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Aren’t you a Mormon? Why does everyone say “Latter-day Saint” now?

1

The hallway answer

About 15 seconds

“Yep, that’s my church. The real name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We use the full name because it puts Jesus Christ front and center. “Mormon” comes from the Book of Mormon, so it’s a nickname.”

Then ask them: Did you know the Book of Mormon is named after a person? Most people don’t.
I want the real answer ↓
2

The real answer

About 5 minutes

The name “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” came by revelation in 1838 (Doctrine and Covenants 115:4). In the Book of Mormon, Jesus said His church should be called by His name (3 Nephi 27:7–8).

In October 2018, President Russell M. Nelson taught that using the full name “is a correction. It is the command of the Lord.” The Church’s official style guide asks that the abbreviation “LDS” and the nickname “Mormon” not be used as substitutes for the Church’s name. “Mormon” is still correct in names like the Book of Mormon.

Don’t make friends feel bad for saying “Mormon.” President Nelson even suggested a friendly reply: “If you are asking if I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, yes, I am!”

Scriptures to know. Tap to read.

D&C 115:4“Thus shall my church be called”
4For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Read in Doctrine and Covenants, Connected →
3 Nephi 27:7-8Call the church in my name
7Therefore, 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. 8And 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. Read in Book of Mormon, Connected →
3

Go deeper

Research room

What’s behind the question

“Mormon” was the common name for over a century, so the switch can seem confusing. Friends aren’t trying to be rude by using it.

OfficialPresident Russell M. Nelson, “The Correct Name of the Church” (Oct 2018) ↗OfficialNewsroom Style Guide: The Name of the Church ↗Faithful scholarshipFAIR: Changes in the name of the Church ↗The history of the Church’s earlier names

Source labels: Official = published by the Church. Scripture = the standard works. Faithful scholarship = independent Latter-day Saint researchers. Helpful, but not official.

4

For me

Think it through
  1. What does it mean to me that my Church carries the Savior’s name?
  2. How can I gently use the full name without correcting people rudely?
  3. What does it mean to take His name upon me?
Act in faithWhat do I already know and believe here?
Eternal perspectiveHow does God’s plan change how I see this?
Good sourcesWho could I ask: a parent, a leader, the scriptures?

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5

Practice this one

Pick a reply

Friends also ask

Are you guys even Christian?What even is the Book of Mormon?

Weak Things is an independent site, not an official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Answers are written to match the Church’s published teachings, and every answer links to its sources.

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