The Book of Mormon uses the word "church" nearly 200 times in its pages and as early as the first book, written in 600 BC. Was that word around during the time that the Book of Mormon was supposedly written?
In the Bible, Jesus was the first one to use the word "church," speaking around 30 AD.
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18
The Greek word is ekklēsia and it meant a gathering of citizens, an assembly, called together to deliberate something. Jesus changed the context to mean as an assembly of people on earth gathered to worship in a religious setting. Over time it took on a broader meaning to include all believers on earth - God's united church or body of believers.
Since it is a Greek word and not a Hebrew word, which Nephi would have spoken, then the word "church" was not around during the time of the writing of the Book of Mormon.
Joseph Smith spoke against the current churches in his area, calling them abominations and whores. It appears he implanted that opinion into the character of Nephi, but used a word his own character would not have known.
NOTE: In 2 Nephi 26:26, Joseph Smith also uses a phrase "houses of worship" to describe local churches. Again, in 500 BC, there was ONE house of worship--the temple. "Houses of worship" because a modern phrase to describe churches.
NOTE: In 2 Nephi 26:26, Joseph Smith also uses a phrase "houses of worship" to describe local churches. Again, in 500 BC, there was ONE house of worship--the temple. "Houses of worship" because a modern phrase to describe churches.