THE QUESTION

Mormonism

After 175 years of existence, is Mormonism entering the mainstream of American religious life or are people still suspicious of it?

Posted by Sally Quinn and Jon Meacham on May 2, 2007 6:31 AM
FROM THE PANEL

Americans but not Christians

The vast majority of evangelicals still consider the Mormon faith to be a heretic deviation from biblical orthodoxy.

Posted by Samuel Rodriguez, on May 8, 2007 8:40 AM

On Mormons and Muslims

I cannot help but consider it a gift from God that it was a Mormon who illuminated those Muslim values for me.

Posted by Eboo Patel, on May 7, 2007 11:40 AM

Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide

In vast areas of America -- especially in the West -- Mormonism is certainly a part of the cultural mainstream.

Posted by R. Albert Mohler Jr., on May 7, 2007 8:20 AM

Mormons in the Mythical Mainstream

There really is no mainstream; there are just larger or smaller by-waters.

Posted by Wendy Doniger, on May 7, 2007 7:20 AM

Public Service and Private Beliefs

It will be publicly lived out values of his life that will finally put an end to the residual cultural fears that still attend the concept of Mormon Religion.

Posted by John Shelby Spong, on May 7, 2007 6:47 AM

'Peaceful, Industrious and Law-Abiding People'

Mormons are in the mainstream of America’s marvelously varied religious life.

Posted by Christopher Dickey, on May 4, 2007 10:30 AM

A Need for "Convicted Civility" in our Dialogue

The history of relations between evangelicals and Mormons is largely characterized by hostile charges and counter-charges. This has begun to change, as our two communities have begun to see each other as potential partners in addressing some of the key...

Posted by Richard Mouw, on May 4, 2007 9:42 AM

Mainstreaming the Mormons

The “family values” core that Mormons project to the wider culture has met a rising conservative trend half-way.

Posted by Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite, on May 4, 2007 8:35 AM

Ignorance of the Faith, Tolerance for the Faithful

No faith but Christianity can be considered mainstream American. Fortunately, the current climate in our country favors inclusivity and tolerance.

Posted by Pamela K. Taylor, on May 4, 2007 7:16 AM

Admired, but From a Distance

Today, when everyone from New Agers to Hmong to Muslims to Pentecostals to Buddhists live "down the block," Mormons benefit from the protective coloration which such wild diversity promotes.

Posted by Martin Marty, on May 3, 2007 10:32 AM

A Long Way from Mainstream

In the eyes of most serious Christians, Mormonism is a long way from mainstream.

Posted by Charles "Chuck" Colson, on May 3, 2007 9:26 AM

Isms Pollute the Mainstream

If Mormonism is questionable, how can it produce so many Mormons who are such good people?

Posted by Anthony M. Stevens-Arroyo, on May 3, 2007 8:37 AM

Old Religions or Cult Classics?

The acceptance of Mormonism is still affected today by the fact that in many areas Mormons are not visible in many American communities.

Posted by John Esposito, on May 3, 2007 7:56 AM

No Theological Test for Citizenship

The question behind the question is whether the American public is ready to accept the legitimacy of the Mormon faith.

Posted by Michael Otterson, on May 2, 2007 10:54 AM

Mormons: Time Sanctifies Everything

The beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the institution's official title, are no more--and no less--irrational than the beliefs of any other religion.

Posted by Susan Jacoby, on May 2, 2007 9:02 AM

Role Models for Religious Minorities

Mormons provide an example to any minority American religious group how to withstand suffering.

Posted by Sulayman Nyang, on May 2, 2007 8:32 AM

Good People, Bizarre Beliefs

People are still "suspicious" of Mormonism, in part because mainstream religions consider some of their doctrines not only extra-biblical, but bizarre.

Posted by Cal Thomas, on May 2, 2007 7:52 AM

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FEATURED COMMENTS

Roberta Moss: I was tremendously disappointed in the PBS series. I felt it was negative, problematic, and gave a very biased slant (in most cases) to the ...

Wayne McGlashan: I've been a member of the LDS church for over thirty years now. As it was then, I found the church to be true by the power of the Holy Ghost...

Laura: I don't think the LDS faith will ever become "mainstream" per se, because I don't think that Satan would ever allow it to do so. He is fight...

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