by Scott Heffernan:
This is my fourth year sharing my Mormon Crushes. A Mormon Crush is a passionate respect for the way one approaches Mormonism and faith—an infatuation with one's "Mormon style." I like the term crush because it captures the fleeting attraction I sometimes feel after being impressed with someone.
I used the same criteria as past years:
• They must be somewhat of a public figure.
• They must be living.
• No general authorities at or above the level of seventy.
Here are the Mormons who inspired me in 2014 and to keep an eye on in 2015.
Fiona Givens
I included Fiona Givens' husband, Terryl, on my list last year. I was tempted to include Fiona on last year’s crushes as well, but I simply hadn’t quite heard/read enough of her. This year I attended a fireside with the Givens’ as well as started reading The God Who Weeps (and will read The Crucible of Doubt next). Between the firesides, books, and her appearances on the Mormon Matters podcast, my crush has definitely been solidified. Fiona is as every bit as charming in real life as she is in various media. She is eloquent, articulate, and seems to have a dash of troublemaker in her. I particularly enjoyed her thoughts on "Wrestling with Prophets and Scripture" and female ordination. Fiona and Terryl seem to compliment each other greatly.
Gabrielle Blair
I featured Gabrielle Blair aka Design Mom in my very first round of Mormon Doppelgängers. Gabrielle is a very popular lifestyle blogger. To be honest, I don't know a ton about her approach to Mormonism, but what I've seen, I like. Once in a while she will post something slightly unorthodox related to her faith and she is always so gracious in the way she expresses herself. She is bold, but simultaneously nonchalant. And to watch her responses when commenters disagree with her is truly a thing of beauty. Go read her! (I crush on her design skills as well, but that’s outside the scope of this article.)
Adam S. Miller
Adam Miller is an author and professor of philosophy at Collin College. Among his books are Letters to a Young Mormon and Rube Goldberg Machines. I really like Adam Miller's approach to religion and lived Mormonism. He brings new insights and definitions to sin, faith, and grace alternative to conventional discourse in Mormonism. Listen to his A Thoughtful Faith interview to get started.
Who are your Mormon Crushes?
Scott Heffernan is a graphic designer and photographer in Seattle. He works on the creative team at Archie McPhee doing all manner of strange things. He grew up a child of the ‘80s in Salt Lake City, served a mission to England/Wales, and got a degree in American Sign Language from the University of Utah. After marrying his sweetheart, they moved to Seattle and had three beautiful baby boys together. He loves toys, skateboarding, and thrift store shopping and has impeccable Modar. Twitter: @ScottHeffernan. Tumblr: ScottHeff.tumblr.com.
