The Naming Controversy of the LDS Church: An SEO Optimized Guide

The LDS Church, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has grappled with a long-standing debate around nomenclature. The term 'Mormon' has been both a point of pride and a source of controversy. This article explores the extent to which the LDS Church has requested and implemented a change in terminology.

History and Background

The debate surrounding the use of the term 'Mormon' arises from historical and theological reasons. In 1830, when the LDS Church was founded, the name 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' was chosen. Over the years, some members and outsiders began to use the term 'Mormon,' which is a shortened version of 'Mormonism,' a term derived from the book of Mormon in the LDS cannon.

Reasons for the Request to Change Terminology

The Church has respectfully requested that the term 'Mormon' be used less frequently. This request stems from several key beliefs and principles:

The name of the church was given by Jesus Christ over 150 years ago and should be respected. Using or accepting other names or titles that the Lord has not bestowed upon His Church is a form of disrespect. The absence of Jesus' name from the Church's name is significant and should not be overlooked.

President Nelson, the current President of the Church, emphasized these points in an October 2018 talk. 'LDS' or 'Mormon' might be easy to spell, but it misses the mark of the church being specifically Jesus Christ's church.

Interpretation and Implementation

The request for change is not a strict instruction; it is more of a respectful suggestion. The Church acknowledges that changing long-held traditions is not always easy. As President Nelson noted, we're not 'defenestrating' people.

The Church's stance is that respectful requests should be heeded unless forced. Saying the full name 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' or 'Church of Jesus Christ' is not only more respectful but also more in line with the faith's teachings.

Conclusion

The naming controversy is a complex issue that has evolved over time. The LDS Church's request for a change in terminology is deeply rooted in their faith and historical practices. While the Church respects the personal preferences of its members, they encourage the use of names that accurately reflect the true identity of the institution as they understand it.

Infographic

The following infographic summarizes the key points and terminology changes requested by the LDS Church:

Infographic showing key points and terminology changes