Study: Updated perceptions of Mormon faith

SALT LAKE CITY — Slightly more people are using positive terms when referring to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than they were a year ago, according to a new Pew Research study.

But other than that, the study indicates America's perception of the LDS Church has changed very little despite the religion getting unprecedented attention this year.

The Pew Research Forum on Religion and Public Life found eight in 10 people say they learned little or nothing about the church during the 2012 Presidential election.

Pew researchers write that "America's 'Mormon moment' is over." The church was thrust into the national spotlight with Republican Mitt Romney being the first LDS Church member nominated for President. A separate Pew study found Romney was the subject of about twice as much religion-related media coverage as his opponent, President Barack Obama, during the campaign.

The Book of Mormon musical on Broadway brought attention to the religion. And, the church launched a national advertising campaign in an effort to improve perceptions.

The survey also found Americans still are unable to correctly answer basic questions about the history and sacred texts of the church.

Also, views on whether the LDS religion is a Christian faith remain unchanged. Fifty-three percent say it is; 30 percent say it is not, while 17 percent have no opinion.

Public attitudes more positive

Pew says public attitudes toward Mormonism, however, appear to be somewhat more positive on two indicators on the survey. When asked for one-word impressions of the Mormon religion, more Americans mention positive terms such as "good people," "dedicated" and "honest" compared to one year ago.

Also, the public is a little less likely to see the LDS faith as "very different" from their own beliefs.

"White mainline Protestants (a group that voted 54 percent to 44 percent for Romney over Obama) are especially likely to have warmed up to Mormonism in the past year," Pew said.

The survey was conducted in early December among 1,500 adults.