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“Reading about another religion is like attending a stranger’s family reunion”.

With that observation, pollster Gary Lawrence begins a lively analysis of the facts and fictions surrounding Mormonism – a religion mysterious to some, misunderstood by many, and maligned by more than a few.  Sprinkling each chapter with results from his national polls, Lawrence produces the go-to guidebook for the person who wants to understand “just enough” about this increasingly visible religion.

Here are a few of the questions Lawrence answers:

Polygamy?  Yes we did and no we don’t.

Christians?  Why would we claim to be the original of something if we’re not at least the something?

Power?  The LDS Church does not seek political power.  Besides, how could a church that has both Harry Reid and Glenn Beck as devout members ever agree on a strategy?

False prophets?  Yes, the Bible says there will be false prophets.  We believe that implies there must also be true prophets.

 Heaven?  We do not believe we can work our way into heaven.  Nor, at the other extreme, do we believe in E-Z Pass grace.

Ministry?  Ask a Mormon bishop his occupation and you will never hear the word bishop.

Government?  The First Amendment is clear: no state church with both miter and gavel, and keep government’s mitts off religious activities.

Weird beliefs?  No more so than our belief that Jesus Christ raised the dead, walked on water, turned water into wine, and healed lepers, the blind, and the deaf.