What is Jehovah’s Witness?
Jehovah’s Witnesses is a religious denomination that identifies as a Christian movement. Here are some key beliefs and practices associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses:
- Monotheism: Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their strict monotheistic beliefs. They believe in one God, whom they refer to as “Jehovah.”
- Bible-Based: Jehovah’s Witnesses place a strong emphasis on the Bible. They believe the Bible is God’s inspired and infallible Word and engage in door-to-door evangelism and Bible study.
- Rejection of the Trinity: Unlike many other Christian denominations, Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, which teaches that God exists as a single substance in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Instead, they believe that Jesus Christ is a created being separate from God.
- Kingdom Hall: Jehovah’s Witnesses gather for worship and meetings at Kingdom Halls. They do not refer to their places of worship as churches.
- No Military Service: Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their conscientious objection to military service. They believe in nonviolence and face legal challenges related to their refusal to serve in the military.
- No Blood Transfusions: Another well-known practice of Jehovah’s Witnesses is their refusal of blood transfusions. They interpret certain Bible passages as prohibiting the consumption of blood in any form, including through medical procedures.
- No Celebration of Holidays and Birthdays: Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate traditional holidays or birthdays, as they believe these observances have pagan origins.
- No Participation in Politics: Jehovah’s Witnesses abstain from political involvement and do not vote in political elections. They believe that their allegiance belongs solely to God’s Kingdom.
- Disfellowshipping: If a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses commits a serious sin or is considered to violate the faith’s teachings, they may face disfellowshipping, which involves shunning or excommunication from the community until they repent.
What is Mormon?
Mormon” refers to a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). This Christian religious denomination originated in the United States in the 19th century. Here are some key beliefs and practices associated with Mormons:
- Book of Mormon: Mormons believe in the Book of Mormon as a sacred scripture alongside the Bible. They believe that the Book of Mormon was translated by their founder, Joseph Smith, through divine guidance. It tells the story of ancient peoples in the Americas and their interactions with God.
- Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith is considered the founder of Mormonism. According to Mormon belief, he had a series of visionary experiences, including the visitation of God the Father and Jesus Christ. He claimed to have been directed to the golden plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated.
- Restoration: Mormons believe that their church represents a restoration of true Christianity as established by Jesus Christ, which they believe had been corrupted and lost over time. They see themselves as the “restored” Church.
- Temples: Temples are central to Mormon worship. These are sacred buildings where special ordinances, such as baptisms for the dead and marriage ceremonies, are performed. Access to temples is restricted to members in good standing.
- Missionary Work: Mormons are known for their extensive missionary efforts. Young men and women are encouraged to go on two-year missions to spread the teachings of the LDS Church. They are recognized by their distinctive white shirts, ties, and name tags.
- Family Emphasis: Mormons place a strong emphasis on the family unit. They believe in eternal families and perform temple sealing ceremonies to bind families together for eternity.
- Abstinence from Certain Substances: Mormons are taught to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea. This is the Word of Wisdom, a health code outlined in LDS scripture.
- Church Leadership: The LDS Church has a hierarchical structure with a president considered a prophet, seer, and revelator. Below the president are the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other leadership positions.
- Genealogy and Ancestral Work: Mormons are known for their interest in genealogy and family history. They believe in performing vicarious baptisms for deceased ancestors, allowing them to accept Mormonism in the afterlife.
- Community and Welfare: The LDS Church strongly emphasizes community and welfare programs, assisting members and non-members in times of need.
Comparison Table Between Jehovah’s Witness and Mormon
| Aspect | Jehovah’s Witnesses | Mormons (LDS Church) |
|---|---|---|
| Founders | Founded by Charles Taze Russell in the late 19th century. | Founded by Joseph Smith in the early 19th century. |
| Deity | Believe in one God, Jehovah, and do not believe in the Trinity. | Believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost as separate beings. |
| Scripture | Accept the Bible as their primary religious text, with a specific translation called the New World Translation. | Accept the Bible (including the King James Version) and the Book of Mormon as sacred scriptures. |
| Jesus Christ | Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God but not part of a Trinity. | Believe that Jesus Christ is a separate divine being from God the Father. |
| Holy Communion | Do not celebrate the Eucharist or partake in the Lord’s Supper. | Celebrate a version of the Eucharist called the Sacrament, which includes bread and water. |
| Afterlife | Believe in an earthly paradise after Armageddon, and only a limited number (144,000) of Jehovah’s Witnesses will go to heaven. Others will have the opportunity for eternal life on Earth. | Believe in different degrees of heaven and an emphasis on eternal families. |
| Holidays and Celebrations | Do not celebrate holidays or birthdays, as they view them as rooted in pagan customs. | Celebrate holidays and birthdays, although some may choose not to. |
| Blood Transfusions | Generally refuse blood transfusions based on their interpretation of biblical passages. | May accept blood transfusions, but it’s a personal decision. |
| Door-to-Door Ministry | Known for their extensive door-to-door evangelism and public witnessing. | Engage in missionary work, including door-to-door visits, and have a strong emphasis on spreading their faith. |
| Leadership Structure | Governed by a hierarchical leadership structure, with elders and a Governing Body at the highest level. | Led by a hierarchical leadership structure, including a president who is considered a prophet, seer, and revelator. |
| Baptism | Baptized members are considered part of the congregation and are expected to live by Jehovah’s Witness teachings. | Baptism is performed at age eight and is seen as a covenant with God. Members are encouraged to follow LDS teachings. |
Main Differences Between Jehovah’s Witness and Mormon
Jehovah’s Witnesses:
- Founded by Charles Taze Russell in the late 19th century.
- Believe in one God, Jehovah, and reject the doctrine of the Trinity.
- Accept the Bible as their primary religious text, with a unique New World Translation translation.
- Do not celebrate the Eucharist or partake in the Lord’s Supper.
- Believe in an earthly paradise after Armageddon, with only a limited number (144,000) of Jehovah’s Witnesses going to heaven.
Mormons (LDS Church):
- Founded by Joseph Smith in the early 19th century.
- Believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost as separate beings, not in the traditional Christian Trinity.
- Accept the Bible (including the King James Version), the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price as sacred scriptures.
- Celebrate a version of the Eucharist called the Sacrament, which includes bread and water.
- Believe in different degrees of heaven and emphasize eternal families as part of their faith.
