To say Idaho Falls has a skyline is probably an exaggeration.
But there's one building that's unmistakable from miles away - the Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.More than just an architectural landmark, the temple is a physical reminder of the widespread influence the church has in eastern Idaho.
Ever since Mormon pioneers settled in the Snake River Valley in the 1800s, life in the region has been shaped by their religious beliefs. Rooted in the LDS culture are the area's traditional values, its strong families and the independent nature of its people.
Tangible signs of the LDS presence are the Mormon churches in almost every neighborhood and the pictures of the Idaho Falls Temple on living room walls.
There are conversations about wards that aren't in hospitals and stake houses that aren't restaurants. Brother Miller and Sister Holmes greet each other, but they're only related by church membership.
"Religion here is like gravity - it affects you whether you want it to or not," said Lee Nellis, a non-Mormon who works as a planning consultant for the city of Idaho Falls.
Almost 57 percent of Bonneville County residents are Mormon.
In rural counties, the numbers are even higher. In Madison County, 90 percent of residents are members of the LDS Church. In Teton County, 71 percent belong to the Mormon Church.
The predominance of Mormons in the area leads many to believe the LDS Church controls life in eastern Idaho. Mormons say that perception is false.
"The Mormon Church isn't controlling things; people who are Mormon control things," said Gerald Hansen, a religion instructor at Ricks College in Rexburg.
Being in the majority is a challenge for Mormons who live here, too.
Surrounded by neighbors with the same beliefs and provided with church programs that include everything from camping trips for Boy Scouts to barbecues for singles groups, there's little reason to look elsewhere for friends or entertainment.
"The danger of being in the Mormon culture is that all your needs are fulfilled and you forget there is a greater community," said Kathy Stanger, a longtime member of the LDS Church.
But by overlooking the rest of the community, Mormons often leave others feeling excluded and resentful. Those feelings are exacerbated when theology gets onto playgrounds or into classrooms. Tensions are also aggravated when parents forbid their children to play with those of different religions.
A 1988 study of religious tolerance in Idaho, conducted by researchers at Boise State University, found that in eastern Idaho, non-Mormons had only lukewarm feelings for Mormons, while Mormons had positive feelings for non-Mormons.
The study also found the LDS were afraid that by addressing the conflicts, they'd make matters worse. That feeling is common.
Both Mormons and non-Mormons are reluctant to talk about religious tension in the community. They simply accept it as part of life in eastern Idaho.