As you likely have noted, members of these two faiths hold strong to many of the same values. They both believe in prophecy, healthy living and the respect of the body as a temple, baptism by immersion, tithing, following the Commandments, community service, and many others. However these churches are different in several important ways.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons or Latter-day Saints for short) believe in the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ. They also have great love for and belief in the Holy Bible and believe both books to be the word of God. Both faiths believe the Holy Bible to be a closed book (one that should not be added to or taken from). Adventists believe in the Holy Bible as their sole book of scripture but also believe the writings of Ellen White as prophecy. Latter-day Saints recognize that there are literally hundreds of translations of the Bible (some of which contradict each other) and therefore believe in the Holy Bible to be perfect in as much as it was translated correctly. Nonetheless Latter-day Saints and Adventists both try to follow closely the example of Christianity set forth in this wonderful Holy book.
Mormons believe Joseph Smith was a prophet and Adventists believe Ellen G. White was a prophet. Mormons additionally believe in modern-day revelation through prophets who have been chosen by God since Joseph Smith was killed. The prophet leads the Church at the direction of Jesus Christ and stands as as special witness and representative of Christ to all on the Earth. Christ said that He came not to abolish the Law (commandments) or the prophets but to fulfill them.
Both faiths recognize the Sabbath as a day that should be focused on the Savior as emphasized in the ten commandments and made clear in the Sermon on the Mount by Christ Himself. Each believe that it should be a day of rest from your usual labors and a day with an extra (since every day should so be) emphasis on worship. Latter-day Saints recognize Sunday as the Sabbath secondary to a latter-day revelation that stated the sabbath should be transferred to the "Day of the Lord" in observance of the atonement of the Savior. Adventists recognize Saturday (sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday) as the Sabbath.
Members of both faiths recognize a strict health code. Many Adventists are vegetarians and all abstain from cigarettes and alcohol. Latter-day Saints believe in abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea, other harmful or addictive substances, in addition to promote eating healthy grains, vegetables, fruits, and limited amounts of meat.
Certainly each of these faiths is distinct, but they do share many similarities -- including their strong commitment to the Savior. If you are wondering which to join, many can share their opinions and beliefs. However, the decision is between you and God. I'd encourage you to spend time talking with him to see what He would have you do. Read about each church from reliable sources: www.adventist.org and www.mormon.org or www.lds.org. All have a lot of useful information. Don't seek out information about Adventists from Mormons or about Latter-day Saints from Adventists (you wouldn't likely ask an English professor about a mathematical problem, or a physician about how to build a gas pipeline). Its tough to not be biased based on firm belief but God will not steer you wrong.
While Mormons, Adventists, and Shakers all originated in the Restoration Movement which grew out of the Second Great Awakening, they are very different religions with very different beliefs. For one, the Shakers don't exist anymore. They believed in strict celibacy, which made it difficult to perpetuate the faith. Check out the "Related Links" and "Related Questions" below to see the differences between Mormons and Adventists.
While Mormons, Adventists, and Shakers all originated in the Restoration Movement which grew out of the Second Great Awakening, they are very different religions with very different beliefs. For one, the Shakers don't exist anymore. They believed in strict celibacy, which made it difficult to perpetuate the faith. Check out the "Related Links" and "Related Questions" below to see the differences between Mormons and Adventists.
The main difference between Mormonism and Christianity is that Mormons believe in additional scriptures like the Book of Mormon, while Christians primarily follow the Bible. Additionally, Mormons have different beliefs about the nature of God and the afterlife compared to traditional Christian teachings.
Mormons are Christians.
The Mormon War of 1858 was not between the Mormons, but between the Mormons (living in the territory of Deseret), and the US Army, sent to bring the Mormons into subjugation over their refusal to recognize the authority of an abusive, unelected, federally-appointed governor.
Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons are both Christian denominations, but they have different beliefs and practices. Jehovah's Witnesses believe in the teachings of the Bible and focus on evangelism and door-to-door preaching. Mormons, also known as Latter-day Saints, believe in the Book of Mormon as well as the Bible and have additional scriptures and teachings. Mormons also have unique beliefs about the nature of God and the afterlife.
Adventists and Catholics have different beliefs and practices. Adventists focus on the Second Coming of Jesus and follow the teachings of Ellen G. White, while Catholics emphasize the authority of the Pope and tradition. Adventists worship on Saturdays, while Catholics worship on Sundays. Adventists do not believe in the concept of purgatory, while Catholics do. These are some key differences between the two faiths.
Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons are both Christian denominations, but they have different beliefs and practices. Jehovah's Witnesses believe in the teachings of the Bible and focus on door-to-door evangelism. Mormons, also known as Latter-day Saints, believe in the Book of Mormon as well as the Bible and have additional scriptures and teachings. Mormons also have a hierarchical leadership structure and believe in the concept of eternal families.
Members of the LDS Church are individuals who belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the LDS Church. Mormons, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to all individuals who belong to various denominations within the Latter Day Saint movement, including the LDS Church. In essence, all members of the LDS Church are Mormons, but not all Mormons are members of the LDS Church.
Mormonism is a type of Christianity. Asking the difference between Christians and Mormons is like asking the difference between fruit and apples - apples are a type of fruit, and Mormons are a type of Christian. Like all Christians, Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is their Savior and that the Bible is the Word of God. They have many of the same traditions and rituals as other Christians such as Baptism, Lord's Supper/Communion, Sunday Worship, Easter, and Christmas. Mormons do have some beliefs that set them apart from most other Christians. For example, they reject the Nicene Creed and the doctrine of the Trinity, believing instead that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three seperate beings united by purpose. They believe that prophets did not end with the Bible and that God continues to send prophets today. They believe in scripture in addition to the Bible (The Book of Mormon). They perform baptisms for those who died without accepting Christ so that these people might get a chance to accept Jesus in the afterlife. Mormons also believe that marriages and families are eternal and will continue in heaven. Check out the "Related Link" below to learn more about Mormons.
Seventh-day Adventists and Catholics have different beliefs and practices. Seventh-day Adventists worship on Saturdays, believe in the imminent return of Jesus, and emphasize health and wellness. Catholics worship on Sundays, venerate saints and Mary, and have sacraments like confession and communion.
One key difference between Seventh-day Adventist beliefs and mainstream Christian beliefs is the observance of the Sabbath. Seventh-day Adventists worship on Saturday, while most mainstream Christians worship on Sunday. Another difference is the emphasis on health and wellness in Seventh-day Adventist teachings, including a vegetarian diet and abstinence from alcohol and tobacco. Additionally, Seventh-day Adventists believe in the imminent return of Jesus Christ and place a strong emphasis on prophecy and the end times.