Is Mormon really a good term to describe people who are LDS?

[Guest mormonmusic]

I have to confess, one thing I dislike about being a Mormon, is the nickname "Mormon".

Mostly because it says nothing about the fact that I'm a Christian, and has a fringe ring to it, almost like the Morlocks in a a sci-fi book I read by HG Wells.

I wish there was a better name. I know there is Latter-Day Saint, but still doesn't do it for me because it's simply not Christian enough.

I use the term "Mormon Christian" whenever people ask me my religion. I like it because it assets the fact that I consider myself a Christian without raising the issue as a debate item.

I found it had a postive impact on some of the people I've used it with. At the barbershop the other day, the lady cutting my hair picked up on the phraseology after I used it, describing herself as a Lutheran Christian, her mother a Pentecostal Christian, and her father a Catholic Christian. One person's eyes got wide and they looked totally shocked when I said the term -- my sense of discernment told me she never thought of those two words -- Mormon & Christian, going together, and had no idea how to respond -- perhaps the result of anti-Mormon indoctrination on her part.

Unfortunately, I find resistance to this term inside the LDS church! Fellow Mormons say "I don't like the term because it implies there are Mormons that aren't Christians". When so much of the rest of the world thinks we aren't Christians anyway - I see no harm done.

Are you happy with that moniker -- Mormon -- to describe yourself? Or do you share in my dislike for the term? And what do you think of the term "Mormon Christian" as an alternative?

[PS, I know my login name is Mormonmusic, which is inconsistent -- if I was to do it over again, I'd call myself MormonChristian]

Edited November 28, 2009 by mormonmusic

[Islander]

For me being a convert also the nic "Mormon" is a misnomer! It sounds strange since it is not even the name of the religion. I think we continue to hold on to it out of pride and historicity. It does not bother me but it really makes no sense. It would be the equivalent of calling Catholics Popeists or others Islams.

I never use the term. I always identify myself as a Later-day Saint.

[OneEternalSonata]

Which is like saying, "Ooh, I'm an Isaiah-an!"

[pam]

Heather, who is the administrator of this site wrote an article concerning this topic that was published in Mormon Times. Since I'm of the same opinion as her I thought it easier to just post a link to her article.

MormonTimes - Heather Newell: We are Mormon

One of the biggest points to her article is this and I say AMEN!!

The talk Mormon Should Mean "More Good" given by President Hinckley in the October 1990 General Conference is really what got me over that last hurdle, that last remaining stigma. "If there is any name that is totally honorable in its derivation, it is the name Mormon. . . .After all, it is the name of a man who was a great prophet who struggled to save his nation, and also the name of a book which is a mighty testament of eternal truth, a veritable witness of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ."

If it's okay with President Hinckley, it's okay with me.

[Guest mormonmusic]

I've never heard Church leaders comment on this before -- thanks. It's nice to know some official position on the topic.

I still think I'm going to call myself a Mormon Christian, however, as I think the rest of the world doesn't understand the more-good angle, or that Mormon was even a prophet. Plus, years of anti-Mormon propaganda has created the wrong impression of who we are.....As long as I've got the word Mormon in it, I think I'm OK....

Alternatively, next time I'm asked the question "What Church do you go to?". I might reply "I go to a Christian Church -- I'm a Mormon". The more we can associate the word Mormon, with Christianity, the better, in my view....

Edited November 28, 2009 by mormonmusic

[pam]

Mormonmusic, I respect your thoughts on this. I understand what you are saying. My comments were in no way to take away from your opinion on this..I hope you understand that.

I just wanted to show a different perspective on the word Mormon which means "More Good." Which is what we are all about. Doing more good. I just wanted to show that there is no shame in using the term Mormon. It's what the world is familiar with and it really does have meaning.

The only concern I have with using "Mormon Christian" is that some might perceive there are differences in the Mormon religion. That there is a differentiation between Mormons and I don't mean the differences in those that have branched off but even in our own Church.

Edited November 28, 2009 by pam

[talisyn]

Oddly enough, I have no problem calling myself 'Mormon'. It's others who do not share my faith who call me 'Mormon' that bugs me

[pam]

Now that I can agree with talisyn. When it's used against us in a derogatory fashion..yes that bugs the heck out of me.

[Wingnut]

The only concern I have with using "Mormon Christian" is that some might perceive there are differences in the Mormon religion. That there is a differentiation between Mormons and I don't mean the differences in those that have branched off but even in our own Church.

I was thinking along these lines, too. The term "Mormon Christian" implies that there are Mormons who aren't Christian, and you do a disservice to members of the LDS faith that that person might meet in the future who refer to themselves simply as "Mormon."

[OneEternalSonata]

On a serious note: Sometimes its easier to say I'm a Mormon, because rattling off our Church's name can ruin the conversation with someone who is unfamiliar. (Wow, he must be a religious nutcase...)

[Traveler]

I have to confess, one thing I dislike about being a Mormon, is the nickname "Mormon".

Mostly because it says nothing about the fact that I'm a Christian, and has a fringe ring to it, almost like the Morlocks in a a sci-fi book I read by HG Wells.

I wish there was a better name. I know there is Latter-Day Saint, but still doesn't do it for me because it's simply not Christian enough.

I use the term "Mormon Christian" whenever people ask me my religion. I like it because it assets the fact that I consider myself a Christian without raising the issue as a debate item.

I found it had a postive impact on some of the people I've used it with. At the barbershop the other day, the lady cutting my hair picked up on the phraseology after I used it, describing herself as a Lutheran Christian, her mother a Pentecostal Christian, and her father a Catholic Christian. One person's eyes got wide and they looked totally shocked when I said the term -- my sense of discernment told me she never thought of those two words -- Mormon & Christian, going together, and had no idea how to respond -- perhaps the result of anti-Mormon indoctrination on her part.

Unfortunately, I find resistance to this term inside the LDS church! Fellow Mormons say "I don't like the term because it implies there are Mormons that aren't Christians". When so much of the rest of the world thinks we aren't Christians anyway - I see no harm done.

Are you happy with that moniker -- Mormon -- to describe yourself? Or do you share in my dislike for the term? And what do you think of the term "Mormon Christian" as an alternative?

[PS, I know my login name is Mormonmusic, which is inconsistent -- if I was to do it over again, I'd call myself MormonChristian]

Often when I travel someone will ask me my religion - I admit that I have found that if I say Mormon that for the most part it will bring a negative reaction. So I have learned to respond with that I am a disciple of Christ after the order of Melchizedek.

Sometimes they will say they have never heard of such a religion. To which I respond, “Have you not read the scriptures? It was the religion of Jesus. I am very surprised that you have heard of Jesus but know nothing about of the order of Melchizedek.” This response has in many cases opened an opportunity to teach of the restoration.

The Traveler

[Moksha]

A Moregoodian?

I was thinking that for Moregoodians outside the Jell-O belt, referring to themselves as Christian may be most apropos in situations where the question is asked but a hassle is not wanted.

[Guest mormonmusic]

So I have learned to respond with that I am a disciple of Christ after the order of Melchizedek.

Traveler -- while I think this is an accurate term to describe a Mechlizedek Priesthood holder, I think it might confuse some people. Or it might encourage them to think it's something very unusual since most people probably haven't heard the term Melchizedek --which will then make the term Mormon seem even more distant from reality when they make the connection.

Not to discourage your desire for an alternate name, like myself -- I share your desire to get away from the term Mormon. And I mean this respectfully....

However, you've used the term before in conversation, and I haven't -- how have people reacted to it?

Edited November 28, 2009 by mormonmusic

[prisonchaplain]

The only concern I have with using "Mormon Christian" is that some might perceive there are differences in the Mormon religion. That there is a differentiation between Mormons and I don't mean the differences in those that have branched off but even in our own Church.

But there surely are differences--as there are in Christianity in general. NO, not denominations, but degree of allegiance or faith. 60% of LDS are inactive. I'd be shocked if more than 40% of the Americans who claim to be Christian (85% btw) are "active" in their relationships with Jesus, or in their churches.

So, I sorta like the idea of saying you're a Mormon (church affiliation) Christian (i.e. I really mean it! I love my Savior!!!)

[pam]

I appreciate your comment PC. So that there is no misunderstanding, if someone wants to call themself a Mormon or a Christian Mormon or a Latter Day Saint that is their option and choice. Truly I'm okay with that. I'm not bugged by being called a Mormon. The important thing to us is that we are getting our message out to people..because no matter what we want to call ourselves, the message is still the same.

[Justice]

Remember, the term Mormon was not coined by the church, or even by members of the church. It was coined by outsiders who wanted to distinguish Latter-Day Saints as a separate religion. I'm certain that the term was given in some amount of derision.

Also, the term Christian was not coined by members of the early church. When it was coined, it was also used to differentiate them as a different religion. I'm also certain the term Christian was given in a certain amount of derision.

If you study history and compare the terms you will see they came about in nearly identical circumstances.

My opinion is that Mormon was one of the best men that ever walked the earth. If I can first learn to be like him I will be well on my way to being more like Christ. He spent possibly years abridging the Large Plates of Nephi so his son Moroni could have the scriptures after the plates that had been handed down to him were buried by commandment of the Lord.

I have no issues whatsoever being called a "Mormon," just as I have no issue with the Priesthood I am blessed to hold being called the Melkezidek Priesthood. They were righteous men, and I can grow significantly by following their examples along my journey of becoming like my Savior, the ultimate example.

[Wingnut]

Often when I travel someone will ask me my religion - I admit that I have found that if I say Mormon that for the most part it will bring a negative reaction. So I have learned to respond with that I am a disciple of Christ after the order of Melchizedek.

Sometimes they will say they have never heard of such a religion. To which I respond, “Have you not read the scriptures? It was the religion of Jesus. I am very surprised that you have heard of Jesus but know nothing about of the order of Melchizedek.” This response has in many cases opened an opportunity to teach of the restoration.

The Traveler

Clever. Very clever. I like it.

A Moregoodian?

I was thinking that for Moregoodians outside the Jell-O belt, referring to themselves as Christian may be most apropos in situations where the question is asked but a hassle is not wanted.

[teddyk]

Well the Mormons and I could just say we are all "Followers of Jesus" would that be a novel idea,all Christians could agree to place this name on the buildings,then when you get inside an listen,you can then decide to stay or go down the street,that way none of us would be confused about the other,would that work?

[hordak]

For years the church and it's members have fought this idea that Mormons aren't Christian.

I think uses in term Mormon Christian helps push this idea. Even though you mentioned it I have never met a person who fell the need to add Christian to their faith, they are Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist etc and the Christian is implied.

Calling yourself Mormon Christian says (IMO) Mormons beliefs are so way out there they have to add Christian so people will know they are.

on the flip side

Besides, Mormon emphasizes scripture, "why are you called Mormon?"

"Well God Gave us....,." Missionary moment.

[Vanhin]

On the inverse, I call the others "non-LDS Christians", "non-Mormon Christians", or "other Christians".

I don't mind being called a Mormon, but it bugs me a little when I am talking to my non-member friends, when they refer to my religion as Mormonism and theirs Christianity. So I make a point to distinguish myself as a Christian as well. I'll say things like, "I agree with the non-Mormon Christians that the Bible is the word of God", for instance.

Regards,

Vanhin

[Maya]

Over where I live in the Northern countries they stil feel uncomfortanble to use mormon. It was tought for many years we should call us members of the C of JK of LDS... but that is so long... I use it when I am official ans to sometimes reming people what is our real name.

[Moksha]

The term Mormon Christian might be good from a neuro-linguistic point of view. If we acknowledge ourselves as Christian we become closer to Christ in our thinking.

Think of it as a Meat-Milk type of thing. The Meat is good for an evening of speculating in the parlor, but the Milk is an essential for our Salvation.

[Carl62]

We could always refer to ourselves as "LDS Christians". I kind of like that. Has sort of a nice ring to it.:)

[Carl62]

[quote name=Justice;44849

I have no issues whatsoever being called a "Mormon' date='"

I don't have any issue with being called a Mormon either. It's just the follow-up question that always bugs me and that's "oh, you're the church where the guys have a lot of wives". Living here in the east I hear this almost every time.

[Wingnut]

We could always refer to ourselves as "LDS Christians". I kind of like that. Has sort of a nice ring to it.:)

I don't really see much difference between that an "Mormon Christian" -- it can still be confusing. Perhaps even more so, since more people outside the Church recognize the term "Mormon" that "LDS."

I don't have any issue with being called a Mormon either. It's just the follow-up question that always bugs me and that's "oh, you're the church where the guys have a lot of wives". Living here in the east I hear this almost every time.

I worked with a guy in New England who, when he found out I was Mormon, said, "I didn't know they had those in [name of state]."