We all love short-cuts. Those that are valid. Those that work.

Consider some faves:

• The F-11 key that enables you to use your full screen without toolbar interference; Control X to wipe out text
• The “undo arrow”–what would we do without it?
• The Iphone GPS, showing detailed shortest routes to our destination
• Boxed hair color (maybe not)
• Instant brownie mixes
• Templates for projects

You name it; we’ve gotten a shortened version of it.

Well, it’s not surprising that the world has taken to a shortcut for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “Mormons.”  It is, after all, a long and holy name of the Savior’s restored Church in our day.  While we keep the sacredness of the full designation of the Church–receiving the name itself from the Lord Himself in revelation to His leaders–we do accept, as a people, the nickname “Mormons.”  Mormon, according to Joseph Smith, means, “more good.”  Mormons believe in bringing the Savior’s light and truth–more good, the best good, the saving good truths of the gospel and all that attends that–into the world.

Online searches for information about the Church include the frequent search for Mormon-themed words, including Mormon, Mormons, Mormon beliefs, Mormon religion, and Mormon doctrine.  Some of our friends don’t make the connection even between LDS (a Latter-day Saint or member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and “Mormons.”

If you are visiting this site for the first time and are unaware yourself, we are one and the same.  Mormon is a nickname derived from a prophet who lived anciently, on this American continent, and after whom an amazing, true, profound and clear record of Christ’s visit, is named.  (If you have not read this book, please drop us a note and we will be sure you receive one from us or Mormon missionaries, as you prefer at this point in your journey.)

Although there are millions of searches for LDS, we, as members, have reason to believe that most friends of other faiths seeking information about us do so by keying in the term and nickname, “Mormon.”  Few search for us from other faiths, using the official name of the Church.

There’s a difference, though, in calling the individual, lay members of the Church, “Mormons” and combining that nickname with the official Church name. While many will often Google, “Mormon Church,” the actual full inspired appellation is “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”  Just so you’re not confused by the nickname itself.

Still, for journalists, the Church requests that the initial reference to the Church be a full-named one, and that subsequent references to the Church include “The Church of Jesus Christ.”

In 2009, there were over 31 million searches for the terms Mormon, Mormons, and Mormonism.  This compares with about 32 million for LDS (Latter-day Saint).

In terms of the members, says Mike Otterson, of the Church of Jesus Christ’s Public Affairs office, “It’s simply a reality that people think of Mormons, they don’t think of Latter-day Saints,” Otterson said Thursday. “Mormon is here to stay.”

“Mormon is here to stay.”

Application

For those Mormons blogging, remember to use vernacular that friends of other faiths would understand when addressing families, the temple, your personal gospel insights and experiences, and to define terms or link to definitions and scriptures.

A Relief Society function sounds like a generic humanitarian fundraiser to a friend of another faith rather than a gathering of Mormon women striving to emulate Christ who reach out to those in need, and who are organized into a global affiliation, under the direction of a living prophet and his counselors.

Comments, questions welcome.

Source reference

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14805624