As Hitchens points out, Mormons have twice been forced to choose explicitly between their religious doctrine and the American way. What he fails to point out or praise is that both times they chose the American way.

I'm not a Mormon, and I think the religion is silly. At the same time, I am a member of a community and I know that is not silly. I need my community in order to live.

If Mitt's religion is just silly rituals designed to keep the community together, as it is for most people, let him have it. I'm not gonna vote for him because he's a Republican, and I think his party (used to be my party) is too corrupt to govern effectively.

seriously, what's been up with republicans lately? anyways, good post, I'm curious if you think our beliefs are silly or our way of life?

I have to point out that the Catholic church recently changed it's (very unpopular) doctrine about the nature of Limbo, where unbaptized children supposedly go. I'm not sure why that doesn't get a similar rise out of people.