Like many others, I was surprised when Mitt Romney's faith failed to become a major issue in his campaign for president. I figured some newshound would lift the lid of Mormon theology and ask him a question akin to: "Do you really believe the earth will one day become a great sea of glass?"

But no one ever asked.

The lack of interest in such things was greeted in many Latter-day Saint circles with relief. Some even felt that Mormonism, after a troubled history, was finally being embraced by mainstream America.