California Today

Pentagon's Religious List Sparks Latter-day Saints Debate

10 June 2026 10:42

The Pentagon's revision of its list of Christian religions has reignited a nearly 200-year-old debate over whether The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a Christian denomination. Utah senators challenged the initial exclusion of their faith.

- Most Latter-day Saints consider themselves Christians, but many Christian clergy and scholars disagree due to differences in views of God and the Trinity. - The Pentagon removed the Christian label from 20 other traditions and avoided labeling Latter-day Saints as Christian, stating the list is for chaplain efficiency.

- The debate has historical roots and has intensified in politics, with tensions between evangelical Christians and Latter-day Saints. The article explores theological differences, political implications, and experiences of Latter-day Saint chaplains in the military.

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