What is the difference between Jehovah's Witnesses and Latter Day Saints?

Answer 1

Although both groups are considered by most to be "Christian" faiths and are identified to a greater or lesser degree with a 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).

The Mormons use the Bible and "The Book of Mormon" which they also view as God's inspired Word.

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 in the Old Testament.

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

Mormons often refer to God (the Father of Jesus) as Heavenly Father, and believe his name is 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 the heavens.

Mormon missionaries (mostly young men and women, some retired couples) preach for a set period of time, usually 2 years.

All of Jehovah's Witnesses (male & female, young & old) preach the gospel for the rest of their lives, as did the apostles & Christians in the first century.

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 (from all nations) are designated as "spiritual" Israelites.

Mormons believe "that Christ will reign personally upon the earth."

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

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that death is the result of Adamic (from Adam) sin. Genesis 2:15-17; Romans 5:12

Mormons do not believe that Adam & Eve sinned, and that "men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression".

Mormons believe that after resurrection, we will be assigned to one of three 'levels' of heaven.

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

Mormons believe that our "spirits" were created long before our bodies, and that our spirits existed in heaven with God in a "pre-mortal" life.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe one's 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 as such, these miraculous gifts have ceased. (1 Corinthians 13: 8, 9.)

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

Jehovah's Witnesses use many different Bible translations but mainly bring the New World Translation to 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.

Jehovah's Witnesses abstain from blood & do not accept blood transfusions. Acts 15:28,29

Mormons are encouraged to be active in politics, the military, & government to support and defend liberty & democracy of their own countries.

Jehovah's Witnesses follow Jesus' example and do not participate in the military or political affairs of any country.

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

Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays or any holidays associated with pagan origins, spiritism, or nationalism.

Mormons believe in performing ordinances (baptism, etc) in behalf of those who have died. These ordinances are performed by proxy in Temples. They believe this provides the deceased with the opportunity to accept Christ and be saved.

Jehovah's Witnesses have no such practice.

Mormons count their total membership number as anyone who has been baptized into the faith and has not requested their name to be taken off the records, even if those baptized are not 'active' or practicing in the faith. They do not report the numbers of those whom have been baptized posthumously.

Jehovah's Witnesses count their total membership number only from those who are regular and active in the public preaching & teaching work.

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

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

Mormons expect all members to tithe one tenth of their income to the church. This income goes to humanitarian work, printing supplies, building maintenance, etc. Mormon clergy is unpaid.

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.

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 study directly out of the Bible, sometimes using other theocratic books as 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 in the world an opportunity to hear their message & the good news about God's Kingdom. Matthew 24:14

Both faiths have heath codes which outline proper diet, etc, but what these codes contain differs.

Answer 2

Lutheranism doesn't follow false prophets or false teachers.