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Similarities and Differences between Judaism and LDS

A Survey: What Do Jews Really Know


A Church survey conducted during the 1970’s concluded the following about mainstream modern-day Jews.


Many Jewish people know very little about their own Jewish identity or the difference between the terms Jews, Israelites, or Hebrews.


Many don’t know the origins of their traditions, the nature or personality of God, or Messianic literature, expectations or purposes. The concepts they do embrace are generally incorrect.


Jews know little about the meaning or tradition of priesthood. The rabbi, Jewish spiritual leader, is not ordained. He is appointed by the congregation and can be dismissed by them.


Jews have a small knowledge of the prophet Isaiah and all other prophets. Many congregations do not tithe, but many give to aid in the building and preservation of their synagogue and schools.


Jewish religious training basically prepares children for their rites of passage ceremonies (Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and confirmations). They are taught correct observances of Jewish holidays and traditions but little insight into Talmudic knowledge or history is offered.


Many Jews do not know Hebrew or Yiddish.


Jews do not believe Jesus Christ is their Mashiach (Messiah). They reject and revile the idea that he came to teach Messianic scriptures to the Jews and that he was their “king”.Because of many omissions and corruptions to worship practices that have occurred in modern times, the Jewish people have been left with no saving ordinances. This is not a criticism, but a deeply disturbing fact. They don’t know what a saving ordinance is, or that they must have it to partake of the glory that is available to all of us.


Main Similarities:


Members of the twelve families of Israel   Both


Under the Avrahamic Covenant  Both


called Covenant Israel because the blood of Israel is in their veins   Both


Worship the same Heavenly Father Both Belief in the Ten Commandments as given to Moses   Both


Belief in a kingdom of priests and a holy nation  Both


Ancient holders of holy priesthoods  Both


Belief in angels, holy and unholy visitations  Both


Belief in the idea and reality of a Messianic figure Both


Belief in sacrifice as atonement for sin Both


Belief in Old Testament (Torah) prophets, revelations from God  Both


Belief the Mashiach will be a descendant of Davidic line  Both


Belief in temples. The synagogue is a type of temple  Both


Belief in prayer, sacred religious rituals and consecrated behaviors  Both


Practice a form of baptism, anointing, laying on of hands  Both


Administer “new” names to those completing ordinances  Both


Belief in giving aid, monetary assistance and other charity to those in need   Both


Belief in a pre-mortal life and an afterlife   Both


LDS believe Elijah has returned. Jews believe he will return on the Passover   Both


Do not see death as tragedy   Both


Belief in the eventual redemption of the dead Both


Believe in eventual resurrection of the dead  Both


Belief in the End Days theories that will bring peace and joy   Both


Congregations led by appointed representatives   Both


Believe in living basic Mosaic law of chastity, honesty, charity, Sabbath observance   Both


Crosses not used as symbols in either church or synagogue   Both


Both religions acknowledge Jesus as a teacher of righteousness   Both


Both religions have strict dietary laws   Both


Jews and Mormons wear sacred garments under clothes, outer vestments   Both


General knowledge or interest in scripture learning, reading, quoting  Both


Members encouraged to study, learn and achieve   Both


Members are taught self-sufficiency    Both


Belief in family as essential to a happy, productive life, basis of society    Both


Belief in marrying inside the religion and culture    Both


Belief in an Adversary and his evil influences     Both


Belief that good overcomes evil   Both


Acknowledgement of mysteries of creation beyond human knowledge   Both


Societies have undergone religious persecution, exodus, re-settlement for beliefs   Both


Belief that God will personally reign upon the earth (Jews: Elohim) (LDS: Christ)    Connections


Former and latter-day prophets have used the Urim and Thummim     Connections


The Jewish Tanakh scriptures have parallels and similarities to the LDS “quad” in subject matter, wisdom, purpose     Connections


LDS temple ordinances, symbols are based upon sacred Israelite rites and practices     Connections


Belief in revelation and prophecy available to anyone (Jews: rabbis exert powerful but limited influence) Connections


Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints based upon Mosaic Law as given to Moses    Connections


Jews know their Messiah will come. He will be a Jew. LDS know that the Savior has come and is Jesus Christ Connections Messianic Jews already know that Jesus is the Christ. They call him Yeshua Connections


Book of Mormon prophets are descendents of Hebrew prophets, although the Jewish people are as yet unaware of it    Connections


Book of Mormon prophets as well as Hebrew prophets have received revelations about the gathering in these last days of the 10 lost tribes and their eventual return to Israel    Connections


Circumcision practiced. Jews: a covenant with God and the mark of their identity. LDS: having a broken heart and a contrite spirit    Connections


Mormon prophets pray for the redemption of Israel and the gathering of Israel to the lands of their inheritance. Jews pray for peace and redemption of Israel to Jerusalem    Connections


Two additional connections between Jews and the Restoration of the Gospel:


(1) The Golden Plates were delivered by the angel Moroni to Joseph Smith on Rosh Hashonah, September 22, 1827, when Jews all over the world were praying for the restoration of the brit, meaning covenant.


(2) Following the restoration of the Gospel on Passover, April 3, 18 36, the Lord Yeshua appeared in vision to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland, Ohio temple.


______________________________________________________________________________________


Main Differences    (Key- Jewish=yes.  LDS=yes. LDS n/a or Jewish n/a=no)


Monotheism Jewish     LDS   n/a


Belief in Torah as final arbiter of all of life’s rules, rewards, the garment of life    Jewish              LDS  n/a


Method of prayer is ritualistic. Prayers are recited exactly as written     Jewish          LDS   n/a


Open canon, not a finalized religion or culture Jewish LDS Knowledge that families of Joseph are to bring Judah into the LDS church LDS Interest in or understanding of Jesus the Christ                       Jewish  n/a       LDS


The Messiah has arrived and is Jesus Christ    Jewish  n/a           LDS


Atonement of Savior has been accomplished     Jewish   n/a          LDS


The Messiah put on mortality through Mary, immortality through God     Jewish  n/a      LDS


Personal savior recognized as Jesus. Prayers offered in Jesus’ name    Jewish   n/a           LDS


Personal prayers taught and encouraged LDS Belief in modern revelation or promptings    Jewish  n/a       LDS


Modern prophets lead restored Church of Jesus Christ    Jewish  n/a          LDS


Priesthood restoration has been accomplished      Jewish   n/a              LDS


Lay leaders, unpaid clergy n/a LDS Literal belief in life after death for the soul of man   Jewish  n/a      LDS


Saving ordinances    Jewish   n/a       LDS


Acknowledgement of a modern temple     Jewish  n/a         LDS


Ordinance work for dead (Elijah’s return) has been restored   Jewish  n/a         LDS


From: Muchnick, Marlena Tanya; Baker, Daniel C;  (2005-04-01). A Mormon’s Guide to Judaism: Introduction to Jewish Religion and Culture for Latter-day Saints (Kindle Locations 1131-1181). Granite Publishing and Distribution. Kindle Edition.  Click on: Marlena’s main website  to order and see all books.

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