Define The Church

[_zeezrom]

I need to pause a sec and make sure the definition of the Church is solid. Right now, I'm not so sure.

How would you define "The Mormon Church" or "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"?

1. The body of members
2. The men in suits at COB and Admin building downtown SLC
3. Everything: SLC, facilities, businesses, BYUs, members
4. ?

I imagine the answer to the question depends on the context in which it is being discussed. We should think about this question as we use the phrase in our discussions because it makes a difference. I, for one, have been using the term "LDS" quite loosely in times past.

Most of the time, #1 from the list above causes me to think positively of the church and #2, negatively.

[_Tobin]

I need to pause a sec and make sure the definition of the Church is solid. Right now, I'm not so sure.

How would you define "The Mormon Church" or "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"?

1. The body of members
2. The men in suits at COB and Admin building downtown Salt Lake City
3. Everything: Salt Lake City, facilities, businesses, BYUs, members
4. ?

I imagine the answer to the question depends on the context in which it is being discussed. We should think about this question as we use the phrase in our discussions because it makes a difference. I, for one, have been using the term "LDS" quite loosely in times past.

Most of the time, #1 from the list above causes me to think positively of the church and #2, negatively.

I think of it as #1. IF #2 and #3 disappeared tomorrow, I wouldn't be at all sad about it. To have a Mormon church doesn't take much money or even a building. You can meet at someone's house if you need to.

[_Fence Sitter]

What about the RLDS, Community of Christ, Temple Lot group, FLDS, The Strangites & Whitmerites and numerous other offshoots? What about NOMs, cultural Mormons, Internet Mormons, TBMs, Jack Mormons and apostates?

The Mormon Church started with Joseph Smith and encompasses everything associated with that beginning from then to now. It can be divided any way one likes to discuss a certain subject or focus. Each person has his or her own concept of what that is. I do not believe you can just read some anonymous newsroom bulletin to determine what exactly is the Mormon Church nor do I believe one size fits all. Most of the discussions on this and other similar boards are discussing exactly what Mormonism is.

[_just me]

I'm typically referring to the organization.

[_DarkHelmet]

When I think of the church, I usually think of #2, no pun intended. #3 is just an extension of the power of the church. Fortunately for the leadership, most people have a positive image of the Mormon church because of #1, so I assume many people associate #1 as "the church."