The Mormon Menace: The Confessions of John Doyle Lee, Danite

by Alfred Henry Lewis, John Doyle Lee

The 'Mormon The Confessions of John Doyle Lee, Danite' serves as a pivotal anthology in the examination of the Mormon faith from a historical and critical perspective. Capturing a range of literary styles from firsthand narrative accounts to analytical essays, this collection probes deeply into the complexities and controversies of Mormon history. It stands out for including John Doyle Lee's confessions, providing unfiltered insights into the Danite operations and the broader socio-religious landscape of the time. This collection not only enriches our understanding of the Mormon Church's early years but also highlights the diversity of voices and narratives that have shaped its perception and reality. The contributing authors, Alfred Henry Lewis and John Doyle Lee, bring forward a remarkable diversity of perspectives rooted in their unique backgrounds. Lewis, as a distinguished journalist, and Lee, a figure intricately woven into the fabric of Mormon history, offer an unprecedented look into the formation, ideologies, and internal conflicts of the Mormon community. Their collective contributions align with and challenge contemporary discussions on religion, faith, and the American frontier, bridging past disclosures with present inquiries. 'The Mormon Menace' is indispensable for scholars and enthusiasts alike. It invites readers into a nuanced exploration of a deeply contentious period in American religious history, encouraging a comprehensive understanding through the lens of those who lived it. This anthology is a rare opportunity to engage with the multifaceted dialogues surrounding Mormonism, its cultural legacy, and its historical complexities, making it a valuable addition to any academic or personal library.

145 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2022

About the author

American investigative journalist, lawyer, Western novel writer, editor, and short story writer.

During the late 19th century, he wrote muckraker articles for Cosmopolitan. As an investigative journalist, Lewis wrote extensively about corruption in New York politics.

He also wrote biographies about Richard Croker and Andrew Jackson.

As a writer of genre fiction, his most successful works were in his Wolfville series of Western fiction.

1857-1914

Reviews

[Maxwell Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

John D. Lee, an adherent to the Mormon church in the mid nineteenth century, writes about his experiences as a follower, and as a member of a more exclusive order akin to a hit-squad. He is most famous for his involvement in a single event, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, but his claims of theft, violence, and brutality span multiple decades, starting even under the church’s founder, Joseph Smith. He would not use the words “theft, violence, and brutality,” much like Abraham would not use the description, “attempted infanticide.” Less an act of faith or expose, this is really a PR campaign. On death row, John D. Lee seems more interested in receiving praise for being righteous and faithful than being introspective, contrite or repentant; he is a fall-guy who wants us to know that he’s really a martyr. Indeed, Mr. Lee performs his own miracles, has visions, and rises from the dead. His life ends in the service of God, to protect the institution.

Much of this tale is dubious, filled with both grandiosity and obfuscation, written by a mind awash with biblical lore and twisted by a particularly rigid form of belief. It would be a mistake to take this at face value. That much is obvious. Still, he provides specific detail sometimes, and if even some of these claims are true much of the church’s party-line should be questioned to find the real truth.