A Book of Mormons not only provides a fascinating glimpse into a religion that has taken center stage in the last presidential election, but will prompt insights into what living an encompassing religion means both individually and for the community trying to understand exactly “What does it mean to be a Mormon today?”

Mormonism is at a crossroads, having been under the microscopic lens of the media for the past five years, even as Mormons young and old grapple with the openness and accessibility of The Information Age. Both the institutional church and its lay members are working to better define the faith for outsiders as well as within.

This collection of essays from a broad swath of Mormons — some who live their faith quietly, others who wrestle with how it colors their professional endeavors — is an attempt to broaden perspectives about Mormons and demystifying stereotypes.