World Faiths & Religions

Frequently Asked Questions

Aren't Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses (i.e. the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society) pretty much the same thing?

Though many people associate Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses -- because both groups engage in door-to-door evangelism -- there is, in reality, very little in common to the two groups beyond this form of outreach. Jehovah's Witnesses engage in this formal proselytizing throughout their lives. Only Mormons who are officially and formally designated as full-time missionaries knock on doors, among other activities, such as service and teaching. On a theological level, to pick one of several important differences, the Bible alone, properly interpreted, is central to the Jehovah's Witnesses, whereas Mormonism with its expanded canon, as well as living prophets who may continue to add to that canon, flatly rejects any notion of biblical sufficiency. To highlight other differences, Mormons are officially encouraged to participate in the political processes of whatever country they live in, whereas Jehovah's Witnesses believe that such participation constitutes disloyalty to God's heavenly kingdom, and generally do not vote. Mormons are officially encouraged to acquire as much education as is possible and practical, whereas Jehovah's Witnesses have no such emphasis.

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