Do Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons feel any kind of kinship toward each other?

Question

It seems to me that the two have a lot in common:
They are both Non-Trinitarian Christian groups.
They both have zealous missionary efforts.
They both started out around the same era.
They both get slandered for their beliefs by other Christians and cult fanatics.
And, many people mistake one for the other.

So, I was wondering, does anyone from either of these two groups feel any kind of affinity or empathy toward the other?

Answer 1

Perhaps "empathy" and "respect" are better words than "kinship" and "affinity".

The self-described Christian religions of Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses certainly resemble each other in superficial ways, but their theologies are markedly different.

As individuals, many Witnesses note that adherents of Mormonism have a reputation for neighborliness and godly love which is too uncommon among self-described Christians.

(John 13:34-35) I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.”


It is also true that Mormonism has managed to recognize a few of the obvious bible truths that continue to evade most of Christendom, such as recognizing that Jesus the Son is a distinct person from God the Father.

(Mark 13:32) Concerning that day or the hour nobody knows, neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but the Father.

(John 20:17) Jesus said to her: “...For I have not yet ascended to the Father. But be on your way to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father and to my God and your God.’”


Also, it is interesting that only Jehovah's Witness and Mormonism have any real program of lay-ministry in which every adherent is encouraged to preach.

(Matthew 28:19,20) Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded


Of course, "Mormonism" is not a single religion, but the so-called 'Latter-day Saints' tolerate holiday celebrations, warfare, and nationalism (which to Jehovah's Witnesses seems incompatible with true worship).

It seems best to allow Mormons themselves to describe the uniqueness of their beliefs regarding various post-biblical holy writings, modern-day literal prophesy, the correlation between the physical and spirit realms, and the various levels of grandeur in heaven.

Learn more:
http://www.watchtower.org/e/lmn/article_02.htm

Answer 2

I was a Mormon from the time I was 4 years old until I was 12. The whole time that I was a Mormon I thought it was the true Religion; But I NEVER ONCE Felt God's HOLY SPIRIT !

Then at the age of 12 I started studying the Bible with Jehovah's CHRISTIAN Witnesses. From the VERY 1ST Bible study that I had with them I FELT God's HOLY SPIRIT and it was VERY STRONG ! ! !

I'm still a JW at the age of 49 and I look back at my change from Mormonism to becoming one of JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES as THE BEST DECISION of My Life ! ! !

Now when I see a Mormon I always think that they HAVE NO IDEA WHAT They're MISSING OUT ON !

Answer 3

I love Jehovah's Witnesses! Their emphasis on reading the scriptures is admirable. It is an awesome way to spend time with the Lord's word. One of my favorite people to visit in Puerto Rico while on a mission was a dear older lady who had been a Jehovah's Witness, and she was not afraid of using the scriptures to teach anyone. I like to see what they print to pass out, too, because everything that is published promoting good and holy and righteous principles gives Satan a smack and a whack. Have a happy day, and I send you a gummy bear.

Answer 4

Jehovah ´s witnesses attach completely to the bible as our source of information we don´t have any other book.

Jehovah´s witnesses are famous for been preaching and not involved in anything (politic, word affairs) the only goverment that we support is The one that Jesus will have in the near future.

All JWS are missionaires their whole life.

Answer 5

The similarities between LDS and JW's are interesting. But as a LDS, I must say that I feel a kinship with everyone... I think we are all human beings with souls of our own and that we all have a purpose in life. That bond sort of brings us all together. But I do respect the JW's and their beliefs, although I don't know very many JW's personally.

Answer 6

I am L.D.S. and I feel an affinity to the Jehovah's Witnesses. My grandmother is one and although I don't agree with some of their teachings, I do love her.

Answer 7

Mormonism generally views Jehovah's Witnesses as just another Christian sect. However, we get frustrated how often our missionaries get mistaken for theirs and vice versa.

Answer 8

My Mormon friend says the Jehovah Witnesses are not real Christians and my Jehovah's Witness friend says the Mormons are not Christian. Go figure.

Answer 9

Why should we? We have nothing in common.!

BTW, the JW missionaries are very different than ours! Our missionaries spend 2 years, 18 months for girls, of their lives doing nothing but share the gospel with people in the area where they are assigned.

Answer 10

Do any Christian churchs feel anything for each other but hate?.....NO...they all think they are the one true church and the rest are getting burned......you remember that big christian hit " I GOD BURN MY CHILDREN, I BURN THEM ONE BY ONE"