Joseph, Brigham, President Taylor, President . . .

[Elphaba]

Those who know me at lds.net know of my passion for Mormon history. I was writing a post in another forum about a historical event, and I realized that whenever I refer to Joseph Smith or Brigham Young, I always use their first names. However, from John Taylor on, I write President Taylor, President Woodruff, President . . . In fact, it would feel wrong in every way for me to refer to President Hinckley as Gordon. So why do I, without thinking, refer to Joseph Smith as Joseph? Or Brigham Young as Brigham?

I know I am not alone in this, and I don't think it's an issue as it is not done disrespectfullly. No one has ever objected, and it's my sense that it's common throughout the Church, but maybe I'm wrong about that, given I don't actually go to church anymore.

Any thoughts?

Elphaba

Edited January 19, 2010 by Elphaba

[pam]

Don't feel alone Elphaba. I do the exact same thing. Though I don't ever find myself referring to them as just Joseph and Brigham. And on a more personal note..I can't bring myself to use abbreviations either such as JS and BY. Not saying that's wrong at all..just a personal thing of mine.

Edited January 19, 2010 by pam

[Elphaba]

Don't feel alone Elphaba. I do the exact same thing. Though I don't ever find myself referring to them as just Joseph and Brigham.

Okay, I'm confused. What do you mean by "just Joseph and Brigham"? How is that different from me writing "Joseph" or "Brigham"? Is it the "just"?

And on a more personal note..I can't bring myself to use abbreviations either such as JS and BY. Not saying that's wrong at all..just a personal thing of mine.

I can understand that. Although this is not true of me for other Church presidents, I don't think I could ever write "GH" for President Hinckley. I respected him a great deal.

Elphaba

[pam]

Okay, I'm confused. What do you mean by "just Joseph and Brigham"? How is that different from me writing "Joseph" or "Brigham"? Is it the "just"?

It's not any different. I was referring to calling them by "just" their first names as you mentioned rather by their entire names.

[Elphaba]

It's not any different. I was referring to calling them by "just" their first names as you mentioned rather by their entire names.

Gotcha. :)

Elph

[Wingnut]

In journals, histories, anecdotes, and Chuch films based on each of those things, we often hear "Brother Joseph" and "Brother Brigham." Brother Parley, Brother Martin, etc. are not uncommon. I think it's just something that's carried over, but since we never read any personal stories about the prophet in 1882 or 1935, we don't feel as personal a connection with those prophets.

[bytor2112]

I like to refer to President Hinkley as Gord.....

[Canuck Mormon]

I think, and it's just my opinion, that things were more relaxed in the early days of the church, hence why we say Joseph Smith and not President Smith. These men liked to be called by their first names, not the titles we put on them. After the church was more formally organised, then we see President Taylor, President Hinckley. Just my opinion.

I am almost finished "Rough Stone Rolling" and it has some interesting insights into Jospeh Smith and his mental make-up.

[Elgama]

I think possibly a social change not sure how it was in the US but both Joseph Smith and Brigham Young are pre the Victorian Era, Joseph Smith was born 1805 and Brigham Young 1801, things became more formal in society here during that time also by the time we get to John Taylor (for me its Wilford Woodruff who I first think of as President Woodruff) - the church was bigger not everyone knew the prophet personally, and they were established in one spot.

However find I tend to refer to the current prophet as President Monson - then previous ones by their names. Even Gordon B Hinckley

Joseph Smith I do tend to think of as Brother Joseph and thats something I would love to see return to the church, one of my Wards I lived in used Sister Charlotte instead of my surname, I much prefer being Sister Charlotte to Sister Smith, it feels more Sisterly

Sorry know this is a ramble but know what I am trying to say

[WillowTheWhisp]

I tend to refer to all past prophets by their full name and the current prophet by his title. When Ezra Taft Benson was the living prophet I called him President Benson etc.But funnily enough I still refer to President Hinckley as President Hinckley.

[bytebear]

It's simply cultural. Back in the early days of the church, you would call each other "Brother Fred" and "Brother Steve" but over time, the practice changed to "Brother Jones" and "Brother Johnson.' It's simply a practice of the time.