisions	Numerous (e.g., Southern Baptist, American Baptist)	Mainly LDS, with smaller offshoot groups
Central Location	Varies by denomination	Salt Lake City, Utah
Sacred Texts	Bible	Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price

In Mormonism, “Restoration” refers to the belief that the original church of Jesus Christ, lost after the apostolic age, was restored to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith.

This restoration included the return of priesthood authority, lost teachings, and additional scriptures, notably the Book of Mormon.

Communion: Similarities and Differences

	Baptist Tradition	Mormonism (LDS Church)
Method	Bread and grape juice/wine; symbolic of Christ’s body and blood	Bread and water; symbolic of Christ’s body and blood
Frequency	Varies; often monthly or quarterly	Weekly during Sunday services
Participants	Believers who have professed faith in Jesus	Baptized members; age 8 and older
Significance	Remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice	Renewal of baptismal covenants

Baptism: Similarities and Differences

	Baptist Tradition	Mormonism (LDS Church)
Method	Immersion in water	Immersion in water
Age	Age of accountability; after a profession of faith	Age 8 and older
Purpose	Public declaration of faith and identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection	Entrance into the LDS Church and covenant with God
Performed by	Ordained ministers or church elders	Priesthood holders (usually at least Aaronic Priesthood)

Baptist and Mormon Beliefs: Similarities and Differences

Mormons differ from Baptists in their view of the Godhead.

While Baptists adhere to the Trinitarian concept of one God in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), Mormons see them as three distinct beings united in purpose, not one singular entity.

	Baptist Tradition	Mormonism (LDS Church)
The Bible	Inerrant word of God; primary authority	One of four standard works; additional scriptures recognized
God	One God, eternal and unchanging	Heavenly Father with a physical body; Godhead consists of three separate beings
Jesus Christ	Son of God, fully divine and fully human	Firstborn spirit child of Heavenly Father; Savior of humanity
The Trinity	One God in three persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit	Godhead consists of three separate beings with one purpose
The Holy Spirit	Third person of the Trinity; indwells believers	Separate being from Father and Son; provides guidance and testimony
The Atonement	Christ’s sacrifice covers all sins for those who believe	Essential for salvation; requires faith, repentance, and ordinances
The Resurrection	All will be resurrected; believers to eternal life	Universal resurrection; varying degrees of glory based on life’s choices
The Church	Local congregations; autonomy; priesthood of all believers	Organized hierarchy; global church with centralized leadership
Church Tradition	Varies; Sola Scriptura principle emphasized	Church leaders’ teachings and revelations are important alongside scriptures
The Second Coming	Imminent return of Christ; pre-, post-, and amillennial views	Jesus will return and reign from two global capitals: Jerusalem and Zion (in America)

Mormons believe Jesus is the literal firstborn spirit child of God.

On the other hand, Baptists hold that Jesus existed eternally before the incarnation, co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit, not as a created being but as the eternal Son of God, part of the Trinity.

Baptist and Mormon Practices Compared

	Baptist Tradition	Mormonism (LDS Church)
Baptism	By immersion after profession of faith	By immersion at age 8 or older by priesthood holder
Communion	Lord’s Supper; symbolic remembrance	Sacrament; symbolic renewal of covenants
Prayer	Direct communication with God	Directed to Heavenly Father in Jesus’ name
Church Governance	Local church autonomy; congregational	Hierarchical with a prophet and apostles
Missionary Work	Encouraged; various mission boards	Two-year missions encouraged for young adults
Tithing	Encouraged as act of worship and stewardship	Mandatory 10% of income for good standing
Temple/Church Service	Worship in churches; no temples	Worship in chapels; sacred ordinances in temples
Laying on of Hands	Often for ordination or healing	Essential for certain ordinances like confirmation
Fasting	Personal or congregational choice	Monthly fast for two meals; offerings given to the needy
Bible Study	Emphasized; personal and group studies	Studied alongside other LDS scriptures

In Mormonism, tithing is a command. If a member doesn’t tithe, they may not be deemed “temple worthy,” meaning they cannot participate in certain temple ordinances.

Additionally, not tithing might impact a member’s standing in the community and their ability to serve in certain church callings.

10 Key Events in Baptist and Mormon History

Baptist History	Mormonism (LDS Church) History
1. John Smyth baptizes first English Baptists (1609)	1. First Vision of Joseph Smith (1820)
2. Thomas Helwys establishes first Baptist church in England (1612)	2. Publication of the Book of Mormon (1830)
3. Roger Williams founds First Baptist Church in America (1638)	3. Church officially organized in Fayette, NY (1830)
4. London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689)	4. First temple dedicated in Kirtland, OH (1836)
5. Formation of the Baptist Missionary Society (1792)	5. Mormons forced to leave Missouri (1838)
6. Southern Baptist Convention established (1845)	6. Nauvoo era and martyrdom of Joseph Smith (1844)
7. Landmarkism movement emerges (1850s)	7. Pioneers enter Salt Lake Valley (1847)
8. Baptist World Alliance formed (1905)	8. Official declaration ending plural marriage (1890)
9. Conservative Resurgence in Southern Baptist Convention (1980s)	9. Priesthood available to all worthy male members (1978)
10. Cooperative Program for missions funding initiated (1925)	10. Dedication of the Rome Italy Temple (2019)

What is the largest denomination in the Baptist tradition?

The largest denomination within the Baptist tradition is the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).

Founded in 1845 in the United States, the SBC has grown significantly and plays a prominent role in American evangelicalism, emphasizing biblical inerrancy and individual conversion experiences.

How did Joseph Smith die?

Joseph Smith was killed in 1844. He and his brother Hyrum were jailed in Carthage, Illinois, on charges related to destroying a printing press.

A mob stormed the jail, and both were fatally shot. His death marked a pivotal moment in Mormon history.

References:
[1] churchofjesuschrist.org
[2] Baptists – Britannica