This social justice commentary of the Book of Mormon empowers readers to understand the text as a book that speaks to issues of racism, sexism, immigration, refugees, and socioeconomic inequality. The Book of Mormon For the Least of These offers an unflinching examination of some of the difficult and troubling sections of the Book of Mormon, while also advocating for a compassionate reading of holy text. As a verse-by-verse close reading, this book examines new layers of interpretation and meaning, giving even those deeply familiar with scripture innovative tools for engaging powerfully with the Book of Mormon.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK OF MORMON FOR THE LEAST OF THESE
When different questions are posed to the text of the Book of Mormon, it gives very different answers. Margaret Hemming Olsen and Fatimah Salleh have asked some of the most difficult questions of the volume. That the Book of Mormon continues to give remarkable answers, even if not always comfortable ones, is a testament to the undying inspiration that has animated it since its coming forth. That these two scholars have had enough confidence in the Book of Mormon to raise such questions will make The Book of Mormon for the Least of These an important work for a long time.
-Joseph Spencer, author of 1st Nephi: A Brief Theological Introduction and The Anatomy of Book of Mormon Theology, Volumes One & Two
With this third volume of The Book of Mormon for the Least of These, Dr. Fatimah Salleh and Margaret Olsen Hemming complete their awe-inspiring project of analyzing the Book of Mormon in its entirety using a social justice framework. Through unflinching readings of the book's depictions of racial violence, national failure, and traumatic loss, they show how it truly is "a text for our time." Readers of this volume will not find easy answers, but they will find a Book of Mormon that asks hard questions about what is required of those who wish to build a just world. This is a beautiful work of original exegesis, one to which I will return again and again.
-Elizabeth Fenton, co-editor of Americanist Approaches to The Book of Mormon
People have long wondered how our Black Americans could have survived their experiences while maintaining their faith. This is how they did it. This book works to embed faith in Jesus Christ and the scriptural Word into people's very beings. Although the title references those who have been forgotten or overlooked, The Book of Mormon for the Least of These is for everyone, regardless of social status or understanding of scripture. It is an aid in helping us to fulfill Jesus' charge to "be one," that as we gather to hear and understand one another by viewing through different lenses we are indeed gathering unto The Christ collectively.
-Alice Faulkner Burch, Editor of My Lord, He Calls Me: Stories of Faith by Black American Latter-Day Saints
