What Does LDS Mean?
LDS stands for “Latter-day Saints,” which is a nickname that has been given to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Latter Day Saints are a Christian denomination that believe themselves to be a restored version of the original church established by Jesus Christ during his mortal ministry. The church is often referred to simply as the “Mormon Church” due to the centrality of the Book of Mormon in its theology.
Some Deeper History About The Church’s Name
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a unique and important name that reflects its beliefs and mission. The name was given by revelation to the Church’s founder, Joseph Smith, and has been used since the Church’s organization in 1830.
The first part of the name, “The Church of Jesus Christ,” is a clear statement of the Church’s fundamental belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the world. This name emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ in the Church’s teachings and practices and serves as a reminder that the Church is a Christian denomination.
The second part of the name, “of Latter-day Saints,” is a reference to the Church’s belief in the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the “latter days,” or the time preceding the Second Coming of Christ. The Church teaches that the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ was lost from the earth after the deaths of the original apostles and that it was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith.
The name “Latter-day Saints” also reflects the Church’s commitment to living the gospel in the present day and preparing for the future. The name is a call to all members to follow the example of Jesus Christ and to live the gospel in their own lives, in their families, and in their communities.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living Church upon the face of the earth, and the name is a reminder of that truth. The Church is led by a living prophet, who receives revelation from God to guide the Church and its members. The Church is also organized according to the pattern established by Jesus Christ during his mortal ministry, with apostles, prophets, and other leaders who hold the same authority as the original apostles.
In conclusion, the name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a powerful statement of the Church’s beliefs and mission. It is a reminder that the Church is a Christian denomination, that it believes in the restoration of the fullness of the gospel through Joseph Smith, and that it is a living church, led by a living prophet. As an Apostle of the Church, I testify that this is the only true and living Church upon the face of the earth, and that all who join and follow its teachings will find peace, joy, and exaltation in the eternities to come.
What President Russell M. Nelson Has To Say About the Church’s Name
President Russell M. Nelson, the current President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (written in January 2023), has emphasized the importance of the church’s full name and has encouraged its use. In August 2018, President Nelson stated that the Lord had made it clear to him that the use of the church’s full name was essential for the salvation of the members and the salvation of the world. He also emphasized that the term “Mormon” should only be used in reference to the Book of Mormon and not as a nickname for members of the church. He has also discouraged the use of other nicknames such as “LDS Church” or “Mormon Church”.
The reason behind this is that church leaders believe the Lord’s restored Church on the earth should be known by the same name He used when He personally established it: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The full name of the Church honors the Savior and clearly defines the central focus of the Church. The term “Mormon” which refers to the book of Mormon , is not a nickname, but rather it’s a proper noun and an adjective that describes the book, not the church.
What Happened to the I’m a Mormon Campaign?
The “I’m a Mormon” campaign was a public relations campaign launched by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) in 2010 to promote a more positive image of the church and its members. The campaign included television commercials, billboards, and a website (mormon.org) that featured profiles of real members of the church from around the world, along with information about the church’s beliefs and practices. The campaign was designed to counteract negative stereotypes of Mormons and to increase understanding and acceptance of the church and its members.
The campaign was considered successful in achieving its goals, as it helped to improve the church’s public image and to increase understanding and acceptance of Mormons. However, the campaign was phased out, and the church has shifted its focus on emphasizing the full name of the church and avoiding the use of nicknames such as “Mormon” or “LDS”
The church continues to use different means to promote its mission and belief, and to educate people about the church and its teachings.
In Conclusion…
In conclusion, LDS stands for “Latter-day Saints”. The Church emphasizes the importance of using its full name, as its members believe that it is, in fact, the Lord’s restored Church on earth and therefore, should be referred to by the same name Jesus Christ used when He established it personally. The Church’s name honors the Savior and clearly defines the central focus of the Church. The term “Mormon” or acronym “LDS” are nicknames. However, to avoid confusion and to show respect to the Lord’s name, the Church avoids using nicknames and misnomers.