Resources on Mormonism

Last updated July 24, 2009

July 24 is Pioneer Day, a Utah state holiday celebrating the day in 1847 when Mormon pioneer Brigham Young and his followers first entered the Salt Lake Valley. The Pew Forum offers a variety of resources on Mormonism, including public opinion, research reports, Q&As and event transcripts.

Public Opinion

Report
A Portrait of Mormons in the U.S.
July 24, 2009
An in-depth analysis of Mormons based on the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey reveals that Mormons are among the most devout religious people in the United States.

Survey
U.S. Religious Landscape Survey Interactive Tools
June 23, 2008
The U.S. Religious Landscape Survey includes online tools allowing you to explore the geographic distribution of Mormons in America, examine the demographic and religious characteristics of Mormons as well as their social and political views, and compare these characteristics and views with those of other religious traditions.

Survey
U.S. Religious Landscape Survey: Religious Beliefs and Practices/Social and Political Views (PDF)
June 23, 2008
The full report of the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey offers detailed information on the religious beliefs and practices and social and political views of Mormons.

Survey
U.S. Religious Landscape Survey: Religious Affiliation (PDF)
Feb. 25, 2008
The full report of the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey provides an in-depth portrait of the religious makeup of America and finds that Mormons account for 1.7% of the total U.S. adult population.

Survey
Public Expresses Mixed Views of Islam, Mormonism
Sept. 25, 2007
A September 2007 Pew Forum survey revealed that most Americans say they know little or nothing about Mormon practices. In addition, large majorities say that their own religion is very different from Mormonism.

Mormons and Public Life

Q&A
In Focus: Mormonism in Modern America
May 16, 2007
Two leaders in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints discuss the tenets of their faith and its role in today's political life.

Event Transcript
Mormonism and Politics: Are They Compatible?
May 14, 2007
As part of the Pew Forum's biannual Faith Angle Conference series on religion, politics and public life, Richard Bushman, an emeritus professor at Columbia University and author of several books about Mormon history, discussed the relationship between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and American politics over the past two centuries.

Mitt Romney and the 2008 Campaign

Analysis
How the Public Perceives Romney, Mormons
Dec. 4, 2007
In light of Mitt Romney’s address on his religious faith, what are the public’s attitudes toward the candidate and his religion?

Religion & Politics '08
Candidate Profile: Mitt Romney
Nov. 28, 2007
The profile offers a religious biography of Romney and his positions on a dozen values-laden issues.

Survey
Romney's Religion Raises Concerns
Sept. 6, 2007
A September 2007 Pew Forum survey found that the public viewed Mitt Romney as the most religious candidate, but that he was handicapped by this perception due to voter concerns about Mormonism.

Analysis
Public Views of Presidential Politics and Mormon Faith
May 16, 2007
February 2007 surveys by the Pew Research Center and other national polling organizations showed strong public misgivings about any presidential candidate who belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.