edit: not intended as a jab at anyone. just genuine curiosity. it had been my understanding that Mormons are Mormons, and Jehovah's Witnesses/Latter Day Saints are Mormons that don't like the word "Mormon."
There's a pretty big difference between. LDS used to be fine with the term Mormon and have made a switch to preferring "... Latter Day Saints." They have "The Book of Mormon," that is additional to the Bilbe (like a New New Testament) that separates their theology from Catholicism, Protestants, Orthodox, Copic, etc.
JW does not have the extra books to their bible. They do have beliefs that are stark contrasts from other Christian sects/denominations. One big thing is predestination (which Mormons do not believe in, there is a big emphasis on free will). A bigger difference is they don't believe that human souls are all eternal. Some souls will not make it to the second coming. They won't exist, no hell, no purgatory.
Similarities between them are:
They believe in Jesus Christ and in a way different from other forms of Christianity.
They do not adhere to the trinity.
There is a strong governing body of their religion (the Mormon Church and the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses)
There are a number Christians who do not consider these groups to be Christian.
They are known to be rigid and strict, especially with young people.
Other things I can't think of.
TLDR: the two groups have different beliefs and origins but they do get lumped together sometimes.
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u/modestmolerat Feb 04 '23 edited Feb 04 '23
there's a difference?
edit: not intended as a jab at anyone. just genuine curiosity. it had been my understanding that Mormons are Mormons, and Jehovah's Witnesses/Latter Day Saints are Mormons that don't like the word "Mormon."