The Book of Mormon for the Least of These, Volume 1

by Fatimah Salleh

This social justice commentary of the Book of Mormon empowers listeners 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 understanding of holy text. As a verse-by-verse close study, 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.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Social Justice, Church, Mormonism, Faith

Audible Audio

Published November 13, 2020

Reviews

[Exponent II · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Heather

When it comes to scripture study, I’m a New Testament gal. I love the focus on the Savior and the prominence of women. The Old Testament is fun and frightening, part divine drama, part bad soap opera. The Doctrine & Covenants…let’s just agree to disagree. But I’ve always had a mixed relationship with the Book of Mormon. When I have read it in earnest, I honestly feel closer to God. But there are so many things that can get in the way. The violence. The benevolent patriarchy. The egos of some of the prophets (cough cough Nephi cough cough). The racism. The prosperity gospel. Because of these things, I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of The Book of Mormon For the Least of These, where authors Fatimah Salleh and Margaret Olsen Hemming take a social justice exegesis to 1 Nephi-Words of Mormon (two more volumes to follow). It does not disappoint.

When one hears a word like “exegesis,” it’s natural to wonder if the text will only be accessible to people who use words like theophany, eschatology, and well, exegesis (which means “critical interpretation”—I looked it up). I consider myself smart but have walked away from a few scriptural companions because they were just too esoteric. But let me say that I teach Primary to the ten-year-olds and have incorporate ideas and even read bits to them. The Salleh and Hemming as authors, and guides really, have artfully taken complicated ideas and insights and found ways to make them accessible and relatable. And they likewise take what seem to be simple passages and reveal the many layers of possible meaning. Like mentioning how if Nephi says his heart was softened, it means at some point his heart was hardened. Not something I would associate with Nephi. Also the complicated nature of seeing yourself as “chosen.”

To continue reading: https://www.the-exponent.com/book-rev...

[Zachary Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always had a hard time with the Book of Mormon. This commentary has been a breath of fresh air, a lens that made so many pieces click into place. I feel like I've gone from seeing the BofM as a bunch of disjointed anecdotes, to a single long narrative arc that teaches the importance of unity and empathy, and the necessity of grace. Starting with Nephi, the characters in the BofM are just a long line of hot messes, as one story after another demonstrates the consequences of racism, pride, and selfishness. Reading now about the ways God has worked through such imperfect men is a lesson on grace, far more eloquent than any sermon.

[A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was extremely excited about this book, and it completely disappointed me.

I felt like the book extrapolated a lot more than was actually in the text. It felt like eisegesis instead of exegesis, and while I was pretty open to hearing her out, a lot of her points felt incredibly tenuous and not very well rooted in what was actually going on in the text--it felt like a lot of cherry picking, as it were. I finally stopped reading when one of the hinge points was on how many times the angel used exclamation points when he appeared in Nephi's vision. The problem with basing conclusions or doctrinal truth on how many exclamations were used, versus other punctation?

The punctuation wasn't divinely included. It was added after Joseph translated the BoM, by the man at the printing office who typset the book. Before that, the manuscript didn't HAVE punctuation. His name was John Gilbert, and he did a great job, but I am pretty sure we shouldn't be making doctrinal conclusions based on his decision to use an exclamation mark over a period or a comma.

And that's what the whole thing felt like. The author is a former member of the church (which is a fact that was not as clear to me from the beginning as I would have liked for it to be--not because I am opposed to non-Mormon takes, but because I am opposed to non-Mormon takes presented as Mormon takes--it felt extremely disingenuous), and I felt like she knew a lot about social justice, and a lot less about the Book of Mormon at the kind of level I want my BOM commentators to be at.

So, not worth my time; did not finish. I would love to see this type of book tried again, from an academic, active LDS, BIPOC perspective.

[Christina C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. I am so thankful for Fatimah Salleh and Margaret Olsen Hemming for creating this commentary that has been so healing for my experience with the Book of Mormon. They address things head-on with an incredibly realistic and positive eye. Thank you for not shying away from the difficult passages. I'm better for it. please please please write another volume!!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this study guide; just wish I had it years ago. I was blown away by so many of the perspectives offered here & able to consider some stories in a completely new light. Also it helped me practice sitting with tension, asking hard questions, and thinking critically. Can’t wait for the next volume.

[Marilee C-R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This commentary is a Godsend—o visited the passages over time rather than all at once. Rev Dr. Salleh shares important interpretations of the BofM from a feminist and social justice lens. I tend to think of God similarly as loving and full of both justice and mercy. I think God is here to support of but we all have agency so God isn’t in our business. Thanks for sharing your rich conversations with us-Fatima and Margaret.

[Sarah Hammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading for all thoughtful readers of the Book of Mormon. Incredible insights led by Christlike love, compassion, and accountability.

[Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful

The commentaries available on the Book of Mormon are few and weak. This fills an important gap in Book of Mormon exegesis. I look forward to the subsequent volumes covering the rest of this volume of scripture.

[Rachel Merryweather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would really recommend this book—even if you don’t agree with everything, it is really valuable to get a new perspective on these words we’ve read so many times. A lot of our congregations in the US are really homogeneous, and we need these different interpretations to widen our theology and also our arms as we welcome outsiders and trust that they have something to offer that will help us become Zion. I only took off a star because the commentary style isn’t my favorite.

[amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful commentary on the Book of Mormon through a social justice lens. Reframes common interpretations of the text and parses doctrinal complexities, but misses certain key concepts and didn’t dig as deeply as I craved. Sometimes felt casual and speculative when a more scholarly approach seemed appropriate, but worth a quick reference if you can get your hands on a copy.

[Bela Erekson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning! Eye-opening. Thought-provoking. Hope-inspiring. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever read or wants to read the Book of Mormon.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful commentary to accompany my Come Follow Me study of the Book of Mormon this year. It gave me a lot of things to ponder on and add to my scripture study notes, especially around examining the impact of each scriptural author's background and life experience and how it seemed to result in examples of prejudiced thinking in the text. I didn't agree with everything, but I was inspired by and learned from the vast majority of the comments and felt the Spirit testifying to me of different concepts multiple times while reading. I have read the Book of Mormon many times, and this commentary helped it come alive and speak to me in new ways.

[Aspen Stander Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This commentary had some profound insights, and it’s a valuable contribution to BOM scholarship from a new perspective.

But the format was not working for me:
-There were so many typos. So many. It really needed a good copyedit.
-I wish it was either the text of the BOM with commentary alongside, or cast in more of a narrative form. I didn’t want to have to look back and forth between the BOM and the book.
-I won’t be getting the second and third volumes since BCC Press posts excerpts on social media—and that’s a good enough dose for me.

[Elsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous commentary! I can’t wait for the next in the series! So many insights 😊

[Amanda Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this book in sections to accompany my daily scripture reading. It’s been a wonderful resource and conversation starter as I prep my Sunday School lessons, and it’s brought my attention to very different perspectives I had not considered before. What a marvelous collection to have! I look forward to reading through the rest of the Book of Mormon with these writers!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the fresh perspective that this book has brought to the Book of Mormon. I have used it for a slow and careful rereading of the text and it has given me new insights at every turn.

[Alissa Crossett · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so good! Digestible length of commentary on specific consecutive scripture. Perfectly chunked. Deeply thoughtful. Refreshing my interest in this years Sunday school material.

[Christopher Angulo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had some insights I've never considered. It was a nice read.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provided an interesting new perspective for me as it relates to the Book of Mormon. It reminded me of the old joke: Catholic doctrine is that the pope is infallible, but they don’t believe it; Mormon doctrine is that the prophet is fallible, but they don’t believe it.

Although not its sole purpose, this book attempts to resolve passages of scripture that are racist or otherwise problematic. It does so in a way that is inoffensive and respectful to the Book of Mormon, but that challenges any notion that the writers of the Book of Mormon are perfect people. I really appreciated the insights.

[Beth Given · Rating 5 out of 5]

"God shows up in the mess. ... Mortal life is complicated, humans make terrible mistakes, and we're all deeply inadequate -- but God is there for us anyway. God's grace covers us again and again, even though we don't deserve it."

This commentary, written with a social justice lens, helped me see the Book of Mormon in a new way, and I just loved it. The writers of the Book of Mormon, particularly Nephi and Jacob, became more interesting and real; as readers, we can see that these prophets have both humanness and godliness within them. This commentary revisits that theme again and again, teaching us to read the Book of Mormon with more nuance than its typically given in Sunday School.

I highlighted the heck out of this book because there were just so many novel, engaging insights that got me thinking. I didn't necessarily agree with every idea that the authors put forth, but I loved that the presentation of the ideas helped me look at The Book of Mormon with new eyes.

BCC Press mentioned on Twitter today that volume 2 is in the works, and I can't wait!

[Lauren Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this Book of Mormon commentary with a social justice perspective. By way of explanation, the book is divided by books in the Book of Mormon and then provides citations to a few verses from specific chapters in chronological order followed with the authors’ insights for those passages.

Reading through this study guide felt like I was gaining insights from a friend and coming together and saying, “that makes sense! I love what you shared, this aligns with things I’ve often thought.” I took some of my favorite insights and added them as notes on my gospel library app so that I can reference them in the future when I study these words again and again.

[David Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first vol. of a series of short Book of Mormon commentaries from By Common Consent. I really loved this. For me it is always enlightening to hear how others, especially scholars, interpret scripture. I found it to be insightful particularly as to some of the more problematic areas like the killing of Laban. Saleh/Hemming point out that “commandments are not always coherent—they are sometimes in tension, forcing us to navigate the best path in our own circumstances and with the guidance of the Spirit,” and prophets are often “told to do something that breaks one commandment in order to obey another.”

The authors emphasize that leading up to the events Nephi and experienced violence and threats of violence, by the inhabitants of Jerusalem, as well as ongoing physical and emotional abuse from his brothers. Perhaps all that violence has impacted Nephi and his choices. We are encouraged “not to judge Nephi’s choice, but rather to empathize with his suffering and consider how we can use God’s voice to navigate the challenging choices we make in our own lives.”

The authors give great advice on how to approach scripture. We should ask and seek to answer the question, who is present but unheard? This leads to insights about the women in the story. In Nephi 17:2 Nephi says the “women were strong like unto the men.” Saleh/Heming then point out that the women were menstruating, birthing, nursing, carrying children in and on themselves, etc. while also living and surviving in a wilderness they had not prior experience with. They conclude, “If the women are doing the work of men and the work of women, then they are actually stronger than the men.” Seems fair to me.

[Tyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a breath of fresh air and my new most favorite Book of Mormon study companion. It brings out all the social justice work, compassion for the marginalized that exists in the Book of Mormon that we never see because of the traditional and entrenched ways of studying it. I loved this book and it reawakened my love for the Book of Mormon and the real relevance it has as a work preserved for these latter days. I can hardly stand the wait till the next two volumes are completed and available.

[Irene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. A relief to read a book that tackles head on but with grace many things I have struggled with in the BOM. I very much hope they write more.

[Valerie Campbell Ackroyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liberation theology, non traditional

Sadly, liberation theology and social justice are not themes much explored in traditional LDS studies. Salleh and her co-author, Margaret Olsen Hemming, look at the Book of Mormon focusing on the characters and circumstances of the early Book of Mormon prophets like Lehi, Nephi, Jacob and all. They see them as persons who are refugees, outcasts, abused, people trying to make sense of their world and of God in it. The authors give an interpretation of verses pointing out keywords that show how those people might have acted and reacted based on their circumstances.

As a member of the Church myself, but a convert, I welcome this more inclusive way of looking at the Book of Mormon even though I found at times Salleh was reaching in her opinions of the Mormon prophets. I felt she was at times in danger of imposing a a modern worldview, a modern interpretation even though the important aspect of scriptures is that they are meant to be for every period, every time.

I did however really enjoy going through those verses as if I were with someone who, like me, had a more global, social justice outlook. She pointed out things that I hadn’t thought of before.

[Kaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would absolutely use this book as a resource for any lesson or talk about these chapters of The Book of Mormon.^1

As a kid, Nephi was one of my favorite stories because we know so much about his story. And the narrative was easier to follow than most scriptures. As I got older, I identified with Laman and Lemuel a lot more--Nephi was so obnoxious! And then I sat through a few too many church lessons that focused on honoring Nephi as a great prophet and didn't spend time questioning the ethics of learning morals from a murderer. And if he was such a great prophet, couldn't God have taught him how to talk to his brothers?

This book suggested contexts and interpretations that lessen my frustration with some of the more challenging parts of The Book of Mormon. It helped me better understand Nephi as a complex person facing really big challenges. Seeing Nephi as an abused refugee has helped me to have more grace and compassion for him. This book offers a charitable and constructive way to look at the text, while also pointing out times where the authors of The Book of Mormon may have let their own hurt or prejudice affect their actions or teachings.

1. The copious footnotes are all worth reading too.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first 29 pages of the critique, as well as scattered passages throughout to get a feel for the text. All told I read about a third of the book before giving up.

To be clear, I'm glad something like this, a social justice exegesis of the Book of Mormon, exists, and I was excited to dive in. There are parts of the text that really shine, and I enjoyed seeing interpretations of scripture that run counter some of the conventional and surface level ways those scriptures are taught in church was refreshing. But for the most part I found this critique disappointing. The authors are both scholars, but the scholarship was seriously lacking. The text makes bold claims about the meaning of these scriptures with very little to back them up. Outside sources are rare, as are quotations from the Book of Mormon itself, which leaves the text on the whole feeling very surface level. Rather than a scholarly interpretation of the Book of Mormon, this read like a social justice minded version of the Come Follow Me manual.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fresh and welcome take on material

This book is faithful to both the canonical text and to the usually-overlooked values the authors draw out of the narrative — I’ve never seen or heard a discussion of the Book of Mormon that deals so incisively or so compassionately with issues of sexism, racism, classism, the impact and legacy of trauma, and teasing apart the roles of people vs God in these and other issues. A completely fresh and insightful take on a book I’ve been immersed in for almost 30 years; a rare find that engages both the reader’s mind and heart.

That said, I couldn’t give it five stars because the text lacked polish in ways that made the book hard to finish. Several sections were repetitive or not fully fleshed out, and a surprising number of sections (close to ten or more) simply needed a copy editor to fix issues—for example, where the verb tense, subject, object, or other idea changed mid-sentence.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is commentary on the Book of Mormon looking specifically at the book from a social justice lens. I got a lot of out thinking about this commentary. Although sometimes it wasn't the same as how I see the text, most of the time it was a valuable perspective to add, and I like getting different points of view about scripture, it's meanings and especially applications. I also find it very important, no matter the text, to think about the authors, their experiences, and how that changes how they see the world. I think a text can be both imperfect (the writers themselves are always admitting imperfection anyway) and be a valuable resource in my own personal holy journey to know God and understand myself. I love learning from others, like Salleh and Hemming, who can hold space for holy text, inspiration, and limitations of the writers at the same time. I'm excited to read the other two volumes as I make my way through the Book of Mormon this year.

[John Dyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth having in print form because it is a keeper

While I don't believe everything the authors say, they have written a very thought-provoking book that is well worth reading if you are like me and have read the Book of Mormon over 40 times. It leads one to consider how much of the individual writers' personal views shaped what was recorded. I remain unconvinced, for example, that Lehi and Sarah looked the other way and allowed Nephi to be habitually abused by his older brothers. However, I do like to wonder what their versions of the trips back to Jerusalem would reveal. I wonder what Sarah's account of leaving Jerusalem and wandering in the wilderness would express. I originally got the Kindle version and found it so provoking that I bought a physical copy to mark up. I look forward to the next books in the series.