Mormon vs. Catholic — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
Mormons, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, believe in modern prophets and additional scriptures beyond the Bible. Catholics adhere to Pope's authority and follow centuries-old doctrines grounded in both the Bible and Tradition.
Difference Between Mormon and Catholic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mormons believe in modern prophets and additional scriptures like the Book of Mormon, which they view as a companion to the Bible. They practice a unique form of Christianity that emphasizes continuing revelation and believe in specific ordinances like baptism for the dead. Catholics, on the other hand, adhere to the Pope's authority and believe in sacred tradition alongside the Bible. They practice sacramental rituals like the Eucharist, which represents Christ's body and blood, and emphasize the Virgin Mary's role in intercession.
Mormons emphasize a lay ministry where members volunteer for church responsibilities, while Catholics rely on ordained clergy, including priests, bishops, and cardinals, to administer sacraments and lead their congregations.
While Mormons abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine and maintain strong family values through their doctrine of eternal families, Catholics have a more diverse global following with varying cultural practices and emphasize community through monastic orders and charities.
Comparison Chart
Founding
Founded by Joseph Smith in the 19th century
Based on teachings of Jesus, with origins in Rome
Scripture
Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants
Bible (Old & New Testaments), Sacred Tradition
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Leadership
President/Prophet with lay ministry
Pope with hierarchical clergy
Ordinances
Baptism, Endowment, Sealing
Sacraments like Baptism, Eucharist
Beliefs
Continuing revelation, modern prophets
Apostolic succession, communion of saints
Lifestyle
Abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, caffeine
Diverse, varying cultural norms
Clergy
Volunteer lay ministry
Ordained priests, bishops, cardinals
Compare with Definitions
Mormon
Someone who follows additional scriptures like the Book of Mormon.
She studied both the Bible and the Book of Mormon for guidance.
Catholic
A Christian belonging to the Roman Catholic Church.
The Catholic parish holds regular Sunday mass for its congregation.
Mormon
A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Mormon missionary shared his beliefs about the Book of Mormon.
Catholic
A believer in the seven sacraments, including the Eucharist and Confirmation.
His Catholic faith was expressed through regular participation in the sacraments.
Mormon
An individual practicing a unique branch of Christianity founded in the 19th century.
The Mormon community prepared for their semiannual general conference.
Catholic
A Christian who acknowledges sacred traditions alongside the Bible.
The Catholic catechism explains the significance of church traditions.
Mormon
Believer in modern prophets like Joseph Smith.
The Mormon teachings include revelations from the prophet Joseph Smith.
Catholic
Someone who follows the teachings and authority of the Pope.
The Catholic doctrine emphasizes the Pope's spiritual leadership.
Mormon
A Christian who emphasizes strong family values and unique ordinances.
The Mormon family regularly attended church services and temple ceremonies.
Catholic
An adherent of an ancient Christian church with global influence.
The Catholic Church has a rich history with diverse cultural expressions.
Mormon
An ancient prophet believed to have compiled a sacred history of the Americas, which was translated and published by Joseph Smith as the Book of Mormon in 1830.
Catholic
Of the Roman Catholic faith.
Mormon
A member of the Mormon Church. Also called Latter-day Saint.
Catholic
A member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Mormon
Of or relating to the Mormons, their religion, or the Mormon Church.
Catholic
Of broad or liberal scope; comprehensive
"The 100-odd pages of formulas and constants are surely the most catholic to be found" (Scientific American).
Mormon
Any of various dark-coloured Asian species of papilionid butterflies of the genus Papilio.
Catholic
Including or concerning all humankind; universal
"what was of catholic rather than national interest" (J.A. Froude).
Mormon
A genus of sea birds, having a large, thick bill; the puffin.
Catholic
Of or involving the Roman Catholic Church.
Mormon
One of a Christian denomination (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) in the United States, followers of Joseph Smith, who professed to have found an addition to the Bible, engraved on golden plates, called the Book of Mormon, first published in 1830. The Mormons believe in polygamy, and their hierarchy of apostles, etc., has control of civil and religious matters.
Catholic
Of or relating to the universal Christian church.
Mormon
A member of a sect, called the Reorganized Church of Jesus of Latterday Saints, which has always rejected polygamy. It was organized in 1852, and is represented in about forty States and Territories of the United States.
Catholic
Of or relating to the ancient undivided Christian church.
Mormon
Of or pertaining to the Mormons; as, the Mormon religion; Mormon practices.
Catholic
Of or relating to those churches that have claimed to be representatives of the ancient undivided church.
Mormon
The ancient prophet whose writings were revealed to Joseph Smith who founded the Mormon Church
Catholic
A member of a Catholic church, especially a Roman Catholic.
Mormon
A member of the Mormon Church
Catholic
Universal; all-encompassing.
Mormon
Of or pertaining to or characteristic of the Mormon church;
Mormon leaders
The former Mormon practice of polygamy
Catholic
Alternative case form of Catholic.
Catholic
(obsolete) Common or prevalent; especially universally prevalent.
Catholic
Embracing all.
Catholic
Universally applicable.
Catholic
Of universal human interest or use.
Catholic
(slang) Permissive of unprotected sex.
Catholic
Universal or general; as, the catholic faith.
Men of other countries [came] to bear their part in so great and catholic a war.
Catholic
Not narrow-minded, partial, or bigoted; liberal; as, catholic tastes.
Catholic
Of or pertaining to, or affecting the Roman Catholics; as, the Catholic emancipation act.
Catholic
A person who accepts the creeds which are received in common by all parts of the orthodox Christian church.
Catholic
An adherent of the Roman Catholic church; a Roman Catholic.
Catholic
A member of a Catholic church
Catholic
Of or relating to or supporting Catholicism;
The Catholic Church
Catholic
Free from provincial prejudices or attachments;
Catholic in one's tastes
Common Curiosities
Do Mormons and Catholics share the same Bible?
Yes, but Mormons also recognize additional scriptures like the Book of Mormon.
Are Mormon temples the same as Catholic churches?
No, Mormon temples have unique ordinances and access restrictions, while Catholic churches are open for mass and daily prayer.
What roles do saints play in Mormon and Catholic beliefs?
Catholics pray to saints for intercession, while Mormons don't venerate saints in the same manner.
How do Catholic sacraments differ from Mormon ordinances?
Catholic sacraments are ritualistic, while Mormon ordinances include specific practices like baptism for the dead.
Do Catholics believe in modern prophets?
No, Catholics believe that revelation ended with the apostles and follow traditional church teachings.
Do Mormons follow the Pope?
No, Mormons have their own leadership and do not recognize the Pope's authority.
Do Mormons believe in the Virgin Mary's intercession?
No, Mormons respect Mary but don't emphasize her intercessory role as Catholics do.
How do the concepts of the afterlife differ between the two religions?
Mormons believe in various degrees of heaven, while Catholics adhere to the concepts of heaven, hell, and purgatory.
Do both religions have lay ministries?
Mormons have a volunteer-based ministry, while Catholics rely on ordained clergy.
Do both religions consider themselves Christian?
Yes, both identify as Christian and follow Jesus Christ's teachings.
Are Mormon marriages recognized by the Catholic Church?
Generally not, as Catholic doctrine requires specific conditions for valid marriages.
Is tithing practiced in both religions?
Yes, both religions encourage members to contribute financially to their respective churches.
Do Mormons and Catholics have similar baptism practices?
Both baptize, but Mormons perform baptism by immersion only for those over age 8, whereas Catholics baptize infants.
Are there monastic orders in both religions?
Catholicism has monastic orders; Mormonism does not.
Do both religions encourage missionary work?
Yes, but Mormonism mandates missionary service for young members, while Catholic missionary work is more voluntary.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
