Are Mormons Christians?

Dear Madame L,

I have a friend at work who is a Mormon, and she says she's a Christian, but my minister says, "Those Mormons aren't really Christians."

My friend wants me to talk with some missionaries from her church, but my minister says that's a bad idea and I should just rely on the Bible because everything we need to know is in the Bible and the teachings of Jesus.

What do you say?

Sincerely,

Wondering

Dear Wondering,

Full disclosure: Madame L is one of those Mormons. 

Madame L has noticed that among Mormons, as among other Christian denominations, there are some who do and some who don't really act like Christians. Does your friend act like a Christian? If she does, then Madame L believes she must be a Christian because Jesus himself said that it's our actions, not our professed beliefs, that show who we are.

Madame L notes also that the real name of the Mormon Church is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That is, the very name of the church says that the Mormons preach of Christ.

Madame L believes that a true Christian church not only preaches of Christ but also helps its members live a full Christian life; it works as a church and encourages its members to do whatever they can as individuals to relieve pain, poverty, and all kinds of suffering among all people (not only church members).By that definition too the Mormon Church is a Christian church.

Madame L encourages you to keep asking about the Mormons and reassures you that talking to the missionaries will be a good way to find out more. They won't try to trick or deceive you. Their only goal is to help other people find the happiness they have found in knowing and practicing Christian principles. They'll encourage you to pray, and they'll encourage you to read the Book of Mormon, which doesn't claim to supplant the Bible but contains the same teachings found in the Bible, the teachings of Jesus.

Madame L could write about this for hours but has a few other items on her agenda today. Also, Madame L  thinks answering your questions as you formulate them will be more helpful to you than overwhelming you with a lot of information you haven't even asked for. So she hopes you'll  ask her more as you continue your search for truth and happiness.

Best wishes,

Madame L