Mormon

The Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, has released a statement regarding the name of the Church and specifically the use of the term "Mormon". He said:

"The Lord has impressed upon my mind the importance of the name He has revealed for His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We have work before us to bring ourselves in harmony with His will. In recent weeks, various Church leaders and departments have initiated the necessary steps to do so. Additional information about this important matter will be made available in the coming months."

From the Official Church Newsroom Style Guide (updated):

The official name of the Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The full name was given by revelation from God to Joseph Smith in 1838.

• In the first reference, the full name of the Church is preferred: "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

• When a shortened reference is needed, the terms "the Church" or the "Church of Jesus Christ" are encouraged. The "restored Church of Jesus Christ" is also accurate and encouraged.

• While the term "Mormon Church" has long been publicly applied to the Church as a nickname, it is not an authorized title, and the Church discourages its use. Thus, please avoid using the abbreviation "LDS" or the nickname "Mormon" as substitutes for the name of the Church, as in "Mormon Church," "LDS Church," or "Church of the Latter-day Saints."

• When referring to Church members, the terms "members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" or "Latter-day Saints" are preferred. We ask that the term "Mormons" not be used.

• "Mormon" is correctly used in proper names such as the Book of Mormon or when used as an adjective in such historical expressions as "Mormon Trail."

• The term "Mormonism" is inaccurate and should not be used. When describing the combination of doctrine, culture and lifestyle unique to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the term "the restored gospel of Jesus Christ" is accurate and preferred.

• When referring to people or organizations that practice polygamy, it should be stated that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not affiliated with polygamous groups.

There seems to be some skepticism and backlash from not only those who don't belong to the Church, but also from within the Church.  I., for one, am happy about the announcement.  For those of us who have been members for many years, using the full name of the Church has always been encouraged.

Yes, it is a lot easier to use a one-word nickname.  And I'm guilty of using the term "LDS Church".  I have always tried to avoid using the term "Mormon Church" and calling myself a "Mormon".  In recent years it has been a little confusing as Official Church usage of the term "Mormon" seems to be more common.  As in, Mormon channel, Mormon newsroom, the "I am a Mormon" campaign, "Meet the Mormons" movie, etc.

Our dear Prophet has received much revelation since he received the mantle of Prophet.  It is obvious to me that the Lord is preparing the world for His Second Coming.  It's wonderful that we have a prophet who receives direct revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ himself.  Jesus Christ directs His Church. President Nelson, the Lord's chosen Prophet, is His mouth piece.  Modern-day revelation is something unique to the Lord's true church.

When the Prophet speaks and expresses the Lord's will to us, we should all know that it is the same thing as the Lord speaking to us directly.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:38

"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."

Jesus himself revealed what He wanted His church to be called to the prophet Joseph Smith in 1838.

Doctrine and Covenants 115:4

"For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

So why has the term "Mormon Church" or "Mormon" become a preferred nickname for the Church and its members?

For one it's easier to say.  But obviously it came from "the Book of Mormon" which is a book of Scripture that the Prophet Joseph Smith translated and which we use in companionship with the Bible. The Book of Mormon is subtitled Another Testament of Jesus Christ. That's what it does, it testifies of Christ.

Why is it called the Book of Mormon?  Because Mormon, a prophet historian, is the man who compiled and abridged the plates upon which the record was kept.  Similar to the Bible, the Book of Mormon, is a scriptural record kept by many different prophets recorded on gold and brass plates.  Because he did the work of compiling and abridging the record, the book is named after the prophet Mormon.

The Book of Mormon itself contains instruction on what Jesus wants His Church to be called. After Jesus was resurrected, He appeared to the Nephites here on the American continent, here is part of what He taught them.

3 Nephi 27:7-8

7 Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake.

8 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.

This is not Mormon's church. Albeit like Moses, he was a great prophet.  But this is not Mormon's church.  This is not the church of a man.  This is The Church of Jesus Christ.  He has told us, through His prophet Joseph Smith, that His Church should be called in the last days, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  That has been the official name of the Church since 1838.

 Because members have been lax in using the full name of the Church and instead use an easier nickname, the term "Mormon" Or "Mormon Church" have become commonplace.  Amongst members and nonmembers alike.

Unfortunately, because of this, many people who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and only know us by the name of Mormon, are not aware that we are Christians.  Many people have no idea that we follow Jesus Christ.  And that He actually heads His Church.

As the Second Coming of our Savior nears, He wants to emphasize His name in His Church.  He has made that clear to us through His Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson.

I hope we will all make an effort to follow the will of the Lord in this matter.

That's my two cents.