"Convicting the Mormons" by Janiece Johnson

Read the above books if you want to understand the history of the events of the massacre itself. The book reviewed here chronicles the aftermath.

Book Review: Convicting the Mormons: The Mountain Meadows Massacre in American Culture by Janiece Johnson

Convicting the Mormons: The Mountain Meadows Massacre in American Culture by Janiece Johnson is a compelling and meticulously researched exploration of how the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre shaped public perceptions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in nineteenth-century America and beyond. Published in 2023 by the University of North Carolina Press, this 216-page work stands out for its focus not on the massacre itself but on its cultural and legal aftermath, offering a fresh perspective on a well-trodden event in Mormon history.

Summary
Johnson begins with the historical context of the massacre, where a Mormon militia, led by John D. Lee, and some Paiute allies slaughtered approximately 120 emigrants in southern Utah. Rather than retelling the event in detail, she examines how sensationalized media—newspapers, novels, cartoons, and even early films—amplified anti-Mormon sentiment. The massacre became a tool for critics to portray Mormonism as a threat to American values, particularly due to the LDS Church’s theocratic governance and practice of polygamy. Johnson argues that the public and legal focus shifted from prosecuting individuals to “convicting” the entire Mormon religion, a process that delayed justice for the victims and fueled religious intolerance.

The book traces this narrative through key moments, such as Lee’s trials (the first ending in a hung jury in 1875, the second leading to his execution in 1877) and the broader cultural depictions of Mormons as “savages” or a “menace.” Johnson highlights how figures like prosecutor Robert Baskin used the trials to target Mormonism itself, influencing federal policies against the LDS Church. She also connects the massacre’s legacy to modern media, from Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet to contemporary portrayals, showing its enduring impact on Mormon stereotypes.

Strengths
Johnson’s greatest achievement is her nuanced analysis of how media and popular culture shape collective memory. Her command of primary sources—newspaper illustrations, trial records, and literary works—lends authority to her arguments, as noted by historian Patrick Mason, who praises her “absolute command of the primary sources”. The inclusion of visual media reproductions, such as nineteenth-century engravings, vividly illustrates how Mormons were demonized as “others” in American society.

The book’s relevance to contemporary issues is another strength. Johnson draws parallels between the anti-Mormon rhetoric of the 1800s and modern instances of prejudice, noting, “Violence begets violence…rumor becomes historical fact”. This framing situates the massacre within America’s broader history of extrajudicial violence, including lynchings and Native American massacres, making it valuable for scholars of U.S. history, religious studies, and media studies.

Critiques
While Johnson’s focus on cultural impact is innovative, some readers may find the limited attention to the massacre’s details frustrating, especially those unfamiliar with the event. A brief but more comprehensive overview early on could have grounded the analysis for general audiences. Additionally, the book occasionally assumes familiarity with Mormon history, which might alienate readers outside LDS or academic circles.

Some reviewers suggest Johnson could have explored the perspectives of the victims’ families or Native American participants more deeply. The emphasis on Mormonism’s portrayal risks overshadowing these voices, though this aligns with her stated scope. Finally, the book’s academic tone, while precise, may feel dense for casual readers, despite its engaging narrative style praised by The Civil War Monitor.

Reception
Convicting the Mormons has been widely praised. Nova Religio lauds Johnson’s thorough answers to why the massacre remains a compelling part of American memory. The Civil War Monitor calls it “an engaging account” for those interested in Mormon, U.S., and religious history. Kevin Folkman, reviewing for the Association for Mormon Letters, emphasizes its relevance to ongoing issues of rumor and division. On platforms like Goodreads, readers note its insight into how media painted Mormons as “monsters,” though some desire more focus on the event itself.

Conclusion
Janiece Johnson’s Convicting the Mormons is a vital contribution to Mormon studies and American religious history. Its meticulous research, compelling narrative, and contemporary relevance make it essential reading for scholars and those interested in the interplay of media, religion, and prejudice. While it may not satisfy readers seeking a detailed retelling of the massacre, its unique focus on cultural memory offers a profound lesson: how narratives, not just facts, shape justice and perception. As Reading Religion notes, Johnson shows that “the actual degree of Mormon complicity matters much less than what Americans have come to believe”.

Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For: Historians, religious studies scholars, and readers interested in media’s role in shaping cultural narratives.