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I have noticed in various publications, letters, and discussion forums that people will often capitalize the word “Church”. Similar to the way we capitalize proper names, God, Jesus Christ, etcetera. However, I question this practice now. For me, it elevates the church above what it should be in the lives of some people — particularly tendencies toward church organization egocentricity I have seen in some of my church experiences (I have to keep correcting my capitalization every time I write the word “church” in this thread)!
Anyway, a new commitment that will help me personally is to use lowercase next time I refer to the church in writing. I believe I have let that concept of undue church importance eclipse weightier matters in my life…and perhaps others too.
Do you think the church, when referenced only as “the church” should be capitalized, or is it a non-issue for you? I agree that it should be capitalized when it’s proper name is used The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints as it is consistent with modern English, or when referred to as the Mormon Church, but when referred to without its official monikers, I feel “church” is more in keeping with the balance that should exist between the church and its members. Would it not look strange to refer to “the church and its Members” (with members capitalized)? If both interests are truly in balance, then I choose to go with “church”. Thoughts?
Very interesting Silent Dawning! I have never thought to capitalize the church unless I was writing or typing the official name. I definitely won’t start doing it now either, although now that you brought this to my attention, I will probably notice other people doing it all over the place. At least, I don’t think I’ve capitalized it. I will have to go look for things I’ve written
😯 I capitalize pronouns and proper names – and “The Church” is an easy way to do so without typing TCoJCoL-DS or even “The LDS Church”. Having said that, I have no problem at all with not capitalizing it – and I think you bring up a very, very good point.
I use caps like Ray mentioned. In the place of the proper name, I will write “The Church” because we are on an LDS-specific forum. If I am talking just about the common noun, then I don’t cap it. I am not implying anything honorary with capitalization. Disclaimer: that’s what is going on in my mind when I am typing. I may need a mental editor at times and get it wrong.
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