LDS Church vs. Mormon: Clarifying the Differences and Preferences

There are numerous organizations that claim their faith tradition is derived from Joseph Smith Jr. and the Book of Mormon. These groups are often collectively known as Restorationists. However, one particular organization with over 17 million members stands out. This organization, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), is distinguished by its official name and the preferences of its members.

While many casual observers and even some historians might refer to members of this church as Mormons, the official terminology preferred by the Church and its members is Latter-day Saints (LDS). This article aims to clarify the differences and provide insight into why members of the Church prefer the term Latter-day Saints.

The Derogatory Origins of the Term "Mormon"

The term "Mormon" originally emerged as a derogatory slang used to describe early church members. It was not a complimentary term and was not well-received. Today, many members of the Church would prefer not to be referred to as "Mormons" due to its historical connotations.

Official Name and Proclamation

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is officially known as the LDS Church. This name is significant for several reasons. For one, it was formally adopted after President Russell M. Nelson, as an apostle, made the request to use the full name of the Church. This was done to reaffirm the importance of Jesus Christ in the Church's identity. Furthermore, the Church emphasizes that it is a Christian denomination, and prefers to be referred to as such.

Why Call Us "Mormon"?

While it is understandable to use the term "Mormon," the Church and its members prefer "Latter-day Saints" or "LDS." There are several reasons for this:

Google Trends and Online Reputation: Search terms reveal that when people search for "Mormons," they often encounter biased or negative information. In contrast, searches for "Latter-day Saints" lead to more positive and accurate information about the Church. Prophetic Instructions: President Russell M. Nelson asked members to use this full name nearly 30 years ago, emphasizing the importance of Jesus Christ in the Church's identity. Theological and Scriptural Foundations: The Church has a covenant to take the name of Jesus Christ upon themselves. This is highlighted in scriptures such as Mosiah 5:7–8, Moroni 4:3, and DC 18:23-24. Clarity and Accuracy: The term "Mormon" can be misleading, as it may imply the Church is not Christian. The name "Latter-day Saint" better reflects the Church's Christian identity.

Historical Context and Challenges

The term "Mormon" has a long history of being used as a derogatory term by critics and non-believers. This has led to a significant challenge in changing the public perception of the Church. For instance, Evangelical Christians, particularly during the mid-20th century, saw Mormonism as a "sinister cult." This hostility was often based on misunderstandings and misrepresentations.

The historical context is important as it explains why the Church emphasizes the need to use the official name. It also highlights the significance of the term "Latter-day Saint" in declaring the Church's strong Christian identity and its commitment to Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

While the term "Mormon" is still commonly used, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages the use of "Latter-day Saints" or "LDS." This preference is rooted in a desire to clear misconceptions, reinforce the Church's Christian identity, and honor the name of Jesus Christ as part of its covenant.

Understanding these nuances can help foster better communication and a more positive relationship between LDS Church members and the broader public.