In fact, in my experience most people are ignorant about any faith other than the particular sect of Christianity whose church they attend. Ask a Methodist how they are different from the Baptists or the Episcopalians. More likely than not, they won’t be able to tell you. Indeed, last year, when I wrote an article profiling different religious institutions in a north side neighborhood in Indianapolis, most of the clergy members couldn’t tell me what distinguished their sect from other sects of Christianity.

Sadly, what we do “know” about other religions tends to be negative stereotypes and “facts.” Catholics are indentured to the Pope and have babies like rabbits unless they are priests and nuns. Muslims are violent and fanatically devout. Jews fare a bit better – they celebrate Hannukah, have seders, and dance the hora at weddings – but still too many people regard them as money grubbing, and power hungry. As for what people belonging to these religions actually believe, most of us haven’t a clue.

So too, most Americans know a few facts about Mormonism, and those mostly negative. They practice polygamy (or at least some of them do), and Mormon women are second class citizens. The better informed folks might know their founder, and prophet, was named Joseph Smith, and that Brigham Young was instrumental in choosing Utah as their homeland, or even that they don’t drink alcohol or caffeine. But ask what the faith teaches – the basic doctrines and principles – and most people would come up blank.

In as much as that is true, no faith but Christianity can be considered mainstream American. Fortunately, the current climate in our country favors inclusivity and tolerance. Members of any faith, or of no faith, are able to take advantage of America’s commitment to the principles that all men (and women) are created equal, endowed with inalienable rights including the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Mitt Romney is living proof of that. As are John Kerry, Arlen Specter, Mark Udall, Mazie Hirono, and Keith Ellison.