DAVIESS COUNTY, Mo. (RNS) To non-Mormons, it sounds odd that a bluff on a bend 124 feet above the Grand River represents to 15 million faithful both the beginning and end of human time. Mormon doctrine makes reference to the place as the site where Adam and Eve went after God banished them from the Garden of Eden. It's also regarded as a gathering place for the faithful at the second coming of Jesus Christ. By Tim Townsend.

SALT LAKE CITY (RNS)  For Mormon historian Don Bradley, the search for truth about Joseph Smith led to disaffection, alienation and, finally, devotion to the faith's founder. By Peggy Fletcher Stack.

(RNS) Stephen Mansfield, an evangelical author on the faith of politicians, has turned his attention to Mormons in his latest book, “The Mormonizing of America.” By Adelle M. Banks.

(RNS) The Mormon church is lashing back at a business magazine that parodied their prophet’s mission and portrayed the church as lucratively rich but miserly with charitable donations. By Daniel Burke.

(RNS) With Mitt Romney on the verge of becoming the first Mormon to head a major party presidential ticket, is it as pivotal as John F. Kennedy's win as the first Catholic president? Or is he more like Al Smith? By David Gibson.

WASHINGTON (RNS) As the seventh Latter-day Saint to attempt a presidential bid, Mitt Romney is on the cusp of becoming the first Mormon to carry the banner of a major party in a general election. By Thomas Burr and Peggy Fletcher Stack.

SALT LAKE CITY (RNS)  "The problem is not so much the discovery of particular details that are deal breakers for the faithful; the problem is a loss of faith and trust in an institution that was less than forthcoming to begin with."

(RNS) Suddenly, America's abuzz about Mormonism's "gold plates and magic underwear," says Terryl Givens, a professor of religion at the University of Richmond. Mormon ways are little-known, yet many Americans are suspicious of them. Why? Cathy Lynn Grossman reports.