The term Latter-day Saint (within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) refers to the teaching of Joseph Smith, Jr. that adherents of the religion God established were "saints", in the same sense that Paul used the term, meaning that they were followers of Christ. They are termed latter-day saints in order to distinguish them from the saints of the early Church (former-day saints). Usage of the term Latter Day Saints first appeared in the mid 1830s, when Smith's Church of Christ was renamed Church of Latter Day Saints, and later, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (which was sometimes hyphenated as Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). These members also believe that Jesus Christ will return to earth when certain signs outlined within the Doctrine and Covenants occur (as well as some Bible prophecies, notably those found in the books of Matthew & Revelation).
The British styling "Latter-day Saint", including both the hyphenation and lower-case "d", came into use in about 1852 when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was incorporated by that name in Salt Lake City, Utah. This form is used only by that denomination, and its usage generally denotes only those members.
Because the LDS Church is by far the largest and most well-known Latter Day Saint denomination, a number of denominations who consider themselves Latter Day Saints prefer more informal terms to refer to their members, in order to avoid confusion. For example, the denomination that is officially named the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) refers to itself informally as the Strangites. In addition, the Community of Christ, the second largest Latter Day Saint denomination, in 2001 changed its name from the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, partly to avoid this type of confusion.
Latter Day Saints are sometimes also referred to as Mormons (a nickname taken from the title of The Book of Mormon). The size and prominence of the LDS Church however, has led to the terms Mormon and Mormonism being generally understood as applying only to the LDS Church. The desire of the LDS Church to disassociate itself from polygamous denominations to which the term Mormon has been applied has led to the LDS Church urging journalists to use the terms Latter-day Saint and Mormon only in reference to the LDS Church.[1] The Associated PressStylebook states the following concerning the use of the term "Mormon" when referring to sects formed after Joseph Smith's death: “The term Mormon is not properly applied to the other churches that resulted from the split after Joseph Smith’s death.”
Below is a passage from The Wentworth Letter that Joseph Smith, Jr. wrote after being asked about the basic beliefs of the Church. This collection of thirteen statements are known as the Articles of Faith and present an overview generally accepted by most Latter Day Saint denominations.
We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in his son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's transgression.
We believe that through the Atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
We believe that these ordinances are: 1st, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; 2nd, Repentance; 3rd, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; 4th, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
We believe that a man must be called of God by prophesy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists and so forth.
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophesy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues and so forth.
We believe the bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes. That Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon this [the American] continent. That Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—we believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy we seek after these things.
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