You’ve seen the name on the side of a massive granite building or heard it mentioned in a documentary about the American West. Maybe you saw the catchy "I’m a Mormon" ads from a decade ago. But then, you likely noticed something shifted. People started correcting each other. The websites changed. The choir got a new name. Honestly, it’s confusing for everyone.
Is Church of Latter Day Saints Mormon? Basically, yes. But if you ask the people inside the faith today, they’ll tell you it’s a lot more complicated than a simple nickname.
The Name Game: Why the Labels Swapped
For nearly two centuries, the word "Mormon" was the go-to. It was a badge of honor for some and a slur for others. Then came 2018. Russell M. Nelson, the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dropped a bombshell on the membership. He said that using the word "Mormon" was a "major victory for Satan."
Talk about a pivot.
Suddenly, the "Mormon Tabernacle Choir" became the "Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square." The famous Mormon.org website vanished into the redirect abyss. If you’re wondering if is church of latter day saints mormon still a valid way to talk, the answer depends on who you’re talking to. The church officially wants you to use the full name. Every. Single. Time. Or at least "The Church of Jesus Christ."
📖 Related: What Does a Stoner Mean? Why the Answer Is Changing in 2026
The Real Identity: Is Church of Latter Day Saints Mormon or Something Else?
The heart of the issue is about who is at the center of the faith. Members feel that the "Mormon" nickname sidelines Jesus Christ. They argue that if you call them Mormons, you’re suggesting they worship a guy named Mormon.
Who was Mormon? According to their scripture, he was an ancient prophet and a general who lived in the Americas. He’s the guy who supposedly compiled the records that became the Book of Mormon. So, while he's a huge deal in their theology, he isn't the one they pray to.
Why the "LDS" Tag is Dying Too
You might remember the abbreviation "LDS." It was everywhere. LDS bookstores, LDS dating apps, LDS charities. Even that is on the "do not use" list now. The leadership wants to be crystal clear: they are Christians.
Some critics think this is just a massive PR rebranding. They see a church trying to blend in with mainstream Christianity to shed some of its more "peculiar" history. But for the average person in the pews? It’s often just about following what their prophet told them to do. It’s a matter of obedience.
👉 See also: Am I Gay Buzzfeed Quizzes and the Quest for Identity Online
A History of Identity Crises
The church didn't actually start with the long name it has today. In 1830, when Joseph Smith first organized things in a small farmhouse in New York, it was just the "Church of Christ."
Then things got messy.
They changed it to the "Church of the Latter Day Saints" in 1834. They actually dropped the name of Christ entirely for a few years! Finally, in 1838, a revelation was recorded that set the current name in stone: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That little hyphen and the lowercase "d" in "day" are actually part of the legal trademark now.
- 1830: Church of Christ.
- 1834: Church of the Latter Day Saints.
- 1838: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Does the Nickname Still Exist?
You can't just delete 200 years of culture overnight. Even within the church, people slip up. They'll talk about "Mormon culture" or "Mormon history." There are also other groups—like the Community of Christ or various fundamentalist sects—who also claim the "Mormon" heritage.
✨ Don't miss: Easy recipes dinner for two: Why you are probably overcomplicating date night
This is part of the reason the main church is so stickler-ish about the name. They want to distance themselves from groups that still practice polygamy. When a news report mentions a "Mormon" in a negative context, the Salt Lake City-based church wants it known that they aren't that kind of Mormon. Or, rather, they aren't "Mormon" at all.
What You Should Actually Call Them
If you want to be polite or follow the official style guide, here’s the breakdown.
- The Church: Use the full name on first reference.
- The People: "Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" or "Latter-day Saints."
- The Religion: "The restored gospel of Jesus Christ."
It’s a mouthful. Nobody is denying that. Most people in the real world still just say "Mormon" because it’s two syllables instead of thirteen. But if you’re writing an academic paper or want to show respect to a friend of the faith, using "Latter-day Saint" is the way to go.
Is "Mormonism" Still a Thing?
Technically, the church says no. They prefer you describe their beliefs as the "restored gospel." However, "Mormonism" is still widely used by historians and sociologists to describe the unique cultural and theological ecosystem that grew out of Joseph Smith’s visions. It's a bit like trying to stop people from saying "Kleenex" when they mean facial tissue. The brand has become the category.
Actionable Insights for Navigating the Terminology
If you’re interacting with the church or its members, keep these practical points in mind to stay accurate and respectful:
- Update Your Vocabulary: If you are working in media, education, or professional services, update your style guides to prioritize "Latter-day Saint" over "Mormon."
- Check the URL: Most official resources have moved from mormon.org to ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Use the latter for the most current doctrine.
- Respect the Preference: Just as you’d call someone by their preferred name, using "Latter-day Saint" is seen as a sign of respect for their religious identity.
- Understand the Hyphen: Notice the difference between "Latter-day Saints" (the Salt Lake City church) and "Latter Day Saints" (a general term for the entire movement). That little hyphen is a big legal and denominational identifier.
The shift away from "Mormon" isn't just about a name. It's a massive cultural push to re-center the faith on its namesake. While the world might be slow to change its habits, the church is all-in on this new—or rather, very old—identity.