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Mitt and Mormonism: Does It Matter?

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Herman Melville titled his 1857 novel "The Confidence Man: His Masquerade." Some believe Smith was his archetype. "The Con Man is Devil and God," said Melville. 

He preaches aphorisms like "Charity thinketh no evil."  "Charity believeth all things," and "Charity never faith." Melville believed scamming represented everything wrong with America in the pre-Civil War decade. 

Many of his confidence man's entreaties make perfectly good sermons. Smith filled the bill. His mixed messages reflected good and evil. Critics called him an impostor, a fake, a con man.

Conning the faithful to believe continues. Modern day leaders do it their way. They also created a vast business empire. In July 2012, Business Week headlined "How the Mormons Make Money," saying:

Last March, a $2 billion Salt Lake City megamall was completed. It's adjacent to the church's neo-Gothic temple and president Thomas Monson's offices. Adherents call him a living prophet.

The project features a retractable glass roof, 5,000 underground parking spots, and nearly 100 stores and restaurants. Luxury ones like Tiffany's are included. 

At its grand opening, Utah dignitaries accompanied Monson. He cheered "one, two, three," cut the ceremonial ribbon, and said "let's go shopping!"

"Watching a religious leader celebrate a mall may seem surreal, but (this one) reflects the spirit of enterprise that animates modern-day Mormonism." 

"The mall is part of a sprawling church-owned corporate empire that" church leaders say spreads its message, increases economic self-reliance, and builds "the Kingdom of God on earth."

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