In a whimsical moment, Richard D. Land -- the generous Christian thinker -- said The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints could make things easier for itself by simply declaring Mormonism to be the fourth, great religion in the Abrahamic tradition.

We all know the first three.

The Muslims trace their history from Abraham, through Ishmael to the prophet Mohammed.

The Jews come down through Abraham and Moses.

Christians descend through Abraham and Moses to Jesus.

And Mormons claim Abraham, Moses and Jesus, but add the prophet Joseph Smith.

Mormonism pulls from all three.

Mormonism, the missing link that could unite the world.

It's a fanciful thought -- Mormonism as the fourth pillar of Abrahamic faith. And though I don't want to put words in Richard Land's mouth here, I think the idea plays out something like this.

By insisting their behavior has an effect on their salvation, Mormons annoy evangelical Christians. Evangelicals feel Mormons are arrogant for thinking they have such power. Besides, by insisting on obedience to the law, Mormons make themselves more like Muslims and Jews. Mormons are kind of like evangelical Christians, but not really.

The Jews on the other hand, like Mormons, believe following God's law is key. What's more, the Jews -- like the Mormons -- also have temples, sacred clothing and multiple scriptures. Where the Jews pull back is when Mormon talk turns to Jesus as the Messiah. The Jews haven't fared well in that arena.

Mormons are kind of like Jews, but not really.

As for Islam, the Mormon-Muslim kinship is strong. President Boyd K. Packer has a working relationship with several Muslim spiritual leaders. Brigham Young University has been helpful with the translation of their texts.

Like the Mormons, Muslims believe they should distance themselves from the world by fasting, praying and giving to the needy.

For the Muslims, God called a prophet and then sent an angel to give him a holy book.

Ditto for Mormons.

Even some of the dietary laws are the same.

But Muslims get antsy about Mormon notions of Israel being God's Chosen People, not to mention the notion of Jesus as Savior. In the end, they, too, pull away.

So, Mormons have a lot in common with all three great Abrahamic faiths, but are not really accepted by any of them.

And that brings Land to the conclusion that Mormonism should stand on its own, as a unique and viable Abrahamic faith in itself, as the fourth leg of the table, so to speak; the religion that could serve as a friend and honest broker for the other three.

I'm thinking out loud here, but it's seductive to imagine the great Abrahamic faiths all meeting at the LDS Conference Center for a spiritual summit.

Imagine the Mormons not only playing host, but working to establish a helpful, open dialogue.

Imagine everybody finding something to like about the Mormons.

Imagine Mormons finally finding a place to rest after two centuries of being knocked about.

Imagine the Mormons uniting the world.

I know, I know, now imagine the moon were a big apple pie and we all got a slice before bed every night.

On the other hand, nobody has ever really taken a taste of the moon, have they?