Interesting? How so? Just odd little bits of trivia I guess. Everyone else was talking about theological differerences… I thought I’d add the practical living differences.
That’s what I was referring to, actually.
And the no pants on women “in service” or at meetings IS a big deal to JW’s… as is no facial hair - like beards on men.
Hmnn… I actually had to go back and re-read that part. I misread it, and thought you said that Mormons don’t allow women to wear pants in church.
We don’t. Or rather, we aren’t going to kick anybody out who DOES, but it’s considered disrespectful if there is no compelling reason to wear trousers. Of course, that only applies to the chapel, and it is purely cultural. There is no doctrinal reason for it one way or the other, and it depends upon the culture. The idea is that you get dressed up in your very best to attend Sacrament meeting, as a gesture of respect for God and where you are. Not ‘formal’ party wear, but definitely 'Sunday go to meeting." That has been traditionally skirts/dresses for women, suits and ties for men in western nations. It means other styles of dress elsewhere.
You think it’s a cultural thing… it’s actually an important aspect of the JW life…one must follow ALL the rules to show obidence to Jehovah.
Ok…are you a Jehovah’s Witness, or were you?
Another difference: All JWs are required to go out “in service” - knocking on doors, trying to get people to take their literature. They are required to keep track of the # of hours spent “in service” and submit a report at the end of each month. If a JW skips a month, he is considered “irregular”… several skipped months and he’s considered an “inactive JW.” Those were the terms when I was more closely associated with the JWs… not sure if they are still used today.
I believe only LDS men are encouraged to become Missionaries - in their late teens for a period of two years. Maybe life long missionary work is an option as well, but I don’t believe it’s required of everyone. Zerinus?
Men and women both may go. I served a mission in England, a whole bunch of years ago. It is encouraged that Mormons be willing to share their faith, but we don’t send our members door to door the way JW’s do.
Another difference: JWs: If a serious sin becomes known to the elders, the gulity JW is brought before them and even if he expresses repentance, the elders may decide that he should be shunned by the congregation for a period of time - usually 6 months if he’s repentant. He must continue to attend all meetings but no one may speak to him - including family members who reside outside his home. After the time has passed, the JW again goes before the elders and they decide if he has been forgiven, or if more time must pass.
I believe that a repentant LDS member does not recieve the same treatment from his congregation. Repentant being key. Again - Zerinus would have to respond to that?
Actually, no, he wouldn’t. We are far more likely to talk his socks off. Everybody loves a repentant sinner.
Or rather, that’s the way it is supposed to work. Mind you, the nature of the sin committed may be such that his family and friends might find it a little difficult. I mean, the guy who runs off with his eighteen year old dental assistant and leaves his wife and eight kids behind with no child support might get the cold shoulder…but then that guy isn’t going to want to be all that chummy with us, either.
I only meant that we are all in for a wondeful journey through the scriptures Proverbs 2:3,4…I know I can learn from ALL of you and I hope you can learn from me.