What is the difference between Mormons and Jehovah's witness?

The Gnostic

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Hello:)

What's the difference? They both canvas doors, stop people on streets and present a new gospel.

So what's the difference?

:)
There are many differences but one is that the JW's think Jesus is the archangel Micheal whereas the Mormons do not.

The Mormons believe there are 3 different kingdoms one goes to upon death plus a spiritual world whereas the JW's do not.
 
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Rescued One

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The differences between the two are HUGE.

LDS: "Elohim is considered to be God the Father, the father of Jehovah (or Jesus Christ) and of the human race. The Church promotes this point of view in all of its current lesson manuals, periodicals and literature."
The Development of the Mormon Jehovah Doctrine

LDS: Mark E. Petersen, “Adam, the Archangel,” Ensign, Nov 1980, p. 16

LDS: "Adam and Eve knew God personally. They saw him and talked with him. They were taught the gospel of Jesus Christ even in that early time—which was long before the Lord’s earthly ministry, for Jesus had been appointed to be the Savior during our premortal existence.

"The plan of salvation, therefore, was instituted among these first human beings, Adam and Eve and their children. Angels taught them. The family believed. They were baptized and began to serve God. (See Moses 5.)"
LDS.org - Ensign Article - Adam, the Archangel


etc.
 
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obeythe84th

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As Phoebe Ann said, there is quite a difference. Myself being a Mormon, I'm quite familiar with people mistaking us with the other for the very reason you said: knocking doors. That's probably one of the only things that make us similar. Other than that our defining and unique core doctrines are quite different.

Another interesting similarity is that our churches were relatively started around the same time in USA if I'm not mistaken. So both our churches are relatively 'young,' which I believe makes a big difference on a cultures outlook on these noob religions.

I'll spare you the details of the major doctrinal issues, but if you read each of their articles on wikipedia, you'd get the gist.
 
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Rescued One

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What do the two groups teach about man?

LDS/Mormon:
Physical offspring of Celestial Parents - Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother - in a spirit world - Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 1, p. 97; Mormon Doctrine, p. 589

“We are gods in embryo”
Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 21

“you have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves…the same as all Gods have done before you.…”
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345-346

Opportunity after death in a "spirit prison" for those who haven't heard the Mormon "gospel" - Gospel Principles, 1992, p. 292


Jehovah's Witness:

The soul of man ceases to exist after death - no hell - Knowledge that Leads to Everlasting Life, p. 81-85

Second chance in the resurrection for all to prove worthy of everlasting life. - Knowledge that Leads to Everlasting Life, p. 87-88


Both Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons insist that a restoration of true Christianity was needed as a result of a complete apostasy from the original faith, yet Jesus proclaimed: "...I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it" (Matthew 16:18 NASB)

Both groups go from door to door hoping to gain converts who may already be attending other churches which they consider to be false.

“What does the Bible say about man?
Man is a creation of God whose "spirit" was formed "within" him - 1 Cor. 15:46; John 8:23; Zech 12:1

Immediately upon death, the conscious soul/spirit of the Christian will dwell with God - 2 Cor. 5:6-8; Phil. 1:21-23; Rev. 6:9-10
 
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Mordecai Anielewicz

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Another major difference between JW's and Mormons is in their understanding of the nature of God.

JW's are extremely monotheistic in that they deny the deity of the Holy Spirit instead considering Him to be an active force emanating from The Father. They also deny the full deity of Jesus considering Him to be "a god" and a created being instead of being eternally co-existent with The Father.

Mormons on the other hand are clearly Henotheistic in the fact that they definitely believe in the existence of many Gods though they only acknowledge one. This belief also includes the possibility and hope of personal exaltation (become a god) provided they are male and meet the necessary requirements.

Further Mormons also believe Jesus was a created being and relegate Him to the status of "Eldest Brother" in the pre-mortality (pre-existent state). They also believe Jesus is the spirit brother of Lucifer in addition to being the elder spirit brother of all of mankind in what they refer to as the "pre-existence".

The "pre-existence" is the Mormon belief that all humans existed in a spiritual state as literal spirit offspring of God and an unnamed spirit mother before being physically created by human parents.

In spite of what I believe are their many doctrinal flaws JW's adhere MUCH more closely to the Word of God than do the Mormons.

*In the interest of full disclosure I have to admit I studied with the JW's for years before I became a Christian.
 
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Skip Sampson

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1. The JW's are far more knowledgeable about the Bible than the LDS kids.
2. JW's are out to actually convert. LDS kids are out to cement their beliefs by having to defend them in public.
3. One has to know their Bible to refute JW misconceptions; that's not true with the LDS kids.
4. Adult JW's are the main door-to-door participants; few LDS adults are involved.
5. JW's find some Biblical support for their core beliefs. LDS kids find none.
6. JW doctrine is somewhat believable; LDS doctrine is not.
7. You can reach as LDS kid with the truth; you cannot reach the JW.

Both are, of course, wrong on their Biblical views, as evidenced by both having to write their own 'Bible.' Cordially, Skip.
 
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3rdHeaven

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What I find interesting about the LDS is their view of preexistence of souls and their proxy baptism. Whatever your opinions in this is, these are two very beautiful and very ancient views once held by ancient Christians. Origen believed in the prexistence of souls.

They actually have more in common with mainstream Christianity then the JW's do. If pressed to attend one of their churches, I would not even know the difference if I was at a LDS church from a traditional church. I would know immediately I was not at a Church in a Kingdom Hall of the JW :)
 
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Skip Sampson

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Whatever your opinions in this is, these are two very beautiful and very ancient views once held by ancient Christians.
Also very unbiblical views, which makes them wrong. Moreover, their 'beauty' does not justify the nutty theology of the LDS church.

They actually have more in common with mainstream Christianity then the JW's do. If pressed to attend one of their churches, I would not even know the difference if I was at a LDS church from a traditional church. I would know immediately I was not at a Church in a Kingdom Hall of the JW :)
Which is irrelevant. Cordially, Skip.
 
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ldsfaqs

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Further Mormons also believe Jesus was a created being and relegate Him to the status of "Eldest Brother" in the pre-mortality (pre-existent state). They also believe Jesus is the spirit brother of Lucifer in addition to being the elder spirit brother of all of mankind in what they refer to as the "pre-existence".

<Staff Edit>
We DO NOT believe that Jesus is a "created being". He is the Only Begotten of the Father, meaning the only Son of the Father to be directly sired by him as a mortal through the administration of the Holy Ghost with Mary.

Christ is also one of the Godhead, thus is "God". Thus he further isn't a created being. Created beings are beings who's bodies the Father created and placed our spirits. Christ however is the Only Begotten, that means he's NOT a created being. Comprede?

Yes, and as being ALL Sons of God, Christ would be our eldest brother, and lucifer before he fell would have been a spirit brother, as we ALL are spirit brothers. Nothing "scary" about that folks.

The "pre-existence" is the Mormon belief that all humans existed in a spiritual state as literal spirit offspring of God and an unnamed spirit mother before being physically created by human parents.
That's right.... The premortality of the soul is indicated in many places of the Bible.

In spite of what I believe are their many doctrinal flaws JW's adhere MUCH more closely to the Word of God than do the Mormons.
<Staff Edit>Further, you shouldn't confuse your similarities with your beliefs as being the same as the Bible. As someone who read the Bible for himself and being a part of many religions being beholden to no "interpretation", <Staff Edit> ONLY when I came upon mormonism did a religion in full and accurately fit what the Book in Full actually said.
 
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ldsfaqs

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Also very unbiblical views, which makes them wrong. Moreover, their 'beauty' does not justify the nutty theology of the LDS church.

Actually both of them are not "unbiblical".....

You not being taught to understand the Bible on these subjects is not the same as not being Biblical. Further, since when did Biblical equal "true"?

Why do you accept a creation of men who had no authority as being the "end all" to God's Truths?
 
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Skip Sampson

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men who had no authority
There's the crux of your problem. The matter of 'authority' underlies all religions. For the Christian, it's the Bible. For the Mormon, it's Joseph Smith, unless he is superceded by whoever happens to be the President of the LDS church. You can choose to believe in one, but not both.

Personally, I'll go with the Word of God, not the pontifications of an over-sexed braggart. Cordially, Skip.
 
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he-man

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There's the crux of your problem. The matter of 'authority' underlies all religions. For the Christian, it's the Bible. For the Mormon, it's Joseph Smith, unless he is superceded by whoever happens to be the President of the LDS church. You can choose to believe in one, but not both.

Personally, I'll go with the Word of God, not the pontifications of an over-sexed braggart. Cordially, Skip.
:amen:Doesn't matter they are both in the sinking ship.
 
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Conor B

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Unbiblical or unscriptural does mean "wrong" if one considers the Bible to be the authoritative word of God. The fact that Latter Day Saints claim without basis that the Bible has been corrupted and instead turned to man-made "Scripture" to formulate a man made religion does not make them right it makes them apostate.

The Jehovah's Witnesses at least adhere to God's Word. Even though they've come up with a number of unsound doctrines there is at least the possibility so long as the Bible remains the cornerstone of their faith that the Holy Spirit may draw them into the fold.

The Mormons? So long as they don't consider the Bible to be the cornerstone of their faith it isn't nearly as likely.
 
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Skip Sampson

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The Jehovah's Witnesses at least adhere to God's Word.
That is simply not true. For starters, if you were correct, they wouldn't need the NWT.

Beyond that, one only need examine the person of Jesus Christ as taught in the Bible to see that the JW version is not the same.

All false religions must reinterpret the Biblical Jesus, and it is the second point of investigation as to the validity of their claims. Cordially, Skip.
 
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ldsfaqs

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Unbiblical or unscriptural does mean "wrong" if one considers the Bible to be the authoritative word of God.

LDS indeed "don't" consider the Bible to be the authoritative word of God, we consider the Word of God to be the Word of God, in which the Bible also contains. We are not Bible "idol" worshipers.

The fact that Latter Day Saints claim without basis that the Bible has been corrupted and instead turned to man-made "Scripture" to formulate a man made religion does not make them right it makes them apostate.

1. "Without basis"....? Be careful of your words. We don't believe anything without basis.
2. LDS do not consider ANY scripture to be perfect. Even the Book of Mormon Joseph said it was the "most correct" book, because it was pure revelation and hadn't been in mans hands much to mess much up. But even it he didn't say was "perfect".
3. LDS recognizing that men with their own designs over 2,000 years both compiled what was an wasn't scripture (several times mind you, adding and removing things), and the many translations, and we know things are missing, etc. etc. Doesn't mean LDS don't consider the Bible to also contain the word of God. Heck, just translation alone, which translation is the "true" translation? Especially the modern ones? I've seen specific examples of how the NIV the most popular Evangelical version corrects some things, but entirely perverts others, and even inserts Evangelical interpretation into the Word. Which Bible? The Orthodox Bible, the Catholic Bible, the Protestant Bible??? You do know each one has different books of scriptures etc. in them??? So get off your high horse that LDS actually know the Bible for as it is.... It is the Word of God and the Correct Interpretation of it that is Key. It as a book is not "divine".
4. Revelation from God is not "man-made". Just because YOU have been told to believe in the man-made doctrine that there will never be revelation, scripture, etc. again, doesn't make it true. The Bible doesn't say that anywhere, yet you choose to believe that man-made doctrine.

The Jehovah's Witnesses at least adhere to God's Word. Even though they've come up with a number of unsound doctrines there is at least the possibility so long as the Bible remains the cornerstone of their faith that the Holy Spirit may draw them into the fold.

Let me tell you a little secret.... Mormons also use the Bible as a stone in our Faith. In fact, of the 4 years of our Sunday School scripture rotation we spent 2 years on the Bible. Have you even ever stepped into an LDS Church to even know what you are talking about? Clearly you haven't.

We don't have any "lessons" saying what is and isn't "corrupt" with the Bible.
The Bible is equal, hand in hand with our other scripture.
We study the Bible just as anyone studies the Bible.
There is nothing in Mormonism that conflicts with the Bible, if it did, we wouldn't be mormon. Further, me as a convert to mormonism, I know for a fact it doesn't conflict. But I also know that all your religions DO in fact conflict with it. I spent years in your religions, being beholden to NONE of their biases and interpretations. I just read the book for myself. And because of being in so many of your religions, it was easy to see all the man-made interpretations, the omissions, the perversions, etc. Only when I later came upon Mormonism did a religion in FULL and Accurately fit what the Book in Full said.

The Mormons? So long as they don't consider the Bible to be the cornerstone of their faith it isn't nearly as likely.

All scripture and truth is the cornerstone of our Faith, and Jesus Christ is the CHIEF Cornerstone....
 
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Conor B

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That is simply not true. For starters, if you were correct, they wouldn't need the NWT.

Beyond that, one only need examine the person of Jesus Christ as taught in the Bible to see that the JW version is not the same.

All false religions must reinterpret the Biblical Jesus, and it is the second point of investigation as to the validity of their claims. Cordially, Skip.

I understand the differences between the Witness view of Jesus (Arian heresy) and orthodox Christianity (Trinitarian) view.

I also agree that the NWT is a flawed translation in a few notable places. Nevertheless, the JW's do consider the Bible to be the final authority on matters of faith and doctrine where they fall short is in their reliance on Watchtower publications to understand or explain the Bible.

Witnesses who instead choose to rely on the Bible itself and apply literal hermeneutics invariably leave the Witnesses and very often become ardent born again Christians. Very often they do this through the use of the NWT itself. I know, I did.

The fact is I was born, raised, baptized, ordained, and married LDS and later became a JW after studying the Bible with them in an attempt to "witness" to them the truth of the "restored church" aka The Mormons.

Instead I became convinced that the Bible was the inerrant word of God and the other LDS "Scripture" were demonically inspired man made pale imitations of the real thing.

So, I became a Witness. However, being somewhat hardheaded and very mistrustful of man made doctrines and teachings after a lifetime of being LDS I began to read the Bible (NWT) without the aid of Watchtower publications and over a period of time without even being aware of it I became an orthodox believer of the reformed variety and left the Witnesses.

This is what I meant when I said that JW's can be led to Christ through the Holy Spirit more easily than LDS', it is because the Bible IS the cornerstone of their faith albeit a flawed version and the Watchtower publications are an adjunct to aid understanding not authoritative in and of themselves.

On the other hand LDS' tend to rely far more heavily on other "Scripture" considering it to be authoritative making them far less likely to become true Christians as a result.

Although some do; Praise God!

Recently several of my family members (born under the covenant) have left the Mormon Church after reading the Bible and praying for guidance.

So, even Mormons can be led out of the darkness by the Holy Spirit when they put their faith in Christ alone, read the Bible, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them into the truth. They leave however with a whole lot more unscriptural baggage to jettison than do the Jehovah's Witnesses.
 
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ldsfaqs

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That is simply not true. For starters, if you were correct, they wouldn't need the NWT.

Beyond that, one only need examine the person of Jesus Christ as taught in the Bible to see that the JW version is not the same.

All false religions must reinterpret the Biblical Jesus, and it is the second point of investigation as to the validity of their claims. Cordially, Skip.

The problem with your words is that you think YOUR "interpretation" is in fact the "Biblical Jesus".

What you don't understand is that ALL religions and individuals "interpret" the Bible. In fact, every individual is a religion all unto himself. And then ALL of you follow different "veins" of religions, and thus THEIR interpretations, thinking even further that such is the same as what the Bible actually teaches.

All of this however is contrary to what the Bible and Christ taught as the pattern. His Pattern was that the truth was to be known through the Prophets, Apostles, and other authorized administers of the Faith, so we would not be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, and that there would be a unity. The reason there is no unity is because of the very reason of "man-made" doctrine, in which men think unto themselves that they have a RIGHT to "call" themselves to the Ministry, to interpret the word, when the Bible is clear they DO NOT have that right.....

Anyone that actually follows what the Bible actually teaches should be either Catholic, Orthodox, or Mormon..... Sorry folks, but your religions unto yourselves is not what the Bible teaches in full on the matter of authority and truth. There has always been the Watchmen, be they the Prophets, the Apostles, and the other lower authorized and ordained.

I should also note that there have also always been apostasy's..... There was one even when Christ came. Obviously all truth wasn't gone, but the Fullness of it, and the Uncorrupted Authority of the Church was certainly missing. Note also how he specifically formed a New Church? Even saying, that Old Wine could not be placed into a New Jar? You don't hold the truth, but especially the fullness thereof as you believe.
 
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