Politics: Not Just a Bunch of Mitt Romneys

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Politics Not Just a Bunch of Mitt Romneys A new survey reveals that Mormons' beliefs aren't always what you'd predict. By David Haglund Posted Thursday, Jan 12, 2012, at 09:15 PM ET When it comes to the public perception of Mormonism, Mitt Romney is both a blessing and a curse. He is responsible for a sizable portion of the potentially illuminating attention that's being lavished on his religion. But his presence also shapes the conversation about Mormonism to such a degree that even a significant sociological document like Pew's "Mormons in America"—the first "nationally representative survey focused exclusively on Mormons" to be published "by a non-LDS research organization"—can't emerge from the candidate's shadow. Consider this AP story, which mentions Romney in the second paragraph and largely considers Mormonism in light of electoral politics. "About 77 percent of Mormons in the survey identify with or lean toward the Republican Party," the AP reports, and most hold much stronger conservative views than the general public. Three-quarters support a smaller government that provides fewer services. The same percentage say having an abortion is morally wrong. Two-thirds believe homosexuality should be discouraged. While these facts are worth noting, the Pew report, read more closely, complicates the identification of Mormons with the Republican Party, and highlights aspects of the faith that most Americans are likely unaware of. For instance: Nearly as many Mormons said that "working to help the poor" is essential to being a "good Mormon" (73 percent) as believing "Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ" (80 percent). By contrast, just less than half of Mormons believe that abstaining from coffee and tea is essential to being ... To continue reading, click here. Join the Fray: our reader discussion forum What did you think of this article? POST A MESSAGE | READ MESSAGES Also In Slate Why Mitt Is Wrong When He Says Concern About Inequality Is Just "Envy" Clarence Thomas' Bizarre 17-Page Dissent Defending a Totally Untrustworthy Witness Roiphe: What Caitlin Flanagan's New Book Girl Land Gets Wrong About Girls	Advertisement
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