This engaging, hard-hitting overview of Mormon beliefs and history illuminates one of the most critical issues in the 2012 race:  WHAT DOES THE RISING INFLUENCE OF MORMONISM MEAN FOR AMERICA?   "If a man's faith is sincere, it is the most important thing about him and it is impossible to understand who he is and how he will lead without first understanding the religious vision that informs his life." --Stephen Mansfield   Mormons and Mormonism are moving into the spotlight in pop culture, politics, sports, and entertainment: including presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Mormonism has now emerged as one of the fastest-growing religions and a high-impact mainstream influence. Stephen Mansfield, the acclaimed  New York Times  bestseller, writes this important story at a pivotal moment in American history. The Mormonizing of America  is critical to understanding our times, our culture--and our future as a country. Backed by up-to-date research, personal anecdotes, and a 16-page photo section, Mansfield examines the influence of the LDS church--past, present, and future. He debunks common myths, expounds on the Church's beliefs, and unveils many of the mysteries surrounding this influential religion and its loyal members. The "Mormon Moment" in America: A time to celebrate? Or a cause for concern? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints began as small band of New York farmers in 1830. And they had a mysterious tale to tell: All Christianity has been corrupted; but now an angel has appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith. There is a new religion today--based on a "restored gospel," entrusted to "the only true church." Soon known as "Mormons," they took their message to the world. They suffered fierce persecution and saw hundreds of their fellow Saints die in their trek west. Finally, they settled in the Great Salt Lake basin and built the Mormon society of their dreams. Now, nearly 200 years after their founding, the Latter-day Saints have become one of the great success stories in American religion. Their church is thriving, their message has spread around the world, and Mormon entertainers, authors, politicians, athletes, news commentators, management gurus, and CEOs shine in their fields. Yet they are nearly as much a mystery to Americans now as they ever were. How did it happen and what does it mean for us today? How did a despised sect become one of the most influential religions in US society--achieving what Newsweek magazine called our present "Mormon Moment"? And how did their Church live down extreme doctrines like polygamy and ostracizing beliefs about African-Americans to reach their now astonishing heights? Just has he has done with the stories of presidents and prime ministers in his other groundbreaking books, New York Times best-selling author Stephen Mansfield tells this Mormon tale with balance and perspective. It is a tale seldom told and rarely understood, but it is a tale we must know to understand both American society today and the shape of religion in the modern world. What the Mormonizing of America means for the nation, the world--and for you A century ago, there was one Mormon celebrity in the United States--a member of Congress so controversial, his confirmation hearing lasted four years. The Latter-day Saints' practice of polygamy had ended only a decade or so before. Mormons were a despised sect with almost no standing or credibility in American culture. Today, Mormons number in the millions. Their members include some of the most prominent people in the world: Marriott family; Stephen Covey; Mitt Romney; Glen Beck; the Osmonds; Stephanie Meyer, author of the best-selling Twilight vampire novels; David Neelman, founder of JetBlue; and more than a dozen members of Congress. In The Mormonizing of America , New York Times best-selling author Stephen Mansfield tells the story of the faith that has become one of the country's most influential religions and how it has ascended to astonishing power in American society. In his fair and thought-provoking way, he also unveils what Mormons believe and why it matters for America, the world--and for you Stephen Mansfield is a writer and speaker best known for his groundbreaking books on the role of religion in history, leadership, and modern culture. He first came to international attention with The Faith of George W. Bush , the New York Times bestseller that influenced Oliver Stone's film, W . His book The Faith of Barack Obama was another international bestseller. He has written celebrated biographies of Booker T. Washington, George Whitefield, Winston Churchill, and Abraham Lincoln, among others. Stephen speaks around the world on topics of faith, leadership, and culture. He is also the founder of two firms: The Mansfield Group and Chartwell Literary Group. He lives in Nashville and in Washington, DC, with his wife, Beverly, who is an award-winning songwriter and producer.