We don’t have “disdain” for non-Mormons. There are two things that, in my opinion, make us seem cliquish, or invisible, or whatever you want to call it.
First, we don’t drink. That means we don’t hang out and socialize in the same way that most people do. In my experience, our non-drinking is probably the biggest obstacle. There have been several instances when I have found myself in bars for business reasons, drinking something non-alcoholic and enjoying the company of my colleagues. Someone invariably brings up religion, and it isn’t me. It seems to make people uncomfortable in social situations, being in the company of a non-imbiber — at least one that doesn’t drink for religious reasons.
The second reason is that we are a lay church, meaning that we run our local wards, and everyone who is active spends a lot of time taking care of their responsibilities. That means we are socializing with each other a lot, but not non-members.
All other things being equal, you tend to do business with those you know the best, and we know each other the best.
lady lawyer, I respect your posts and your candidate (though he’s not my candidate) and it’s because I respect you, and take you at your word that you are a lawyer (and thus educated), that I put the question to you that was mentioned in this article: what about the archaeological evidence? Where did all those chariots and Judeo-Christian societies in pre-Columbus America go? YOU aren’t running for president. If feel comfortable asking you that question. (Just curious.)