There is a pervasive belief in Mormon culture that Mormon-ness, often described as a “glow,” is actually an observable characteristic. Though often taken figuratively, a recent study suggests that there might be something to it. Nicholas Rule, assistant professor at the University of Toronto, has participated in a number of studies about the judgments people make based on appearances. When he heard from a graduate student about the self-proclaimed ability of Mormons to physically recognize other Mormons, he was skeptical. He decided to put the claims to test.
What he found was surprising.