The Mormon arrival Though long distrusted, Joseph Smith’s faith
embodies American values THE CHURCH of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints has habitually been regarded by outsiders as
esoteric, cultish, and deeply suspect. Once, Mormons were
physically attacked for their beliefs. Now, the religion is
treated more respectfully, although still with an edge of
condescension. If it is made fun of, as in the Broadway hit “The
Book of Mormon,’’ that can pass as a sign of acceptance in a
culture that depends on the Catholic nun as a comedic staple.
Yet the religion remains mysterious to most gentiles, as Mormons
refer to non-members. Secret rituals, authoritarian structure,
sacred texts that seem eccentric, curious doctrines about the
dead, a contested past that includes polygamy, and certitude of
faith that can seem intolerant all exist side by side with
impressive growth in membership, positive values that lead to
undeniable success in business and family life, and the powerful
arrival of Mormons on the American pol