Attention! Mormons Must Talk to Atheists–Period!

Atheists, Agnostics, and Nones (spiritual but not religious) are the fastest growing demographic in the American religious landscape. Twenty-five percent of Americans now identify as an Atheist, Agnostic, or None. This segment of society is ubiquitous, occupying posts high and low in all segments of business, government, education, medicine, law, and so forth. They occupy places in almost every Mormon family. It is important to recognize that many maintain a spiritual bent and are far from militant toward organized religion. Without question, almost every Mormon interacts with these good people every day.

Furthermore, like Catholics, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, and Mormons—Atheists, Agnostics, and Nones speak distinct spiritual or humanist dialects that reflect their particular perspectives. I maintain that not becoming reasonably fluent in these unique languages is problematic on the surface. So much of human conversation is embedded in contexts associated with humanity’s deepest beliefs that to be unable to communicate at these levels likely leaves valued associations and connections in an anemic state.

Mormons have come to expect literacy in “Momonese” in recent years. We appreciate people and groups that understand the sacredness of the Temple garment, Mormonism’s intense communitarian world view, the appropriate uses of “Mormon” and “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” and have a working understanding of the word of Wisdom and Temple marriage. The language associated with these rich, but uniquely Mormon beliefs is not learned over night. People outside Mormonism worked hard to integrate this language into their daily use. That is impressive.

Again, Mormons constitute two-percent of American population and Atheists, Agnostics, and Nones represent twenty-five percent. Is it too much to ask Mormons to learn the important dialects associated with these movements? No, it is not too much to ask. Will a Mormon’s faith be tainted by this association? No, the association is already there whether it is acknowledged or not. Is it unrighteous to become reasonable fluent in these languages? No, but it may be self-righteous not to make the attempt.

So how do you learn these dialects in order to employ them in conversation? Perhaps the simplest place to start would be to approach one of your friends, co-workers, or family members that is an Atheist, Agnostic, or None. Explain that you’ve been speaking Mormonese to them for quite some time and that while not intended, it was possibly impolite. At this juncture, you may even express gratitude for their accommodation of your Mormon Speak. Then ask them to explain some of the different aspects of the language they use to describe the most valued perspectives in their life. Take notes, learn, and begin speaking their language when talking to them. This would not only be a thoughtful approach, it would also be very kind and civil.

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