Utica College Professor's New Book Examines Mormonism, Politics

UTICA, N.Y., Sept. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mitt Romney made history when he was the first member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), a historically persecuted religious group, to earn a presidential nomination from a major political party.

Luke Perry, associate professor and chair of government and politics, examines this political first in his new book, "Mitt Romney, Mormonism, and the 2012 Election," published by Palgrave Macmillan last month. The book discusses the significance of Mitt Romney's presidential nomination in relation to America, Mormons and the link between politics and religion.

Perry's book introduces Mormonism as a religion and subculture to provide a foundation of understanding. It discusses the "Mormon Moment," a recent period of Mormons ascending in popular culture. The book then analyzes the interplay between politics and religion in the 2012 presidential election. Particular focus is given to the approach of the LDS Church toward American politics and the impact of Romney's faith on his campaign and electoral prospects.

Perry published his first book "From Persecution to Power: Mormons in Politics" in October 2012. He has also published several other works on various aspects of American politics, including the presidency, religion and politics, political rhetoric and political thought.

Perry earned a masters and Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In 2012, he was a Fulbright Scholar at Vilnius University in Lithuania. Additionally, Perry has lectured at the University of Crete, the University of Bucharest and the University of Dubrovnik.

For more information on "Mitt Romney, Mormonism, and the 2012 Election," visit http://www.amazon.com/Mormonism-Election-Palgrave-Religion-Politics/dp/1137360747.

About Utica College – Utica College, founded in 1946, is a comprehensive private institution offering bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees. The College, located in upstate central New York, approximately 90 miles west of Albany and 50 miles east of Syracuse, currently enrolls over 4,000 students in 36 undergraduate majors, 27 minors, 21 graduate, pre-professional and special programs.

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SOURCE Utica College