Our Mormon neighbors

The fact that the Constitution bars a religious test for public office does not, of course, bar citizens from taking religion into account when they vote. However, the spirit of the Constitution—not to mention political wisdom and the spirit of Christian charity—calls us not to vote out of blind prejudice for or against someone’s religion.

This year’s presidential contenders represent two religious traditions from outside the mainstream. Mitt Romney is a Mormon and Barack Obama is an adult convert to a liberationist strand of Afrocentric Christianity. Both traditions are distinctly American, yet they are little known, frequently misunderstood and sometimes vilified.

Unfortunately, political campaigns are rarely the occasion to increase the level of popular understanding about such matters. Candidates hesitate to reveal anything particular about their religious attachments, for they fear (with good reason) that such comments would only provide more fodder for partisan attack or ridicule (cue images of African-American pastor Jeremiah Wright pounding the pulpit or references to Mormon polygamy and magic underwear).