Why are Mormons so much kinder than Jehovah's Witnesses?

Question

I respond to/ask a lot of questions about doctrines of religious groups on the outskirts of mainstream Christianity. Often these involve the belief system of Mormons and JWs, which I've researched extensively.

In responding/asking, I've noticed distinct differences bet. the two groups. When I've honestly answered Q's on Mormon doctrine, Mormons give me thumbs up for accurately presenting what I know. They answer questions kindly and non-defensively.

JWs, though, have a completely opposite approach: They often skirt the question, regurgitate WT responses verbatim, or lie in response. When they are taken to task on this, they resort to attacking/character assassination, and name calling. On the rare occassion when a JW gave an honest answer, even though I don't agree with the theology, I gave a thumbs up for honest presentation.

Now, I ask--if doctrinal issues were a non-issue--who's attitude and behavior would be more worthy of the "Christian" label?

Thanks Mormons who responded; you're very kind.

Life: No, if asked Qs from Bible, I answer thus--not with ideas of men. You should look at my Q on Theocratic Warfare with video of a lying elder. Thanks for kind words, but I wasn't personally offended. Just stating what happens here daily.

Suzanne & got_air: Responses make sense.

Christian: I've participated in Mormon chat rooms discussing theological differences. Still never treated how some JWs treat us, nor with defensiveness, nor condescension (as Troll mentions).

Heiss & Iron S: Both prove my point. Thank you. I raise the contrast to see if it's the "apostate" issue. You prove it is. I'm anti-false doctrine, not anti-JW-- said often that parents are JWs.

Seasoned: Yes, it IS based on my experience here, as expressed. I can only answer with my experiences, which are ALWAYS TRUE. Doesn't keep thumbs down from rolling in, though.

Lamb: AMEN! That's why we're here and that's what we get

Answer 1

I think their respective doctrines have everything to do with their behavior. Consider that Mormons believe that through baptism they themselves will one day become God's so once the baptism happens they are under very little pressure to perform while JW's believe that only a small percentage will go to heaven with the majority being left here on earth and the only way they can obtain their goal is through constant works as demanded by their leadership in this life.

Answer 2

Like Dane, I am Mormon, so am a little biased, but I too am glad that you were treated with respect. I know a lot of the Mormons on here are hear for the laughs that we get from all the rumors that flit around. Thus, they usually will answer your questions honestly and politely. I have not had any experience with JW questions or answers, since I have no knowledge of their religions, so I don't usually look at those types of questions or answers. Not that I don't like them, just that I don't want to answer a question about them, then have it be wrong. I mean, I am tired of all the lies that float around about us, so I don't want others to experience it.

Answer 3

I'm glad you have had good experiences with us mormons. It makes us feel good to know that we are being nice. That being said, I think there are people in every religion who won't give you a straight answer. I wouldn't say it's just JW's. I'm sure there are other people from different religions that would do the same thing.

Answer 4

My JW friends may disagree with your anecdotal evidence. However I am pleased to hear that you had a good experience with Mormons -- or at least they treated you with respect.

there are good and bad in all belief systems -- however I hope that most Mormons treat others with respect regardless of belief system/religion

Answer 5

Being Mormon, I have a biased opinion. I'm glad you've had good experiences from those of our faith. I've personally only asked one JW question and got nice, polite, and mostly informative answers, so I haven't seen what you are describing.

Answer 6

As one of Jehovah's Witnesses..and surely...we all have the same view...We will answer anyone's question with sincerity and with the Bible's viewpoint.

Perhaps..when one of us...endeavors to answer your question ...for the most part..we try to get the reason behind the question you ask.

Never do we 'skirt' around a questiion. Of course..since we believe in the material that we ourselves study...and try to help others as well. then...why wouldn't we use the Watchtower/or any other of the publications printed by the Wacthtower Bible and Tract Society..since it is 'ALL' based on God's word the Bible? Wouldn't you do the same?

Lying is not approved by the Creator..and a Witness would not 'outrightly' resort to such measures.

We do not 'debate' issues....but try to reason with a person from the scriptures...using one or two scriptures to help clarify a question. But..when a person seems to not reason..no matter how much we try to answer a question then ...we 'take our leave.'

Since imperfection...plauges mankind...we all at times...can let what someone else say...get uus 'upset'..and we too (Jehovah's Witnesses) are not immune to getting upset and showing unchristian like qualities.

Yet...as a "Whole"...we as Jehovah's Witnesses strive to cultivate "Christ-like" qualities...and that in turn..helps us to have the same qualities as our Heavenly Father Jehovah!

If you were offended..by one of my Brothers/Sisters...then please...accept my deepest apologies...because most assuringly...the one who offended you with words....feels reqret over it!

Sincerely,

~Lifeeternal3~

Answer 7

They can be until you explain certain definitions to them. At first both Christians and mormons seem to be on the same page so they are pleasant. However once you provide them with the biblical definition of grace, atonement, sacrifice, hell, and repentance then they start to squirm and slander you.

I'm with you. I've noticed that when JW's are challenged they avoid the question and ask another hoping to change the subject. If that doesn't work they resort to slander and character assassination. Mormons also result to these tactics.

If doctrinal issues didn't matter then that would be a tough decision at least for me. I've met some very pleasant JW's and Mormons and I've also seen Mormons and JW's who are as far from the christian label as you can get.

We both know that correct doctrine matters. If you don't have the right doctrine you go to hell. That is why it's important to shine the light of the Bible on these teachings and expose them. Maybe some of the deceived will break that bondage and come out of it and be warriors for Christ such as yourself.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb. 4:12

Answer 8

Don't you think you're generalizing just a bit? All Mormons are kinder than all Jehovah's Witnesses, based on your experiences in Yahoo! Answers?

I admit that I give a thumbs down when someone is misrepresenting our beliefs. (I've even given them to you on occasion, when I felt your answer warranted it.) I do this, not to be rude, but to keep the untrue answers from cluttering up my screen as I scroll down to the other answers.

Other Witnesses' answers notwithstanding, I've never "regurgitated" anything on this or any forum. I answer according to my feelings and beliefs as honestly as I can.

Answer 9

This is based on friendships with Mormons and personal observation...

The Mormon social structure is much more tuned to helping individuals and families become self-sustaining, if not financially well-off in the "present world." "Poor" Mormons receive a church-sponsored welfare. (I used to study the Bible as a JW with a nice Mormon lady who told me how she was a recipient. She wanted to still tithe, but her non-Mormon husband was the bread-winner and he'd only humor her so far.)

From a social and fiscal standpoint, JW individuals may help each other, but only to a point. Some congregations may even maintain an assistance fund of some sort, but usually they are meager if they exist at all. If a witness has "worldly" relatives that are biologically closer to them than any JW relatives they may have, they are told the principle is to ask them first. My JW uncle "borrowed" thousands of dollars from my non-JW mother (and has never paid it back), while his JW siblings wouldn't help him at all.

So I would say there's an undercurrent of resentment within the JWs that is probably less severe with the Mormons, if it exists at all.

Again, from my personal observations and my opinion only.

Suzanne

Answer 10

I have found this true in person.

Mormons can and do talk about many things that are of the ordinary though the Witnesses often are in a hurry to move away.

It seems to me that the Mormons are much more confident in general, and the JWs are only confident when they discuss the bible to convert. Then it seems they have an attitude of superiority and not equality.

This is my experience.

Being a nice and kind human does not make a person Christian. This is a part of Christians, of course, though nice and kind does not mean they are Christian.