In light of President Nelson´s remarks during the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I think Swift’s ‘Argument Against Abolishing Christianity’ holds particular contemporary relevance. In it, part of his argument includes the value in the very name of Christians. He points out that to get rid of a name will in no wise change the actions of the people (thus making the term ‘cheating’ illegal will not mean that every man will become honest) and that therefore people would still live their Christian religion even if the name was outlawed.
In the same way, the way the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints runs will not suffer from the intent to rid ourselves of the term ‘Mormon’. However, in our case it will change the way we think of the organization, which will prove to be a meaningful step forward for members globally. It will emphasize that ownership of the church belongs solely to the Savior, which will continually be refreshed in our minds. Of course, as we’ve all experienced so far, it’ll be difficult. Swift also wrote, “Here first I observe how difficult it is to get rid of a phrase which the world has once grown fond of, though the occasion that first produced it be entirely taken away.’
By switching our well-used name from the colloquial ‘Mormon’ to ‘The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ we acknowledge there will be a period of getting used to it. However, I’m sure the benefits will far outweigh the costs.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Swift
While theoretically the name of something could be interchangeable with anything else, names do have power. It is when we are able to identify fears and give them a name that we are able to begin to understand and find ways to cope. As long as fear goes unidentified, bad habits go unnoticed and unnamed, there is no real chance of us changing. With a name, you can study and begin to understand how that thing works. From the Beginning God has placed great importance on his name, which should help us better understand God's own perspective on the importance of names, which should reflect in how we label things as well.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting contrast with the message I initially took away from President Nelson's address, which was that names have significant importance and effect. I do like the change of focus, however, reminding us that changing what we call ourselves doesn't change who we are or how we live, but rather reflects who we are and how we live.
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