What are the differences between Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses?

Answer 1

I can not tell much about the Jehovah's Witness religion, but I know enough about the Mormonism.

I am a Mormon, and I know what makes us different from the rest of the religions of the world.

Basically, we believe in an authority given from God, called priesthood, and handed down from person to person throughout the generations. This authority is the right to act in the name of God and do God's will here on Earth.

Having the good intention of serving God has never been enough to be called of God to be His instrument on Earth. There are many things we can do on our own initiative to get closer to God personally, but to teach in His name, to baptize people, to perform ordinances and these kinds of things, it is necessary to have the appropriate authority given from someone that has it as well.

There have been times on which the people went stray everywhere, according to God's standards, and the last person with the priesthood upon the Earth had died. Whenever this happened, a landmark is placed in the time line, calling it the end of one dispensation and the origin of one apostasy. Apostasy is a broad word that can be applied to a time frame on Earth as well as to a personal period of darkness in our private lives, but the meaning is the same.

The only way to finish a time of apostasy and start a new dispensation is when God himself gives back His priesthood back to men, restoring the authority on Earth to act on His name. Usually, the person that has had the personal experience of receiving the power of God straight from God has been always called a prophet. Then this prophet has passed down the authority to others, and this way the priesthood is preserved for generations, until the cycle repeats itself.

There have been many dispensations and many apostasies, and many restorations. The prophets of today have said though that we are now at the last dispensation before Christ comes again in His power to bless and judge.

This priesthood by itself, places the Mormon Church at a difference with all the other churches upon the Earth. By the way, "Mormon" is not the name of the church but its nickname. The appropriate name of the church is "The church of JesusChrist of Latter-day Saints".

Due to this priesthood, the ordinances we do with it are completely different as well than any of the other ordinances that other churches profess to perform, even though some of them may look similar in fashion, the repercussions of them are way different. My favorite is the eternal marriage and the eternal family link. You see, marriage done by the authority of God, can not be broken by death alone, but by sin only. But any other way to wed people will have to finalize with death ("until death do you apart"). We know we will resurrect just as Jesus did, and then brought forth to face a judgment in front of the Judge. I know I am not going to be alone on that day because my wife was sealed to me at the temple with God's authority to do so. I personally hold the priesthood within me as well, and I received it from my father (may he rest in peace) who received it from a line of ascendants (not necessarily blood related) down to the prophet who received it first in this last dispensation we are at now, about 200 years ago.

My kids will never be taken off the eternal link of family we have been promised with by God himself, unless, and by sin only, they decide to go stray purposely and die that way.

That's one of the biggest reasons why we try our real best to have successful marriages and strong family ties and we spend a lot of energy in our personal development rather than worldly success. Of course, I can not speak for every person that professes to be a Mormon. There are good ones, bad ones, great ones and everything in between, but I can say for sure, that we all have been given the chance to ask God in person if the decision to join the Mormon church was according to His will or not. Sounds silly at times, but is amazing how few people involve God in the decision making process to look for the "right" church. God is not ambiguous, and every church plays an important role in the progress of mankind, but that doesn't mean that God is a God of confusion. He is God, and has His power, He has set a way for His children to progress at the fastest way possible and through the straightest path ever, but it is only up to us to kneel down and ask Him personally if the Mormon church is truly His church, His authorized church, if there are truly ways to accomplish things beyond this short live and so forth. He will never push it into us unless we set on the quest to find the truth and use it for our spiritual advantage. I can guarantee that the spiritual confirmation that comes by asking these questions earnestly to God won't come if the motivations are only educational or of some other sort. God does answer loud and clear, the question is if we are asking honestly and earnestly.

I know that this few issues are the difference between the Mormon Church the Jehovah's Witness church, and any other church for that matter.

amen brother/sister. im LDS too. also im pretty sure that jehovahs witnesses don't believe in the BofM

ANSWER FROM ONE OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSESBased on the above I can point out a few differences between the two religions.

If the The church of JesusChrist of Latter-day Saints" (LDS) believe in the authority of a "priesthood, [...]and handed down from person to person throughout the generations" Jehovah's Witnesses believe in the authority of God's Word the bible.

They believe that The Bible canon, or authorized inspired books ended with the last of the apostles and no further "sacred books" were to be added. Jehovah's Witnesses believe the 66 books of the bible provide all that would thereafter be needed for the "man of good to be completely equipted for every good work" (1 Tim 3: 16).

If "The church of JesusChrist of Latter-day Saints". believe that there was a prophet of God, that "received [new revelations... ] first in this last dispensation we are at now, about 200 years ago." Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus was the last (and greatest) prophet and after him there would be no other individual sent to provide new information.

If the Mormons 'Later day prophets' claim to "act in the name of God" but rarely make mention of the actual 'name of God', JEHOVAH as represented by the Hebrew letters YHWH in the bible over 7,000 times, Jehovah's Witnesses make mention of the divine name every chance they get.

So while both groups claim to be Christian and are identified to a greater or lesser degree with a public preaching work, Mormons believe in continued revelation through the centuries that has resulted in 'new scripture' being revealed, while Jehovhah's Witnesses hold solely to the bible claiming after the apostalistic period (the first century) no further inspired writings would be added during this system of things and no new 'prophet' would appear.

Answer 2

While both groups are considered part of the Christian faith and are identified with their public preaching work, there are many notable doctrinal differences between Jehovah's Witnesses and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons).

Jehovah's Witnesses believe only the Bible to be God's inspired word (1 Tim 3: 16), while Mormons mainly use "The Book of Mormon" for teaching, although they also consider the King James Version of the Bible and the Doctrines and Covenants to be directly inspired by God.

Mormons believe that God still calls prophets and apostles to guide his people.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was the last Prophet.

Mormons believe that Jesus is Jehovah of the Old Testament

Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jehovah is the name of Almighty God, the father of Jesus Christ.

Mormons refer to God as Elohim.

Jehovah's Witnesses call him by his personal name, Jehovah. (Psalms 83:18)

Mormons believe that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent."

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that New Jerusalem is a heavenly Kingdom (government) established - not in America but - in heaven.

Mormon missionaries preach for a set period of time, usually 2 years in their youth.

All of Jehovah's Witnesses (male and female, young and old) preach the good news about God's Kingdom for the rest of their earthly lives.

Mormons believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that because of their rejection of Christ, the nation of Israel permanently lost its privileged position as God's special people. Thus the nation of natural Jews no longer figure as a people in Bible prophecy, but God's anointed ones, designated as "spiritual" Israelites, come out of all nations & tribes & peoples & languages (including Jews). (Revelation 7:9)

Mormons believe that Christ will reign in the flesh upon the earth.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Christ will rule from heaven as a spirit.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe, according to Romans 5:12, that death is the result of Adam's sin.

Mormons do not believe in Adamic sin, but that God tells them to sin (eat from the forbidden tree) in order to bear children and fill the earth. (Genesis 1:28; 2:17)

Mormons believe there are multiple 'levels' of heaven in the afterlife.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe in the resurrection of the dead (John 5:28,29; Acts 24:15) with the majority living forever on the earth, but a chosen few (144,000) ruling in heaven with Christ. (See Psalm 37:9-11, 29; Matthew 5:5, Revelation 5:10; 20:4.)

Mormons believe that our spirits were created long before our bodies.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe our existence begins at conception.

Mormons believe that all Christians receive the gifts of the holy spirit through the laying on of hands (gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues).

Jehovah's Witnesses believe this was a first century arrangement limited to the period of the apostles and that these miraculous "gifts" have now ceased. (1 Corinthians 13: 8, 9.)

Mormons use the King James Version of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, their Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price as scripture.

Jehovah's Witnesses use many different Bible translations in thier personal study and teaching, but mainly employ the New World Translation at their worship services.

Mormons believe that Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus died on an upright stake.

Mormons do not have any restrictions or teachings regarding common medical practice, although they abstain from caffeine and alcohol.

Jehovah's Witnesses abstain from blood, do not accept blood transfusions, do not smoke or use illicit drugs, although they enjoy alcohol in moderation, as Jesus did.

Mormons are encouraged to be active in politics, the military, and government to support and defend liberty and democracy, and they support the war efforts of their own country.

Jehovah's Witnesses follow Jesus' and the first century Christians' examples and do not participate in their country's military or political affairs. They do not feel that any one country is better than another, and consider themselves to be citizens of God's kingdom, thus remaining neutral in all political and military affairs.

Mormons celebrate most Christian and national holidays as well as birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays nor most holidays.

Mormons count their total membership number as all those enrolled and tithing in their church, and also dead ones who have been posthumously baptized.

Jehovah's Witnesses count their total membership number only from those who are regular and active in the preaching work at any given time.

Mormons hold Sunday worship services in meeting houses, while additional (optional) worship services are held throughout the week in temples.

Jehovah's Witnesses hold worship services in "Kingdom Halls" at least twice a week.

Mormons require their members to tithe one tenth of their income to the church.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not tithe or pass a collection plate. Any voluntary contributions are totally anonymous, and all of their meeting places are built, cleaned, and maintained by unpaid volunteers in their congregations.

Mormons' standard worship service is similar in format to most Protestant churches, with hymns, prayers, the Sacrament ('Communion' or the 'Lord's Supper'), and a couple of short sermons.

Jehovah's Witnesses' standard worship services include prayers, singing, and studies directly out of the Bible, sometimes using other theocratic books as Bible study aids.

Both Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons claim their organizations reflect the "Primitive Church" (follow the first century Christian model).

Both churches seek to spread their word abroad and are known for going door-to-door to do so. Their intent is not to convert or baptize every person they speak to, but to give everyone an opportunity to hear their message and choose for themselves whether to listen - or not.

Answer 3

While both of these religions are often considered to be on the 'fringe' of Christianity, they are completely different in their doctrinal beliefs and practices. Some simple similarities and differences are found below.

You can visit the "Related Links" below the answer to go to their official websites and discover more.

**Both churches are considered 'Restorationist Christian' movements and came out of the Second Great Awakening. Mormons believe that Christianity had to be restored by Jesus Christ through a prophet, and Jehovah's Witnesses believe it was restored through careful study of the Bible.

** The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ("Mormons") use the King James Version of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price as scripture. Jehovah's Witnesses mainly use the New World Translation of the Bible.

** The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross. Jehovah's Witnesses believe it was an upright stake.

** The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not have any restrictions or teachings regarding common medical practice. Jehovah's Witnesses abstain from blood and do not accept blood transfusions.

** "Mormons" are encouraged to be active in politics, military, and government to support and defend liberty and democracy. Jehovah's Witnesses do not participate in their country's military or political affairs.

** "Mormons" celebrate most Christian and National holidays as well as birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays or religious or secular holidays.

** Mormons hold Sunday worship services in meeting houses, while additional (optional) worship services are held throughout the week in temples. Jehovah's Witnesses worship in "Kingdom Halls" usually 2 times a week. (Until 2008, they met 3 times a week in homes and their "Kingdom Halls".)

** Mormons require their members to tithe one tenth of their income to the church. Jehovah's Witnesses do not tithe or take up collections; all contributions are anonymous and voluntary, and all of their Kingdom Halls are built and maintained by unpaid volunteers.

** A standard worship service of the Mormons will be similar in format to most Protestant churches, with hymns, prayers, the Sacrament ('Communion' or the 'Lord's Supper'), and a couple short sermons. Standard worship services of Jehovah's Witnesses include prayers, singing, and study directly out of the Bible, sometimes using other theocratic books as study aids.

** Both churches believe that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is imminent.

** Both churches seek to spread their word abroad and are known for going door-to-door to do so. They intent is not to convert or baptize every person they speak to, but to give everyone an opportunity to hear their message.

** Mormons (predominately young men) spend 2 years proselytizing. Jehovah's Witnesses (all members) preach the good news consistently from the time they are baptized.

** Mormons count their total membership number as all those enrolled and tithing in their church. Jehovah's Witnesses count their total membership number only from those who are regular and active in the preaching work.