The Mormon sect is sometimes referred to as LDS, which stands for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most LDS members call themselves “Mormons.” However, there are exceptions to this. There are also some differences between the practices of some of the sub-branches of the LDS and mainstream Mormonism. We will discuss these exceptions and differences in this article.
Summary Table
| Mormon | LDS |
| Members of mainstream Mormon Church are called Mormons | Some leaders of the Church demand that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints aren’t referred to as the Church of Mormon |
| Polygamy is practiced within part of the Mormon community | Polygamy is forbidden |
Definitions
The Mormon Church was founded by Joseph Smith in the 19th century in the United States. Joseph Smith wrote his seminal Book of Mormon after, by his admission, he had a series of visions presented to him by the Angel named Moroni. The Angel “showed the way” for the author to find the series of plates on which was written the history of American dwellers with the focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ practiced within the communities.
Mormons historically belong to Christianity, but the two religious teachings and beliefs differ substantially. Among other beliefs written in the Book of Mormon is the belief that any Mormon has the capacity to become God if he follows the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Mormon Church representatives claim that there are over fifteen million people among the followers of the teachings of the Church today. The Mormon community is famous for its unity and strives to become an autonomous society.
The LDS Church sees its mission in the restoration of the teachings of Jesus Christ. The LDS Church authorities view mainstream Christianity as being misrepresentative as far as “true” Christianity is concerned. The LDS Church is the fourth largest Christian community in the US, and biggest among the other organizations within the Latter Day Movement, founded by its mastermind Joseph Smith. The Church leaders claim the mission and religious practices of the Church stem from the Church of Christ which Joseph Smith founded in 1830. The Church has branches all over the world. The missionaries of the Church go through an extensive training and are required by The Church to serve a two year long mission in the place in the world they choose to serve.
Mormon vs LDS
What is the difference between Mormon and LDS?
- Some LDS sub-branches, such as Community of Christ do not agree to be referred to as “Mormons.” The LDS Church representatives prefer the organization not to be called “The Mormon Church.” They agree, however, on referring to the members of the Church as “Mormons.” This position comes from the requirement to use the name of Jesus Christ whenever The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is referred to.
- Since the beginning of the movement, Mormonism has become notorious for practicing plural marriage. Early Mormon Church members openly engaged in polygamy. At the beginning of the 20th century, under pressure from mainstream Christianity, the LDS Church renounced plural marriage. However, the practice of plural marriage is still going on among the members of the Mormon community who do not associate themselves with the LDS Church.
Other Similarities & Differences Between the Mormons and LDS
In Mormonism, they use the name “God” to refer to “God the Father,” as He is known in the bible. They believe the Father, Son and Holy Ghost do not form a trinity but rather are three distinct divine individuals who are one in purpose.
On the other hand, Latter Day Saints refer to God as “Elohim.” (Elohim is a common noun in Hebrew that refers to deity in the plural). Latter Day Saints believe that God (the Godhead) is three distinct divine persons, including God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. They also believe that God the Father and Jesus Christ have glorified physical bodies, while the Holy Ghost is a spirit with no physical body.
Mormons also believe that they are the restoration of the 1st-century Christian church and that this restoration was through Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism and the LDS. Mormons believe their church is the only true Christian church and that Joseph Smith and his descendants are modern prophets who receive revelation from God.
Latter Day Saints see themselves as Christians, but as a restored church. They believe a Great Apostasy started after Christ’s ascension. From that time to now, Christian doctrine was influenced by Greek and other worldly philosophies, which distorted the Truth as presented by Christ. The LDS believe that God re-established the church through Joseph Smith, with Smith and his successors being the modern prophets who receive God’s revelation for the church.
Both Mormons and the LDS consider the Bible to be scripture, but they also have other scriptures, including:
- The Book of Mormon
- Doctrine & Covenants
However, the Mormons also have another scripture called the Pearl of Great Price.
As you can see, there are some similarities in belief between the Mormons and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Even so, it’s important to understand these two organizations consider themselves separate and distinctive churches.
