Topic: Joseph Smith

The faith factor: Religion's new prominence in campaign 2012

Whose beliefs matter? From birth control to taxes, religion is playing an unprecedented role in campaign 2012.

Author Matthew Bowman talks about 'the Mormon moment'

Author Matthew Bowman talks about Mormonism, a faith that once stood apart, but may now host a US president among its ranks.  

Mitt Romney's tithing: Do voters see it as very generous or very Mormon?

The strength of Romney's religious conviction now has a dollar sign attached to it. Will his tithing invigorate the unease that many Americans feel toward the Mormon church?

Why is it OK to to be prejudiced against Mormons?

You can’t be openly racist, sexist, or anti-Semitic in America. But anti-Mormon? Go for it. Maybe a White House run by Mitt Romney or Jon Huntsman will shine enough light on actual Mormons to make us put aside the fears and fantasies about them.

FLDS leader Warren Jeffs on trial, accused of sexually assaulting two girls

Opening statements are expected Thursday in the trial of polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs. Defense lawyers have suggested they may argue that his actions are consistent with his sincerely held religious beliefs.

Tony Awards big winners: 'Book of Mormon,' 'War Horse'

Tony Awards: On a night when the hilariously profane 'The Book of Mormon' reigned supreme, the famously troubled 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark' got attention both positive and negative at Sunday's Tonys.

Boy Scouts group removes Mormons from leadership roles over religious beliefs

Boy Scouts: Church officials were initially thrilled earlier this month when the Stokes family volunteered as leaders, until they saw on the couple's application forms that they belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mosque debate: Behind America's anxiety over Islam

Controversy over the New York and other mosques underlines the struggle to balance values of religious tolerance with fears, real and imagined, in an age of terrorism.

Need a new career? This week's top offbeat job openings

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about religion in politics and the war in Iraq.