From: Sarah Bennett
Subject: Mormonism’s Compatibility with Noahide Laws
Dear Rabbi Joshua,
I have been exploring various religious beliefs and their congruence with Judaic teachings. Specifically, I am interested in understanding how Mormonism aligns with the Noahide Laws. Is it possible for someone to be both a follower of the Mormon faith and a Noahide? Your insights on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Sarah Bennett
Introduction to Mormonism
Mormonism, formally known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), is a Christian restorationist religion founded in the 19th century by Joseph Smith in the United States. It is centered around the belief in the Bible and the Book of Mormon as sacred scriptures. The LDS Church emphasizes principles such as faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and following commandments as key tenets of salvation.
The Seven Noahide Laws in Jewish Tradition
The Seven Noahide Laws are a set of moral guidelines that are considered by Jewish tradition to be applicable to all of humanity. These laws are:
- Prohibition of Idolatry
- Prohibition of Blasphemy
- Prohibition of Murder
- Prohibition of Illicit Sexual Relations
- Prohibition of Theft
- Prohibition of Eating Flesh from a Living Animal
- Establishment of Courts of Law (Requirement of Justice)
Comparing Mormonism with the Noahide Laws
Let’s analyze the compatibility of Mormon beliefs with each Noahide Law:
- Prohibition of Idolatry: Mormonism, being a branch of Christianity, centers on the worship of Jesus Christ. From a Jewish perspective, the deification of any figure other than God is considered idolatrous, which could conflict with this Noahide Law.
- Prohibition of Blasphemy: The LDS Church’s emphasis on reverence for God and Jesus Christ may be seen as aligning with the prohibition of blasphemy.
- Prohibition of Murder: Mormon teachings, like most religious traditions, prohibit murder, aligning with this Noahide Law.
- Prohibition of Illicit Sexual Relations: The LDS Church’s teachings on chastity and marital fidelity are in harmony with the Noahide prohibition of illicit sexual relations.
- Prohibition of Theft: Mormonism’s ethical teachings include a strong emphasis on honesty and integrity, consistent with the prohibition of theft.
- Prohibition of Eating Flesh from a Living Animal: While not a specific teaching in Mormonism, its general ethical principles can be interpreted as supporting this Noahide Law.
- Establishment of Courts of Law: The LDS Church’s respect for societal laws and order aligns with the Noahide requirement of establishing a system of justice.
Can One Be a Mormon and a Noahide?
The primary challenge in reconciling Mormonism with Noahism lies in the theological differences, particularly regarding the nature of God and the deification of Jesus Christ. While many of the ethical teachings of Mormonism align with the Noahide Laws, the recognition of Jesus Christ as divine may be seen as incompatible with the Noahide prohibition of idolatry from a traditional Jewish viewpoint.
Therefore, while a Mormon may follow many of the Noahide Laws in practice, fully embracing both paths could be complicated by theological differences, especially concerning the concept of idolatry as understood in Jewish tradition.
In summary, while there are overlaps in ethical and moral teachings, the theological distinctions between Mormonism and Judaism may present challenges for someone seeking to be both a Mormon and a Noahide in the traditional sense.
Respectfully,
Rabbi Joshua
