Understanding Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses (Rob Bowman) – Digital Audio

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as Mormons) and Jehovah’s Witnesses both claim to be Christian. But are they? In this eight-part course, Dr. Robert Bowman dives into the details of these two modern religions and answers the questions you’ve probably always wondered about their history, holy books, and practices.

Course Overview: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the beliefs, history, and practices of two prominent religious movements – Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses. This course will provide you with valuable insights into the origins, theological foundations, and distinctive features of these groups.

Session 1: Introduction to Religious Movements

• Explore the concept of religious movements and their significance in today’s world.
• Understand the importance of religious literacy and respectful dialogue.

Session 2: History and Origins of Mormonism

• Dive into the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).
• Examine the life and teachings of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism.
• Discover the foundational texts of Mormonism, including the Book of Mormon.

Session 3: Mormon Beliefs and Practices

• Explore the core beliefs of Mormons, including their unique perspectives on God, Jesus Christ, and the afterlife.
• Gain insights into Mormon practices such as baptism, temple rituals, and missionary work.

Session 4: History and Origins of Jehovah’s Witnesses

• Trace the origins of the Jehovah’s Witnesses movement.
• Learn about key figures like Charles Taze Russell and Joseph F. Rutherford.
• Explore the development of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ distinctive doctrines.

Session 5: Jehovah’s Witnesses Beliefs and Practices

• Examine the central tenets of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ theology, including their views on the Trinity, salvation, and the end times.
• Understand the role of door-to-door evangelism, Kingdom Halls, and conventions in the life of a Jehovah’s Witness.

Session 6: Comparing and Contrasting

• Analyze the similarities and differences between Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witnesses in terms of theology, organization, and practices.
• Gain insights into the factors that set these two movements apart from mainstream Christianity.

Session 7: Interacting and Engaging

• Learn effective strategies for respectful dialogue and engagement with Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses.
• Discover how to engage in constructive conversations while respecting differing beliefs.

By the end of this course, you will have a solid foundation for understanding Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses, enabling you to engage in informed discussions, foster mutual respect, and promote interfaith dialogue.