How do Latter-day Saint beliefs about the Godhead differ from the Christian doctrine of the Trinity?

The primary difference between the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the orthodox Christian doctrine of the Trinity lies in the nature of the Godhead.

While orthodox Christianity teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three persons united in one essence or substance, Latter-day Saint doctrine maintains that they are three distinct and separate entities.12

Key distinctions include:

• Nature of the Godhead: Latter-day Saints believe the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit are physically and ontologically separate beings, a concept sometimes described as tritheism.2
• Unity vs. Distinctness: In contrast, the Christian doctrine of the Trinity asserts that these three persons share a single divine nature, emphasizing their unity as one Godhead.1

Latter-day Saints affirm belief in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, but they reject the traditional Nicene understanding of a single, triune Godhead, viewing the members of the Godhead as separate individuals who are united in purpose.2