Religion is the most important part of our lives. We are constantly being influenced by the way we view life and other people. Religions have been around for centuries, all of them have some common points. There are several religions that are very different from each other. One of the most significant religions is Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witnesses.
In the Christian religion, the biggest rivalry is between the Catholics and Protestants. Mormonism is one of the most significant religions in America. The Jehovah’s Witnesses are also very different from other religions. The two main differences between these two religions are their beliefs and practices, but their similarities have also made both sects of people believe that they are different from other religions.
But what are the key differences between these two religions? What are Jehovah’s Witnesses’ teachings? What is the Mormons’ belief?
When it comes to beliefs, there are some very different points between these two religions. So, in this article, we will focus on the differences between Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons, the differences between their beliefs and practices, and the most important aspects in these two religions.
Summary Table
| Jehovah’s Witness | Mormon |
| A Christian religion that follows the teachings of Jesus Christ | A religion that follows the teachings of Joseph Smith Jr., who was a former Baptist minister who claimed to have received a series of visions from God, as well as the Book of Mormon |
| Accepts Jesus as the second person of the Trinity, who was born to Mary but died on a cross | Believes that Jesus is one with God |
| Led by a single leader | Does not have elders, but bishops instead |
Definitions
What is a Jehovah’s Witness?
Jehovah’s Witnesses is a Christian religion that follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Jehovah’s Witnesses were started in the 1870s by Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916), a Christian Restorationist minister; the denomination was started in England.
However, within about 15 years the denomination had spread to other countries, including Canada, Germany, Australia, France, and other European countries.
They believe that Jesus is the son of God and the Messiah. They also believe in the second coming of Jesus, called Armageddon. And they follow Bible teachings, as well as reading their publications and spreading their message to others.
Jehovah’s Witnesses were named after the God of the Old Testament, Jehovah. They also use this name for themselves. The term “Jehovah” is an abbreviation of the Hebrew word for “the Lord.” This term was originally used by Jews to refer to God. It was later adopted by Christians to refer to God.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are also known as Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, and The Bible Students.
What is a Mormon?
Mormonism is a religion that follows the teachings of Joseph Smith Jr., who was a former Baptist minister. Joseph Smith Jr. was a former Baptist minister who claimed to have received a series of visions from God, as well as the Book of Mormon, which is a religious text that contains prophecies about Jesus Christ and other prophets. He also created the religion of Mormonism in 1830. He died in 1844.
Smith highly recommended polygamy as part of the process of bringing Christianity back to its early roots.
Between 1830 and 1840, Mormons were persecuted and hunted by those who followed mainline Christian denominations. Shortly after this, Smith was murdered by non-Mormon Christians. The next leader of the Mormons was Brigham Young, who moved the Mormon church into the Western US in Utah.
Mormonism is also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons, and sometimes referred to as “the Mormon church.”
How do they relate to each other?
Both Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons believe in the same religion. For example, they both believe in the Trinity and that Jesus is God’s son. Both of them also believe in the second coming of Jesus, as well as Armageddon. And they both also follow Bible teachings, as well as reading their publications and spreading their message to others.
The two religions are very different, however. Let’s talk about the differences between them now.
Jehovah’s Witness Vs. Mormon
While Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons have similarities, they also have some differences. We will focus on the main differences in these two religions. Let’s take a closer look at the most important aspects of these two religions.
- The beliefs
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons both believe in Jesus Christ as their God and Savior, but they differ on what they mean by “Jesus”. Jehovah’s Witnesses accept Jesus as the second person of the Trinity, who was born to Mary but died on a cross. They believe that he rose from the dead, and that they must obey him. Mormons accept Jesus as the Son of God, but not as a second person of the Trinity.
They believe that Jesus is one with God, and there is no need to follow him after his death on a cross.
- The practices
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons have different practices. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate Christmas, and they do not believe in a Christmas tree. They do not sing songs, play musical instruments or perform dances during their services. Mormons on the other hand are more open to music, but only during their church services.
- The doctrine
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons differ on the way they think about God, his creation, the universe and man. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that there is only one God, who created the universe in six days about 6,000 years ago. He is the creator of all things. He also sent his son to die on a cross for our sins, so that we can be forgiven and live with him forever. Mormons believe that God is a spirit, and not a physical being. He created the universe in 6 days about 6,000 years ago, but he has no son. Mormons also believe that Jesus is the first begotten of God, but not his son.
- The leaders
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons differ on the way they elect their leaders. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that they are led by a single leader, while Mormons believe that there is only one church leader in each congregation. Mormons also do not have elders, but bishops instead.
- The organization
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons differ on the way they organize their congregation. Jehovah’s Witnesses are organized in “meetings”, while Mormons have “congregations”.
6. The Holy Books
Mormons believe in the Bible (Old and New Testaments). The LDS (Church of Latter-Day Saints) uses the King James Authorized version of the Bible. Mormons also consider the Book of Mormon to be a holy book that talks about God taking the Christian doctrine to the Native Americans before the Europeans came to the United States.
They consider this book to be as holy as the Bible.
On the other hand, Jehovah’s Witnesses have their own translation of the Bible called the New World Translation. This translation is a modern translation of the Bible published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. and the International Bible Students Association of Brooklyn, New York, USA.
7. Concepts of the Afterlife
Mormons believe the earthly body and soul of a person are separated at death. At that time, the soul continues to live until Resurrection Day, when the body and soul are reunited. They believe all people will be resurrected by Jesus Christ and be taken to heaven at that time.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the spirits go to sleep after death. At the Resurrection, when Christ returns, the sleeping souls of righteous Jehovah’s Witness will be resurrected. However, only 144,000 of these will be taken to heaven, while the rest live on the earth in peace forever.
