Will America Get Its First Mormon President? Five Facts About Mormons

Mitt Romney could become America’s first Mormon president. But the next test Romney must face is a victory in the South Carolina primary after having won Iowa and New Hampshire. If Romney’s winning streak is halted, it could happen in South Carolina, where Evangelicals make up 60 percent of the Republican vote, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times.

Will Evangelicals, who focus on the Bible, welcome a Mormon who includes The Book of Mormon as a source of faith? For some, the Mormon religion is the thing of mystery. Here are five facts about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The founder, Joseph Smith, was murdered

Known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormon religion was founded on April 6, 1830, in Fayette, N.Y., by Joseph Smith, as reported at NPS.gov. Mormons were viewed with contempt by some, especially for the practice of polygamy. As a result, the headquarters were moved to Nauvoo, Ill. However, Joseph Smith was murdered in 1844 and tensions continued. Brigham Young took over and the Salt Lake area of Utah was envisioned as a place to move the headquarters.

The Book of Mormon and the Bible are important

Mormons believe there is no salvation unless through Christ. Although the Book of Mormon is considered an ancient scripture central to the Mormon religion, so is the Bible, as reported at Why Mormonism. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched a campaign called “I’m a Mormon” in part to address this distinction.

Marriage is forever

The marital and family units of the Mormon Church are considered sacred, as reported at Mormon Beliefs. Marriage is between a man and a woman and should be forever.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

One of the most recognizable parts of the Mormon church is The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the official choir of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as reported at Utah.com. Founded in 1847, the choir includes approximately 360 men and women.

Fasting

Fasting is a practice recognized by Mormons. “For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, fasting means to go without food or liquid for a twenty-four-hour period, or to skip two full meals,” as reported at Mormon History. The first Sunday of the month is usually reserved for the practice for those who wish to partake of it.