Members of the LDS Church have often been known by the nickname “Mormon.” The word comes from the Book of Mormon, one of their sacred texts, and has been used for many years by both outsiders and members themselves.
For a long time, the term was not only common but publicly embraced. In 1990, President Gordon B. Hinckley gave a general conference talk titled “Mormon Should Mean ‘More Good.’” From 2010 to 2018, the LDS Church also ran a major public campaign built around the phrase “I’m a Mormon.”
In recent years, LDS leaders have pushed back against the nickname “Mormon” and asked that the church’s full name be used instead. We recognize that request. But the full name is not merely a name; it makes a theological claim. It presents this church as the true church of Jesus. Because we believe Mormonism differs from biblical Christianity in essential ways, we do not want our wording to blur that distinction.
Given this background, why does Truth in Love Ministry still use the word “Mormon” in many of our resources?
Because It Is Recognizable
The word “Mormon” has been used for a long time to describe the church, its members, and its teachings. Many people still recognize that term more quickly than “Latter-day Saint” or “LDS.”
This matters because many Christians who come to TILM are trying to understand the faith of a friend, family member, neighbor, coworker, or missionary they know. They may not know the current preferred terminology. They simply know they are looking for help understanding “Mormons.”
Using the word “Mormon” helps them find clear, biblical, and compassionate resources.
Because It Is Practical
The full name of the church is long, and even many members and outside observers continue to use shorter terms in ordinary conversation.
We often use “LDS” or “Latter-day Saint” where those terms are most helpful. But in titles, search terms, and common explanations, “Mormon” remains the word many people know and use.
Our goal is not to be dismissive. Our goal is to communicate clearly.
Because We Want to Be Theologically Clear
The full official name of the LDS Church is not merely a label. It makes a theological claim. It presents the LDS Church as the true church of Jesus Christ.
That matters because we do not believe Mormonism teaches the Jesus of the Bible or the biblical gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. Mormonism uses many familiar Christian words, including Jesus, grace, faith, salvation, and eternal life, but those words often mean something different within LDS teaching.
So when we avoid using the full official name as our default, we are not trying to be rude. We are trying to avoid blurring an important distinction.
We use “Mormon” or “LDS” because it clearly identifies the religious system we are discussing without implying that Mormonism is simply another expression of biblical Christianity.
For more on this explanation, see Are Mormons Christian?.
What Should Christians Say?
In personal conversations, Christians should not make the name issue the main issue. The goal is not to win a terminology debate. The goal is to talk about Jesus.
In most cases, starting with “LDS” or “Latter-day Saint” is wise. Those terms are generally understood and usually do not create unnecessary tension.
If your friend calls themselves Mormon, it is fine to use that word too. Many still do. If you are unsure, you can simply ask, “What term do you prefer I use?”
At the same time, Christians should not feel guilty for using the word “Mormon,” especially when speaking generally, searching online, or using outreach resources. It is a historically recognizable term, and it helps people understand the religious system being discussed.
Use careful language. Be kind. But do not let the conversation get stuck on labels. Keep bringing the focus back to the real question: Who is Jesus, and what has he done to fully rescue sinners?
Are You a Latter-day Saint?
We encounter many LDS who want to live eternally with Heavenly Father but are not sure how their story will end.
Jesus does not want you to wonder whether you are worthy enough or hope you have become enough. He wants you to know with certainty.
That certainty is not found in a name, a church, a covenant path, or your personal worthiness. It is found in Jesus and his finished work for you.
Please visit beyeperfect.org to discover the assurance found in Jesus.