Dr. Tyler Griffin
Dr. Tyler Griffin’s career in education started with six years teaching seminary in Brigham City. He then spent seven years instructing at the Logan LDS Institute and helped launch the online seminary program. Currently, he’s a professor at BYU with over ten years of experience. Dr. Griffin co-founded the BYU Virtual Scriptures Group and holds degrees in Electrical Engineering, Instructional Technology (Master’s and PhD). He has authored and co-authored several religious books.
Fact Checked by Kevin Prince
The First Time the Name Christian is Used
Verse 26 says, “When he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass the whole year they assembled themselves with the church and taught much people, and the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” So, for the first time ever, we get the label of Christian right there in Antioch. It seemed to be a political designation from the people in Antioch, and it’s actually a pretty spot-on name, even if it was given initially as a negative derogatory thing from the people who didn’t want to be Christians. This poses the question are Mormons Christians?
The Name Christian in The Book Of Mormon
We see that the group decides we’re going to take this on. We really, the way that we are on, is the way of Christ. So yes, we are Christians; we are followers of the Messiah, which is beautiful because previous to this label, they were just called the Saints or the Way. This is a nice label for them. And, by the way, you will find that title “Christians” in the Book of Mormon, in the Book of Alma, and even with stories like Captain Moroni. These people coming forward, joining the cause of the Christians, which is interesting because all of those stories are happening 60, 70, and 80 years before Christ is even born. Are Mormons Christians, well they’re already being called Christians in some of those BC time periods in The Book of Mormon. And it’s beautiful to see what they knew about Christ long before he was born.
By Dr. Tyler Griffin, Source Expert
Dr. Tyler Griffin embarked on his professional journey by teaching seminary courses for a period of six years in Brigham City, Utah. Following that, he dedicated the subsequent seven years to instructing at the Logan LDS Institute, located adjacent to Utah State University. Alongside his participation in the Seminary Preservice program, he spearheaded and supervised the implementation of the online seminary program. Dr. Griffin has been an educator at BYU for well over a decade and holds a co-founding position within the BYU Virtual Scriptures Group. His undergraduate degree is in Electrical Engineering, while both his master’s and doctorate degrees center around Instructional Technology. Dr. Griffin is the exclusive author of “When Heaven Appears Distant” co-author of “Come Unto Me: Illuminating the Savior’s Life, Mission, Parables, and Miracles” and co-editor of “Millions Shall Rediscover Brother Joseph.”
By Dr. Taylor Halverson, Source Expert
Dr. Taylor Halverson is a biblical scholar and instructional technologist. He serves as an Entrepreneurship professor in the BYU Marriott School of Business, where he contributes to the development of groundbreaking resources for BMC, including ScripturePlus and the Come Follow Me video series.
Fact Checked by Mr. Kevin Prince, Source Expert
Kevin Prince is a religious scholar and host of the Gospel Learning Youtube channel. His channel has garnered over 41,000 subscribers and accumulated over 4.5 million views. Mr. Prince also created the Gospel Learning App, a reliable platform where individuals seeking truth can access trustworthy answers to religious questions from top educators worldwide.
About Mormonism Explained
Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.
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