How the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Differs from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

While the names of these two churches may initially resemble each other, they differ significantly in their core beliefs and practices. In this article, we will explore the key differences between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (COC), also known as the Community of Christ, focusing on beliefs, practices, and other notable contrasts.

Core Beliefs and Theological Differences

The two churches share a common heritage and some foundational texts, but their theological beliefs diverge considerably. Here are the key differences:

Trinitarian Concept of Deity

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) teaches the concept of the Godhead as three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. In contrast, the Community of Christ adheres to the traditional Trinitarian concept of deity, which posits that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three persons in one Godhead. This difference is fundamental to their beliefs and practices.

Ministry and Education

Another significant difference lies in their approach to ministry and education. The LDS Church trains its ministers internally, whereas the Community of Christ sends their ministers to Protestant seminaries. This difference reflects their distinct approaches to religious education and leadership development.

Liturgical Year and Observance of Holidays

The Community of Christ follows a liturgical year similar to many Protestant churches, adhering to the liturgical calendar and celebrating various Christian holidays throughout the year. On the other hand, the LDS Church does not follow a set pattern or lectionary and observes only Christmas and Easter. This difference can be traced back to their divergent understandings of tradition and practice.

Organizational and Financial Differences

While both churches have historical and cultural ties, they differ notably in their organizational structure and financial health:

Financial Stability and Tithing Policies

The Community of Christ is currently in a challenging financial position, with poorly funded pensions and financial difficulties. In contrast, the LDS Church is financially stable and does not face the same financial pressures. Additionally, the Community of Christ advises its members to pay tithing only after paying bills, while the LDS Church recommends paying tithing before paying bills. This difference underscores the practical implications of their financial policies.

Membership and Growth

The Community of Christ is much smaller in membership, with fewer than 250,000 members worldwide, and is experiencing a decline. In contrast, the LDS Church has a much larger and growing membership. The Community of Christ views the Book of Mormon as a series of historical fables, while the LDS Church considers it a divine revelation and foundational text. The theological perspective of the Community of Christ is described as "watered-down," reflecting their theological differences.

Practices and Rituals

Several key practices and rituals differentiate these two churches:

Women in Priesthood

The Community of Christ allows women to be ordained to the priesthood, a practice that is not recognized in the LDS Church. This difference reflects their more inclusive approach to leadership roles within the church.

Symbolic Representations

Another notable difference is in their symbolic representations. The Community of Christ uses crosses in their meetinghouses, while the LDS Church does not. This visual distinction reflects their distinct theological perspectives and historical developments.

Concluding Thoughts

While both the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Community of Christ share a common heritage, they have evolved into distinct religious movements with different theological beliefs, practices, and organizational structures. These differences reflect their unique histories and the various approaches they have taken to religious expression. For many, the core question remains: which church truly reflects the teachings and revelations of Joseph Smith?