Definitions

A special vocabulary has arisen in online communities to enable people in faith transition to better describe their experiences and empathize with each other. Some of the most useful words and phrases are defined on this page.

Crisis and Transition

The terms "faith crisis" and "faith transition" are used interchangeably on this site even though they have different connotations. Active, believing members generally use the term "faith crisis," seeing an altered relationship with the church as a temporary, solvable problem characterized by abnormal uncertainty. Members who have experienced it generally prefer the term "faith transition" or "faith journey," seeing the experience as an essential part of their spiritual development and personal growth. Some other members don't like to label their experience in any particular way.

A journey through doubt may lead to strengthened faith and testimony, separation from the church, or something in between. The constant in all of these experiences is change. Therefore, we find that "faith transition" is the more accurate terminology. However, we use both terms on this site to make it easier to find for members who use the "crisis" terminology about themselves.

Words and phrases

• Bloggernacle – A portmanteau of "blog" and "tabernacle," referring to Mormon blogs in general.
• Broken shelf – Describes the moment at which a faith transition often begins. The "shelf" terminology is borrowed from a common metaphor in the church in which members who are facing difficult questions or concerns about the church are sometimes encouraged by local leaders to to "put it on the shelf," or in other words to stop worrying about it and trust that everything will be explained in due time (possibly in the next life). When a member feels that the questions relegated to the shelf have become too important or too numerous, they can experience a "broken shelf" or inability to continue ignoring or postponing these questions. This can trigger a faith transition that casts all of their beliefs and practices into serious doubt.
• Inspired but not prophetic – Refers to a belief that Joseph Smith and other prophets were inspired men and perhaps had divine experiences but were not necessarily intended by God to found his one and only church or to claim exclusive possession of the truth. This viewpoint allows for mistakes or biases in modern scripture since it's understood to be the work of imperfect (albeit well-intentioned) men, not the direct and final word of God.
• Leadership roulette – Refers to the often severe differences between local church leaders in different areas or at different times. Many bishops, branch presidents, and stake or district leaders are quietly supportive of people with differing attitudes toward the church. They may offer them callings as teachers, ask for their input on how to make church services more welcoming, and avoid doing anything that might embarrass or alienate them. Other leaders are avoidant, refusing to engage with members who they fear might harm their faith. Still other leaders are openly hostile.
• Middle Way Mormonism – An umbrella term referring to any lifestyle that purposefully avoids both extremes on the spectrum of Mormonism: on the one hand, complete orthodoxy (conformity) in belief and practice; on the other hand, leaving the church and cutting all ties to it. Middle Way Mormons participate to some extent in church worship and service and may even hold temple recommends, but hold non-standard views or practice faith in non-standard ways. For example, many of them are nonliteral believers (see "Nonliteral believer").
• Non-literal believer – Someone who believes in the principles or structure of the church but does not necessarily believe all of its truth claims. For example, someone may participate in the church and believe it offers inspiration but disbelieve that the Book of Mormon is an ancient document or that Joseph Smith actually saw God and angels. There is reason to think that nonliteral believers are a substantial component of church membership, although they rarely feel comfortable discussing this openly with other members.
• Nuance – The opposite of black-and-white thinking. Nuanced believers may, for example, believe that the church is true while also believing that some church doctrines or policies are motivated by prejudice rather than divine revelation. Nuanced members generally are not offended when imperfections or contradictions in the church are pointed out; they see the church as a complex entity that harbors both good and evil. Most people who return to full activity after a faith transition are somewhat nuanced.
• Orthodox – Refers to a person or lifestyle that conforms absolutely to the teachings of the church and generally also conforms to various norms, attitudes, and traditions that are promoted by the church but are not necessarily part of its doctrine.
• PostMormon – A term for those who have left the church, sometimes preferred over "ex-Mormon." Several online and in-person support groups use the PostMormon name. These groups are focused on helping former Mormons find friendship and community, especially in areas with a high concentration of Mormons like Utah, Idaho, and Arizona.
• RMN – Russell M. Nelson. Modern prophets and apostles are often referred to by their initials.
• Sad Heaven – Refers to a common belief within the church that families will be separated after death if some of them have not remained faithful.
• Scrupulosity – A psychological disorder that causes an excessive amount of religious guilt. "Excessive" can be defined as causing dysfunction or distress. People who suffer from scrupulosity tend to obsess over small mistakes or sins and may see themselves as evil or condemned by God.
• TBM – "True Blue Mormon" or "True Believing Mormon." Some definitions exchange the word "Mormon" for "Member." Refers to someone who completely believes in the church and dedicates their life to it.