Chosen Land, Chosen People: Religious And American Exceptionalism Among The Mormons

The United States and Mormonism took form concurrently, and a prominent motif in the Book of Mormon is that America is populated by a chosen people for a singular destiny. There is a distinction, however, between “American exceptionalism” and “religious exceptionalism” in the Mormon tradition. Further, each exceptionalism has had countercurrents within Mormonism itself, which leads to many ambiguities in interpretation and application. For instance, the specialness assumed may mean “selected for a role” rather than “superior.” In an era of global mission and growth, Mormonism has embraced the diverse cultures of its adherents. The impact of Mitt Romney's Mormonism on his political judgment is therefore difficult to discern.