The Mormon tradition is unfamiliar and mysterious to most Americans outside of the religion, and understandably generates much curiosity. Mormons in American Politics: From Persecution to Power provides an intellectual foundation of Mormon development and emergence in politics, comprehensively examining significant issues and developments from historical, theological, cultural, and modern perspectives. The work analyzes diverse, contemporary topics including Mormons in popular culture, Mormon understandings of the Constitution, the Mormon welfare program, Mormon opposition to same-sex marriage, and the global expansion of Mormonism.
The book is ideal for scholars and students of American politics, history, and culture; Mormon studies; religious studies; and religion and politics; as well as general readers who are interested in Mormon religion and culture or the rise of Mormon figures in mainstream American politics.
Acknowledgments vii
1 Introduction 1
2 A Uniquely American Story 13
3 From Temple Square to Broadway 29
4 First a Catholic, Then a Mormon? 49
5 Mormon Understandings of the Constitution and Welfare 69
6 Now It's Okay to Redefine Marriage? 85
7 Mormon Patriotism 103
8 Going Global 119
9 Mainstreaming Mormonism 137
10 The Saints Go Marching On: A Conclusion 159
Notes 163
Bibliography 177
Index 185
Overview
The Mormon tradition is unfamiliar and mysterious to most Americans outside of the religion, and understandably generates much curiosity. Mormons in American Politics: From Persecution to Power provides an intellectual foundation of Mormon development and emergence in politics, comprehensively examining significant issues and developments from historical, theological, cultural, and modern perspectives. The work analyzes diverse, contemporary topics including Mormons in popular culture, Mormon understandings of ...