Book Review: Mormonism and White Supremacy, by Joanna Brooks

Today I’ll review Mormonism and White Supremacy: American Religion and the Problem of Racial Innocence, by Joanna Brooks. Spoiler alert: I recommend it. 5 stars.

Message

Mormonism and White Supremacy gives a history of anti-Black racism in the LDS Church, not just as a means of telling the history but also as an illustration of how white American religion props up white supremacy.

A particularly striking historical insight is that concepts of sin and repentance changed to accommodate structural racism. Sin, repentance, and accountability became more individual, rather than communal, allowing white churchgoers to feel innocent. The conviction of innocence allows white individuals to continue benefitting from white supremacy while not being held responsible for the harm they collectively inflict on Black people.

Each chapter of the book had interesting history I didn’t know and insights that will help me be a better person. The internal work we all have to do involves not only learning history but also rooting out the patterns of thinking and living that prop up white supremacy. This book helps us do that.

Other Highlights

As far as I as a layperson can tell, Brooks’s arguments are based on solid historical evidence, and she makes them well. The book is well-written and engaging. At 240 pages long, the book is long enough to cover the concept and short enough that the average person will feel able to get through it. At the end, felt both satisfied with the book and ready for more.

Content Warnings

This book discusses gnarly hate crimes and a whole bunch of evil stuff being done to Black people by leaders Mormons are taught to revere. White people need to sit with the discomfort of all that means, but I think it’s fair to warn any Black readers that this book might feel like A Lot.

You can find Mormonism and White Supremacy as a physical book, an e-book, or an audiobook. Look for it in-person or online at independent bookstores that specialize in Mormon history, or online at sites like Bookshop.

I give this book 5 stars.