'We need to talk about Mormonism,' New Yorker columnist contends

While acknowledging the potential pitfalls of allowing religion to become a talking point in the dialogue of presidential politics, Amy Davidson, senior editor of The New Yorker, suggests "perhaps the rest of us should (talk about Mormonism), because the story is complicated, fascinating and utterly American.

"It would be absolutely wrong to vote against Mitt Romney because he is a Mormon, rather than because of his political position," Davidson writes. "At the same time, it is hard to see what would be lost by anyone, on either side, if we were to seize this moment to talk about a faith whose history is a narrative of change, tolerance, exploration and reinvention."

The column refers to several other sources – including Romney himself – to illustrate the point that "one can't properly tell the story of the American West, or firmly grasp our political and intellectual history, without (a discussion of Mormonism).

"We need to talk about Mormonism because we need to talk not about what religion each of us should be but about the country we ought to be," Davidson concludes. "Romney has presented us with the right moment."