Do LDS Christians find the word 'Mormon' Offensive?

Question

And how do Quakers feel about the name Quakers.

Answer 1

I do when it's used in a derogatory way. But that's true of any word actually. If not, I don't have a problem.

Answer 2

Q: " Do LDS Christians find the word 'Mormon' Offensive?"
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Well, everybody has their own opinion on this. Personally, I'd rather be called Mormon before being call a Christian. And of course, of all names that I feel are appropriate when identifying me and the religious body I associate with, it would be the name that is in the title of our church: Saints.

See, to me, the word Christian came from non-members, to identify the Saints in the early years after Jesus' life and death. But it never was a name that Jesus used to identify his people.

Same in "latter days." Non-members use the name of Mormons to identify the Saints, instead of using the correct name of Saints. And the problem I have with the name of Christians, is that there are hundreds of churches out there today that call themselves Christians. But their doctrines are not the same other Christians' doctrines, and of course are surely not the same as the Saints'. So why deal with the confusion? Why not just say we're the Saints, and let the Christians have their name? It really doesn't bother me at all if they want to call themselves something that non-members called the Saints anciently.

Identify us as the Saints? That would be correct and awesome.

Identify us with the Christians? That would be wrong.
And ask an every day Christian if he is a saint, and what will he or she say? "Oh no! A Saint is a very special person."

I say "Fine, we'll take the name then..."


Identify us as Mormons? That would be, well, okay. Because, we do use the Book of Mormon scriptures, but the name draws away from the fact that Jesus is our Master, and it is his will that is echoed through the words of his prophets, and Mormon is just one of them. Besides, we use more scripture than just the Book of Mormon, too. So the name lacks a complete description of us.

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Answer 3

I don't consider "Mormon" offensive, although when out in the real world I prefer "latter-day Saint" when speaking of a member by a non-member, and "the LDS church" as opposed to "that Mormon church" when speaking of the church. But around here I have no problems with people using the term Mormon - I use it myself.

As for as Quakers, I don't know, but I've heard that they call themselves Friends, but don't mind if other non-members call them Quakers.

Generally I think it's the intent of use. When my Mom (who isn't/never has been a member of the church) says "I don't want to hear anything about that Mormon church." It's her tone of voice and the intended meaning when she uses the word Mormon that I don't like. However, most of the people around here (even the anti's) use the term with a much different intent, so I don't mind it.

Answer 4

Yes to both. Mormons do not like being referred to as Mormons because first, it had bad historical connotation, where people were killed much like witches or even like black individuals back in the day. Secondly, is refers to the book, but really isn't a reflection upon the faith. In essence it's about like calling an apple a RED.

Quakers, the name started out as an insult, as people who were not Quakers (those were usually Puritan) though the quiet meditation followed by shaking was odd and scary, thus they were given the name. But Quakers usually refer to themselves as Friends.

Answer 5

Most shouldn't find being referred to as "Mormon" offensive if used in a respectful context. Most wouldn't mind being asked what Mormons believe or if they are Mormon. Most feel Mormon was a great man and prophet.

I do believe they will mind if Mormon is used to belittle or distort their beliefs.

Answer 6

Personally no. However I was trained not to react if spit on while in the military. Protesters don't seem to have the brains to know our weapons are always fully loaded in public. Odd thing is they never said or did anything when I was wearing a sword.

LDS are usually thick skinned about insults. Also remember we are by far the fastest growing Christian religion. Most others are shrinking faster.

Answer 7

I don't mind being called Mormon, as it is the name of the great prophet who abridged the records which became the Book of Mormon. All true prophets testify of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Redeemer of the world, by the way.

Answer 8

Nope, I have no problem if someone calls me a Mormon. That's the name that society knows us by.

But I do like to be called LDS, simply because I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Answer 9

I have no problem whatsoever with the term "Mormon". When asked to which religion I adhere, I typically respond "Mormon" as it is more commonly known than is "Latter Day Saint".

Just don't forget that second "m".

Answer 10

Not a bit. I use it on a secondary basis so as not to be repetitive.

My Quaker ancestors got that name not by quite meditation, but by being loud vocal protestors who shook as they yelled against the established religion.

Answer 11

Mormon was originally meant as an insult. Yes, the name is long, but personally, I prefer L.D.S. to Mormon. As to it being offensive, I don't think so. Sometimes it is just easier to say.