The religion that people commonly call Mormonism was organized in 1830 and is officially called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is actually a rich history and symbolism behind the proper name of the church, which at first glance may seem like an odd mouthful to people outside the faith.
Church of Jesus Christ
In the Book of Mormon, one of Mormonism's sacred texts that is believed to take place in the ancient Americas, Jesus Christ responds to his followers' question of what to call their church: "And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel" (3 Nephi 27: 8.)
Mormons feel that it is particularly important for their church to bear the name of Jesus Christ. They believe that Jesus Christ is the literal leader of their church, who guides them through a modern-day prophet.
Church of Latter-day Saints
Mormons use the word "saints" to mean people belonging to Christ's church, a convention which stems from the New Testament of the Bible (see Acts 9: 32 or Colossians 1: 4, King James Version.)
It is important to Mormons to use the same word that designated an early follower of Christ in the name of their church, because they believe that they are a continuation of Jesus Christ's church in this day and age. They believe that their church was the result of an 1830 restoration of Christianity, rather than a reformation of it.
The adjective "latter-day" is included to distinguish church members today from the "early-day saints" living in and immediately after the time of Christ. Mormons believe that they are living in the latter days, or the last era, before Jesus Christ returns to the earth.
Early Name Changes for the LDS Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was first organized in 1830 under the name "the Church of Christ" and remained so for four years.
In 1834 it was changed to "the Church of the Latter Day Saints," presumably to differentiate itself from the many churches with titles similar to "the Church of Christ." (Since the word "saint" can only imply a relationship with Christ, Mormons most likely felt they were still following the guidance given in 3 Nephi 27: 8.)
In 1838, a revelation from Jesus Christ directed church leaders to end confusion and adopt the name "the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." It has since had a hyphen added for grammatical correctness, although the complex name still usually requires some explaining to those unfamiliar with the faith.
What's Wrong with "the Mormon Church?"
Soon after the organization of the church in 1830, the nickname "Mormon" appeared as a derogatory name for people who believed in the Book of Mormon in addition to the Bible. Over the years, the term has lost its sting; many people now use the word "Mormon" with no offense intended and many members of the church call themselves Mormons.
However, most Mormons are uncomfortable with hearing their church called "the Mormon Church." They feel that removing Christ from the name of their church and replacing it with another (Mormon was the name of the ancient compiler of the Book of Mormon) suggests that they worship or follow someone else, which is specifically warned against in 3 Nephi 27: 8.
The name of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may be long, but members feel it's necessary to convey their core beliefs. Most people know members of the church simply as "Mormons," who generally don't mind the colloquial nickname but prefer that people use the proper name of their church - not so much as a matter of correctness, but as an appropriate reflection of who and what they believe in.
Readers may also be interested to learn about topics like "What Do Mormons Believe?" and the Current Mormon Prophet.
Sources:
- Holy Bible, King James Version.
- Book of Mormon of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Richard Lloyd Anderson, “What Changes Have Been Made in the Name of the Church?” Ensign, Jan 1979.
Jenny Evans - Jenny Evans is a freelance writer and editor specializing in parenting and the family. She is also the Mormonism Topic Editor for ...
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