Wednesday, July 25, 2007

WordFUL Wednesday

That's right, we're SWITCHING IT UP BABY!

Why do you call yourself Mormons?

Yeah, I get it, from Mormon. But why wouldn't you call yourself Christs. Like, "I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am a Christs."

Is it because Mormon was/is more important than Jesus Christ? Probably not. Is it because Mormon and his subsequent teachings, writings, plates, books, et. al. is what differentiates you from the "untrue" churches and believers? Or simply, that's how it has been, that is how we roll baby?

I may be starting out a little thick on my topics but wanted to see what type of responses this question would stir up. I do know that one reader is currently rolling her eyes in the back of her head right now, creating a glaze over her face, and looking for a magazine to read while her husband attempts to explain it to me. But because the husband only occasionally reads blogs, maybe she will comment on her own. Hope everyone is having a top notch week!

17 comments:

Mindy said...

Well, well, well. Looky what we have here.
John, we tried to explain this to you, oh, around 6 months ago at one of our countless 3am religion discussions. I'm sure Eli was sleeping through it, otherwise she'd have remembered and reminded you.

Jodie Haney said...

Wow, John...you're not scared, are ya?
I am new to the church (a little over a year), and I wondered the same thing about the term "Mormon." “Mormons” is actually a slang name given to members of the LDS church. We are actually supposed to refer to ourselves as, "members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." That just seems SO long, so we sometimes embrace our nickname.
Your next question, I have to think of the most concise way to answer. Of course, a more seasoned “Mormon” do that before I can.

Mindy said...

Sorry, I didn't answer your question. People started calling followers of Joseph Smith Mormons or Mormonites back in 1833. It was sort of a nickname based on the title of the book. It sort of stuck. It's not the preferred term, however. We'd much rather be called members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That's just happens to be a mouthful.

The prophet Mormon wrote, compiled, and edited/abridged the many ancient records into one book to give to Joseph Smith to translate.
I think that covers it. Right?

Feel free to add on, anyone.

Jodie Haney said...

OK, I couldn’t stand it…I am such a loud mouth!
The “true church” thing comes from the Priesthood Authority and the extended scriptures. Joseph Smith was given the Priesthood (enables men to act in God’s name to preach, baptize, administer the sacrament, marry people, etc.), like the Apostles in the Bible.
This Priesthood lineage, before Joseph Smith, had been destroyed by a falling away of the church from it’s origins, an apostasy (Prophesied by Peter in Acts and John in Revelations).
Once the Priesthood was restored, Priesthood holders could receive direct and clarified teachings from the Lord. So, it began. The “bonus” scriptures (Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price) plus modern revelation are what separates us from “other” churches.
It is not that all other churches are untrue; most of them are striving to do what is right with the information they have. The LDS Church was formed because Heavenly Father provided more pieces to the puzzle. The information we have has not been tainted and is more full. So, we can more precisely live the way God wants us to live, less questions without answers.
Would someone give this guy a Gospel Principles Book?

Mindy said...

Jodie, you rock!

Amen to the sistah.

Leslie said...

jodie, you TOTALLY ROCK. :)
hi john. i don't know you but i like your blog! keep it up!

Lori said...

John, I don't know you either but I have ready many of your fun comments on other pages of my friends! I will enjoy keeping up and your blog!

Steven said...

your dumb. why ask questions when you already have the answer?
It's like calling someone 'fat'. They don't call themselves that, other people use that term and then it sticks. Your stuck with it. Mormon was a good guy. I don't mind the name. I prefer Saint Steven.

Audra said...

Wasn't it you, Johnny, who just wrote, like two days ago that "Names are kind of overrated sometimes." Why are you worried about our NICKNAME? It doesn't represent who we are or what we believe. I think you know that. Don't you?

Shana said...

I am a big fan of the John comments too!! :) YA, now I can actually read this thoughts!! lol
Thanks Audge for posting it on your blog. haha

Abbi said...

John, I am so glad you are blogging. I am Audra's siter, and your comments on her blog always make me laugh so hard, so thank you! And your identity theft blog made me laugh too. And as far as the "Mormon" thing goes, a historian once told me that it was originally a derogatory term for the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and it wasn't until much later that the members of the Church had forgotten its original meaning and didn't regard it as an offensive term. But still, we are always encouraged to not refer to ourselves as Mormons for the exact reason you brought up--it sounds like we worship Mormon, which we do not.

Michelle Pyne said...

Hey John! I am Audra's Mom. I feel like I sort of know you from all your witty and entertaining remarks on her blog (I love reading Jessi's and Audra's blog.) I am thrilled that now I can be further entertained and enlightened by your blog! Welcome! Even though I am a bit older than you all, I am a member of the RS, so I feel comfortable visiting your site. I read the answers to your questions about "Mormons" and I think they've covered the subject pretty well. I will refrain from waxing eloquent about the subject.......

Kjirsten said...

Hi, I am Audra's aunt, and as we say in my neck of the woods, John, "you're a hoot!" Keep asking questions, curiosity is a wonderful attribute most adults don't have much patience for. Just remeber to keep your mind and heart open to the answers that will come your way.

Brian said...

Hey...I just got back from camping in Yellowstone....just read the blog. Interesting topic and comments. I think everyone is wrong. The word "mormon" actually means "alien". I like being called "alien". Then, when "they" come, I won't be seen as the opposition. No "take me to your leader", no probing, etc. So, being a "mormon" has advantages.

Or something like that. I guess most of the posts were on target. But consider the alien thing, too.

Mindy said...

Erg (that's the sound of annoyance), its been a week. I know you have access to the internet. You've been commenting. Why aren't you writing? Can't come up with another witty question?
Come on, give us a Sherry story.

Michelle Pyne said...

Hey Mr. Relief Society, where you been lately? Blogging once a month (like me) just won't cut it. You fan club is waiting......!

tara said...

your link to Melissa goes to something about avril lavigne. Is that on purpose, or did you really mean Melissa J? Funny that their URLs are similar, I know Avril isn't about to have a baby though!