220 - The Rise of Mitt Romney & The Mormon Moment I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters

220 - The Rise of Mitt Romney & The Mormon Moment I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters

From Church History Matters by Scripture Central

September 1, 2026 · 1h 8m

About this episode

Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths discuss Mitt Romney's political rise and its impact on the perception of Latter-day Saints in America.

In this episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore the remarkable political rise of Mitt Romney—from his family’s political legacy and his career in business and Massachusetts politics to his campaigns for the presidency in 2008 and 2012. Romney’s candidacy brought unprecedented national attention to his Latter-day Saint faith. He ultimately became the first Latter-day Saint nominated for president by a major U.S. political party. But Romney’s campaigns were about much more than politics. His candidacy helped usher in what became known as the “Mormon Moment,” a period when American media, popular culture, and the broader public took an extraordinary interest in the history, beliefs, practices, and people of the Church. From questions about Mormonism and the presidency to his famous “Faith in America” speech, Romney found himself at the center of a national conversation about religion and American public life. Scott and Casey examine what Mitt Romney represented to Latter-day Saints who watched one of their own come closer than any previous Latter-day Saint to occupying the White House. They also explore the challenges he faced—including…

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