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An elderly man in a suit and tie looks up, positioned against a blue background, as a brunette woman with a pink scarf sits beside him.

As Russell M. Nelson turns 100, a look back at one of the words that will define his legacy – and the controversial term’s 200-year history

Editor's note:

The centenarian club gained a new member this week: Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Nelson, a retired heart surgeon whom church members consider a prophet, celebrated his 100th birthday Monday with a special broadcast. Since taking the helm in 2018, he’s made a number of changes, from shortening Sunday services to ending the church’s relationship with the Boy Scouts. But one reform may prove especially consequential, or at least controversial: Nelson’s push against the term “Mormon".

At times, the church has embraced the nickname. Just a decade ago, its “I’m a Mormon” campaign was splashed across screens and billboards. So for some Americans, including members, the change prompted confusion and reflection.

Konden Smith Hansen, a historian of religion at the University of Arizona, traces the much-debated term’s history. The church has long wrestled with “Mormon,” he explains – yet the word has been key in shaping other Americans’ understanding of the often-misunderstood faith.

A portrait of Molly Jackson, Religion and Ethics Editor at The Conversation U.S.
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Religion News

Grief over Gaza and qualms over US election add up to anguish for many Palestinian Americans

For months, many Palestinian Americans have been contending with the double blow of the rising Palestinian death toll in Gaza and their own government’s support for Israel in the war. Now, ahead of the U.S. election, they also wrestle with tough, deeply personal voting decisions. By Mariam Fam/The Associated Press

Trump’s abortion pivot hasn’t shaken evangelical Christian leaders’ support

 'I don’t just consider a candidate’s words, I look at their actions and what they have done,' said the Rev. Franklin Graham. By Jack Jenkins/Religion News Service

How did a popular Philippine televangelist land on the FBI’s most-wanted list?

Surrounded by heavily armed police, the 74-year-old preacher and four co-accused surrendered Sunday in his religious stronghold. By Jim Gomez/The Associated Press

A woman leans over a metal barrier holding her phone. All around her people holding the flags of Singapore and the Vatican.

Pope concludes Asia trip in economic power Singapore after joyous visit to impoverished, devout East Timor

Pope Francis has reached Singapore for the final leg of his trip through Asia, arriving in one of the world’s richest countries from one of its poorest after a record-setting final Mass in East Timor. By Nicole Winfield and Niniek Karmini/The Associated Press

Polyamorists look for their place in church as the practice loses its taboo

For polyamorous clergy and Christians, ‘love is love is love.’ By Kathryn Post/Religion News Service

 

Commentary and Analysis

Black church leaders brought religion to politics in the ‘60s – but it was dramatically different from today’s white Christian nationalism

In 1966, the assertion of Black power was grounded in an appeal to the founding principles of the United States. Black church leaders called for healing internal divisions through engagement. By Tobin Miller Shearer for The Conversation

Medieval theology has an old take on a new problem − AI responsibility

Autonomous AI is still designed by people − so who or what is really responsible for its actions? For centuries, theologians have posed similar questions about mankind and God. By David Danks and Mike Kirby for The Conversation

Putting a spiritual spin on my love affair with vinyl

A scholar explains why some people see their vinyl records as a sacred collection. By Brock Ruggles for The Conversation

The Synod on Synodality needs to set its own agenda

The Second Vatican Council's fathers tossed the Curia's agenda and set their own. Could history repeat itself? By Thomas Reese/Religion News Service

 
A young Asian girl wearing a headband that has two pictures of Pope Francis waving attached to it looks towards the viewer. There is a blurry crowd of people behind her.

Photos of the Week: Francis visits Asia; National Baptists meet and more

A girl reacts as Pope Francis arrives at Madya Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

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