Speaker: Rod Decker

Utah Politics: The Elephant in the Room

Utah became a Republican state because Latter-day Saints disagreed with changes brought by the sexual revolution. Abortion, pornography, gay marriage, as well as the decline of traditional families and the rise of out-of-marriage births led them to Republicanism; Utah non-Mormons, facing a seemingly permanent religious-political majority, became Democrats. LDS adherence to the old morality also …

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LDS Church Media Coverage and Image

LDS Church Media Coverage and Image Growing media coverage of the LDS Church, its members and practices, creates some interesting situations for the Church and its image. Church leaders frame political issues as moral causes and call for support. Church public relations must explain the distinctions between mainstream Mormonism and splinter groups making headlines. Church …

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MORMONISM’S ‘MITT MOMENT’

MORMONISM’S ‘MITT MOMENT’ Even more than the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics did, Mitt Romney’s early success in his run for President of the United States has brought media and water-cooler attention to Mormon teachings and practice. Polls revealing in some cases that a third or more potential voters would have strong hesitations in …

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Mormon America: How Is The Reporting In The New Nationally Published Tome On Mormonism?

Mormon America: How Is The Reporting In The New Nationally Published Tome On Mormonism? Last fall, nationally respected HarperSanFrancisco published Mormon America: The Power and the Promise by veteran Time religion writer Richard Ostling and journalist/editor Joan Ostling. After sketching Mormon history, with the balance and judgment of long-time Mormon watchers, the authors chronicle the …

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