The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of America's fastest-growing religions and, relative to its size, one of the richest. Church membership, now at over 12 million and growing, sweeps the globe. Nevertheless, from the moment of its founding in 1830, the church has been controversial. Within a month, it had 40 converts and almost as many enemies. In the early years, Mormons were hated, ridiculed, persecuted, and feared. Yet in the past several decades, the Mormon church has transformed itself from a fringe sect into a thriving religion that embraces mainstream American values; its members include prominent and powerful politicians, university presidents, and corporate leaders. Mormons have always had a peculiar hold on the American imagination, but few know who the Mormons actually are or who they claim to be, and their story is one of the great neglected American narratives.

CIRC # 265.

Part One History:(115 min.) -- Part Two Church and state: (116 min.). Mormons -- Prologue -- Revelation -- Saints -- Persecution -- Exodus -- Mountain Meadows massacre -- Polygamy -- Credits -- Prologue -- Great accommodation -- Mission -- Dissenters & exiles -- Family -- Temple -- Credits.