A new study of religion in America has a lot to say about Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). This sociological study provides valuable insight to the nature and social effects of American religion.

The study’s authors conclude that in many respects, religion in America exerts a healthy influence upon American society, promoting generosity, trust, neighborliness, and civic engagement. And even though LDS people are a relatively small component of American society, they play a conspicuous part in American religious life.

Here are a few key findings about Latter-day Saints:

• Mormons are among the most devout religious groups in the country. They are highly active in religious observance and believe that religion is personally important to them.
• Mormons are likely to keep their childhood faith as adults. Individuals raised as Latter-day Saints are among those most likely to keep their faith.
• Mormons are unusually giving. Latter-day Saints are among the most charitable of Americans with their means and time, both in religious and nonreligious causes.
• Mormons are relatively friendly to other religious groups. The study shows that Latter-day Saints are among those most friendly toward people of other faiths.
• Mormons believe that one true religion exists. While many American religions claim to being exclusively “true,” Latter-day Saints are most likely to affirm that there is a “true” faith. However, Mormons are also the most convinced of any group that those outside their faith can “go to heaven” or gain salvation.

Read more at “Major New Study of Religion Has Much to Say About Mormons.”