What is the difference between the Church of Christ and the Mormon church?

Answer 1

According to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), who are also called Mormons, the original church established by Jesus was restored by Jesus Christ in these latter days. However, traditional Christians believe the Mormon church divurges from true Christianity seriously. Mormons believe in the addition of the Book of Mormon to scripture, whereas traditional Christians believe that the Book of Revelation completed The Bible and that there would be no further word from God until the return of Jesus Christ at the Last Day. Mormons do not believe that Jesus is God the Eternal Father. They believe that God the Father and Jesus are entirely separate beings. Christians believe that Jesus is the second person of the Trinity, three persons in one God: Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Traditional Christians believe that God created everything out of nothing, but LDS states that there was eternal matter organized by God into Earth, etc. Mormons believe that men can become gods. Other Christians believe there is but one God, eternally existant in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Traditional Christians believe that all mankind inherited Adam's sin. Mormons believe that each person is only punished for his own sin. Mormons do not use the symbol of the cross, as other Christian churches do because they prefer to worship the Living Christ not a Dead Christ. They do, however, believe in Christ's atonement and His sacrifice for us all.

Answer 2

While both groups are considered Christian faiths and are identified with their 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 mainly use "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 true prophet.

Mormons believe that Jesus is Jehovah of the Old Testament

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

Mormons refer to God as Elohim.

Jehovah's Witnesses call him by his personal name, Jehovah. (Psalms 83:18.)

Mormons believe that "Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built on the American continent."

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that New Jerusalem (a heavenly kingdom government ruled by Christ Jesus) is established in heaven and will eventually rule over the whole earth. (Matthew 6:9,10)

Mormon missionaries preach for a set period of time, usually 2 years.

All of Jehovah's Witnesses (male & female, young & old) voluntarily preach the gospel for their entire lives.

Mormons believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the original 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, so that the nation of natural Jews no longer figure as a people in Bible prophecy, but God's anointed ones (from all nations, tribes, and tongues) 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.

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

Mormons believe that God told them to sin (eat from the forbidden tree) so that they could have children and fill the earth.

Mormons believe there are multiple 'levels' of heaven in the afterlife.

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.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe our existence begins at conception.

Mormons believe that all Christians receive the gifts of the holy spirit through "the laying on of hands" (tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing).

Jehovah's Witnesses believe this was a first century arrangement limited to the period of the apostles and as such, that these miraculous "gifts" have now ceased. (See 1 Corinthians 13: 8, 9.)

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

Jehovah's Witnesses mainly use the New World Translation at their worship services, but research & employ many different translations for their personal Bible study.

Mormons believe that Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus died on an upright (torture) stake.

Mormons do not have any restrictions or teachings regarding medical practices.

Jehovah's Witnesses abstain from blood and will not accept blood transfusions.

Mormons are encouraged to be active in politics, military, and their country's government to support and defend liberty and democracy.

Jehovah's Witnesses follow Jesus' example and do not participate in any military or political affairs. They do, however, follow the laws of their country and pay taxes as required.

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

Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays or most holidays.

Mormons count their total membership number as all those enrolled and tithing in their church.

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

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

Jehovah's Witnesses worship and hold Bible studies in "Kingdom Halls" at least twice a week.

Mormons require their members to tithe one tenth of their gross income to the church.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not tithe or take up collections; any contributions are anonymous and voluntary, and all of their Kingdom Halls are built and maintained by unpaid volunteers. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Mormons' standard worship service is similar in format to most Protestant churches - with hymns, prayers, the Sacrament ('Communion' or 'Lord's Supper'), and a couple short sermons.

Jehovah's Witnesses' standard worship services include prayers, singing, and study of the Bible, sometimes using other theocratic books as Bible 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 an opportunity to hear their message.

ADDITIONAL ANSWER:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is also known as the Mormons. They are one and the same.

Answer 3

There are many churches called the "Church of God". The LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) was even known as "Church of God" for a short period in it's early history.

I will compare the largest church called the Church of God with the modern Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the LDS or "Mormon" church):

The Church of God is a Pentecostal Christian denomination based in Cleveland, Tennessee. They have over 7 million members worldwide and over 1 million members in the United States. They began in 1886.

The LDS Church is a Restorationist Christian denomination based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They have over 14 million members worldwide and over 6 million members in the United States. They began in 1830.

The Church of God believes in the Trinity (that the Father, Son, and Spirit are the same being).

The LDS Church believe that the Father, Son, and Spirit are three separate beings perfectly united in purpose.

The Church of God, being a Pentecostal church, has lively, dynamic worship services. They may include strong sermons, exuberant singing, and different musical styles.

The LDS Church has more passive, reverent services. Short sermons are given by congregation members and traditional hymns are sung.

The Church of God believes in the final authority of the Bible.

The LDS Church uses the Bible, Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants as scripture. The LDS also believe in the authority of a modern prophet who leads the church through revelation.

Both Churches are well organized and have a centralized leadership. The Church of God is run by an International Executive Committee composed of the general overseer, assistant overseers, the secretary general, and the Council of Eighteen. The LDS Church is run by the General Authorities consisting of the Prophet, two counselors, Twelve Apostles, and a Seventies quorum.

Both Churches operate faith-based universities. The Church of God operates Lee University in Cleveland and Patten University in Oakland, California. The LDS Church operates three BYU campuses in Utah, Idaho, and Hawaii as well as LDS Business College in Utah.

Both Churches are known for their strong music traditions. Music plays an important part of worship for both churches.

Both Churches ask members to avoid adultery, premarital sexual relationships, homosexuality, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gambling, demoralizing or violent media, and abortion.

Both Churches promote being modest in dress, appearance, and behavior and living a chaste and moral lifestyle.

Both Churches believe that the family is the fundamental society of society and the church and advocate strong family values. They believe that men and women have separate and distinct responsibilities that are equal in importance. Additionally, the LDS church believes that the family is the fundamental unit in heaven, and that families and married couples will remain together after death.

Both Churches believe in divine healing, the Lords Supper, and footwashing, although their practices of these ordinances may differ.

Both Churches believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and the Resurrection of all men to either eternal life or eternal punishment

Both Churches believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind and that he died, was buried, was literally resurrected, and ascended to heaven.

Both believe that repentance is necessary for forgiveness, and that all people have need to repent of their sins.

Both Churches believe that baptism is essential and should be done in water by immersion.

Both Churches believe that speaking in tongues is one of the fruits of the Spirit, however, the Church of God believes in a traditional Pentecostal version (speaking in tongues not understood) and the LDS believe that speaking in tongues occurs when a speaker is able to preach in the native tongue of a listener when he has had little or no training in that language.

Of course not every detail between these two churches can be contained here. Check out their official websites at the "Related Links" below to learn more about each church.

Answer 4

It would take all day to fully answer this question, but I'll try to some it up. Mormons (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). Believe that Jesus is the Christ and the Savior of the world. They believe that Jesus organized a church while on the earth, and that Jesus' church was lost when he and the apostles were killed. They further believe that Jesus Christ's church was brought back to the earth when Jesus himself visited Joseph Smith in 1820 and called him as a prophet. They also believe that there is still a prophet on the earth today that is the head of their church. Jews believe that Jesus was not the savior of the world and they are still waiting for the savior to come. Jesus taught that the law of Moses had been fulfilled and brought a new law. Therefore most Christians do not live by old testament laws. I believe the Jews still try to follow old tetlstament laws.

Answer 5

"Mormon" and "LDS" can actually be used interchangeably. "Mormon" is a nickname and "LDS" is an abbreviation for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Occasionally, "Mormon" is used to refer to the entire religious movement begun by Joseph Smith, and LDS is used to refer to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints specifically, which is by far the largest denomination within that movement. The Church denies that other sects and denominations within the movement can be classified as "Mormon", and most Church members take offence when someone of these different sects is called a "Mormon".

Check out the "Related Links" if your interested in learning more about the topic.

Answer 6

Both the LDS church and the FLDS church have a shared heritage up until 1890, when the LDS church discontinued the practice of polygamy. Here, they parted ways. The FLDS continued practicing polygamy and the LDS disavowed the practice. The FLDS rejected further changes and became more closed off and strict while the LDS changed with the times and became more modern/mainstream. They have their own leaders, etc. Both claim to be the rightful/true branch of the church and believe the other is corrupt and apostate. Here are some major differences between the groups today:

The FLDS allows and even encourages polygamy (men having more than one wife), this is one of their defining doctrines. The LDS church does not allow polygamy and will excommunicate anyone who is or attempts to be polygamist. The FLDS is relatively small (6,000 members) while the LDS is relatively large (16 million members). The FLDS is concentrated in the western United States, with small groups in Canada. The LDS is worldwide with members in nearly every nation.

The FLDS live relatively closed off from society. Some live in compounds, while others live in small towns and limit their interaction with outsiders. Most do not have TV, radio, or internet. They do not attend public schools. They tend to work in FLDS-owned businesses. LDS live in regular neighborhoods and are mixed with society. They have TV, radio, and internet. They attend public schools and have regular jobs just like anyone else.

The FLDS have a strict dress code. Women must wear dresses with hems to just above the ankles, long sleeves to the wrists, collars close to the neck. Usually the dresses are solid colors, fairly shapeless, with puffy sleeves. They do not cut their hair and wear it in elaborate coiffed and braided styles. Men must wear long pants and long sleeves, usually with shirts that button, not T-shirts. They are clean shaven with short hair. Bright colors and patterns are discouraged for both genders. The LDS are encouraged to dress modestly, but do not have a strict dress code. In general they avoid sleeveless tops, exposing midriff or cleavage, and short shorts or skirts that expose most of the thigh. You wouldn't be able to pick out an LDS member by their appearance in a crowd.

While both have a health code, the FLDS is much more strict, especially in recent years, and the requirements have changed quite frequently. They have been asked to avoid such things as milk, eggs, white bread, etc. as well as tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. The LDS avoid alcohol, tobacco, coffee, most teas, and illegal drugs.

The FLDS are far more cult-like and secretive. The list of rules is long, including no toys, no pets, no holiday celebrations, no movies, no secular music, no Birth Control, no sex even among married couples without permission from the church. Some who have left have reported incredibly strict and detailed rules such as being told they could only clean with their left hand, or that they had to put their pants on with the right leg first. The church monitors their movement and activities and imposes harsh punishment for those who disobey even seemingly small rules. Members are encouraged to report other members who are disobedient. The church has been known to separate families, take people in windowless vans to new homes so they don't know where they are living, arrange marriages (even of young girls to much older men), etc. They rarely allow outsiders and will not associate with apostates except to harass. Members are expected to give all they own to the church and then the supplies are redistributed according to perceived need. It is a very strict and community-based lifestyle. In recent years they have been found guilty of tax evasion and food-stamp fraud. They see no problem with doing so because they believe the government is corrupt. The LDS aren't like this. They are integrated in regular society, and for the most part do whatever anyone else does. They tend to be more conservative in their lifestyle than the general population, but individuals are free to choose how they live and just encouraged to live a lifestyle that is pleasing to God, encouraged to interpret Biblical guidelines about food, appearance, relationships, and media for themselves. Church punishment is only given for those who admit to (or are found guilty of) murder, abuse, adultery, felonies, etc.