For the Cause of Righteousness: A Global History of Blacks and Mormonism

For the Cause of Righteousness traces the complex relationship between Black people and the Mormon Church from its 19th century founding through the present day. The book presents archival research, historical documents, and oral histories to construct a chronological narrative of this intersection. The text examines key periods including the early Church under Joseph Smith, the priesthood restriction era under Brigham Young, the civil rights movement, and the 1978 revelation that lifted the priesthood ban. Through primary sources and firsthand accounts, Stevenson documents the experiences of Black Mormons and the evolving institutional positions on race. The narrative includes perspectives from both Black members and Church leaders, incorporating letters, speeches, meeting minutes and personal writings that reveal their views and decisions. The book maintains focus on the global scope of this history, extending beyond the United States to document developments in Africa, Brazil, and other international regions. This scholarly work contributes to broader discussions about race, religion, and institutional change in American history. The thorough examination of sources allows readers to consider enduring questions about faith, prejudice, revelation, and reconciliation within religious movements.

Readers find the book provides extensive research and documentation about Black Mormon history, particularly highlighting stories and perspectives that were previously overlooked. Liked: - In-depth coverage of Black Mormon pioneers - Balanced treatment of difficult historical issues - Clear chronological organization - Inclusion of primary sources and oral histories Disliked: - Some sections feel academic and dense - Several readers noted redundant passages - Limited coverage of Black Mormons outside the US - Price point considered high by many readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (38 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (31 ratings) Notable Reader Comments: "Finally a comprehensive look at this complex history" - Goodreads reviewer "Well-researched but sometimes dry reading" - Amazon reviewer "Important contribution but needed better editing" - Deseret Book reviewer The book receives stronger ratings from academic readers and those specifically interested in Mormon studies than from general audiences.

Race and the Making of the Mormon People by Max Perry Mueller A historical examination of how the Mormon faith engaged with race and constructed racial categories in 19th century America.

Religion of a Different Color: Race and the Mormon Struggle for Whiteness by W. Paul Reeve This study traces how Mormons transformed from a persecuted group often characterized as racially suspect to their eventual acceptance into American whiteness.

Black and Mormon by Newell G. Bringhurst A collection of essays exploring the experiences of Black Mormons before and after the 1978 revelation on priesthood.

Saints, Slaves, and Blacks: The Changing Place of Black People Within Mormonism by Newell G. Bringhurst A comprehensive history of the evolution of Mormon racial policies and attitudes from the church's founding through the twentieth century.

The Color of Christ: The Son of God and the Saga of Race in America by Edward J. Blum, Paul Harvey An analysis of how different American religious groups, including Mormons, have portrayed Jesus's race throughout U.S. history.

🔷 The book won the Best Book Award from the Mormon History Association in 2015, marking it as a significant contribution to the study of Mormon race relations. 🔷 Author Russell Stevenson conducted research across three continents and incorporated previously unused archival sources to present new perspectives on Black Mormon history. 🔷 The work includes the first comprehensive examination of Black Mormonism in Africa, particularly focusing on the Nigerian Mormon experience before the 1978 priesthood revelation. 🔷 Beyond just documenting historical events, the book analyzes how Mormon racial teachings were influenced by broader American racial ideologies and Protestant theological traditions. 🔷 The book features extensive oral histories from Black Latter-day Saints, including Jane Manning James, an early Black Mormon pioneer who lived with Joseph Smith's family in Nauvoo.