Gentile

The word Gentile (from the Latin gentilis, a translation of the Hebrew Nochri/????) has several meanings. In the most common modern use it refers to a non-Jew. The word is derived from the Latin term gens (meaning "clan" or a "group of families") and it is often employed in the plural. In late Latin gentilis meant "pagan", and the term gentile has sometimes been used in the past as a synonym for "heathen" or "pagan" (a believer in many gods); this usage is archaic.

Latter-day Saints Church usage

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ("LDS Church"; see also Mormon), who regard themselves as regathered, formerly lost Israelites, have also used the word "Gentile" to refer to nonmembers. As such, this word is not appropriately applied to Jews, although LDS members often colloquially referred to Jews as "Gentiles" because they were not members of the LDS Church. As with the more general usage, the word "Gentile" has become uncommon (perhaps being regarded as antiquated and unnecessarily pejorative), and the more neutral term "non-Mormon" is now more frequently used. Even this term is increasingly considered disrespectful, prompting many LDS to abandon "non-Mormon" altogether and simply use the term "neighbor", thus departing completely from labels of religious distinction out of an attempt to emphasize instead neighborly love. See also Mormonism and Judaism.

Related Topics:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Mormon - Jews - Pejorative - Mormonism and Judaism

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~