LDS vs. Mormon

Attribute	LDS	Mormon
Founder	Joseph Smith	Joseph Smith
Official Name	The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints	The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Beliefs	Believe in the Book of Mormon, modern prophets, and continuing revelation	Believe in the Book of Mormon, modern prophets, and continuing revelation
Scriptures	Book of Mormon, Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price	Book of Mormon, Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price
Leadership	Prophet and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles	Prophet and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Beliefs

The terms LDS and Mormon are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences in their meanings. The term LDS stands for Latter-day Saints, which refers to the official name of the church founded by Joseph Smith in the 19th century. On the other hand, the term Mormon is a nickname that has been used to refer to members of the LDS church. Both groups believe in the Book of Mormon as scripture, but LDS members also believe in additional texts such as the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price.

Leadership

When it comes to leadership, both LDS and Mormon communities are led by a prophet who is considered to be a modern-day successor to Joseph Smith. The prophet is believed to receive revelations from God and provide guidance to the church. In addition to the prophet, both groups have a hierarchy of leaders including apostles, bishops, and stake presidents. These leaders are responsible for overseeing the spiritual and temporal welfare of their congregations.

Practices

Both LDS and Mormon communities engage in similar religious practices such as attending church services on Sundays, participating in sacrament meetings, and observing holidays such as Christmas and Easter. However, there are some differences in the specific practices followed by each group. For example, LDS members participate in temple ceremonies such as baptisms for the dead and endowments, while some Mormon groups may not practice these rituals.

Community

One of the key attributes of both LDS and Mormon communities is their strong sense of community and fellowship. Members of both groups often participate in social activities, service projects, and missionary work to strengthen their bonds with one another and share their beliefs with others. Both groups also place a strong emphasis on family values and strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment for their members.

Outreach

While both LDS and Mormon communities are known for their missionary work, there are some differences in the approach taken by each group. LDS missionaries are typically young men and women who are called to serve for a period of two years. They are often assigned to locations around the world where they work to share the teachings of the LDS church with others. On the other hand, some Mormon groups may have a more localized approach to missionary work, focusing on outreach within their own communities.

Unity

Despite some differences in beliefs and practices, both LDS and Mormon communities are united by their shared faith in Jesus Christ and their commitment to living according to the teachings of the scriptures. Members of both groups strive to follow the principles of love, service, and forgiveness in their daily lives, and work together to build a stronger and more vibrant community. While there may be some differences in the way that LDS and Mormon communities express their faith, they are ultimately united in their common goal of serving God and their fellow man.