Marxism: A Latter-day Saint Perspective

“Within the philosophical system of Marx and Lenin, and at the heart of their psychology, hatred of God is the principal driving force, more fundamental than all their political and economic pretensions.”

-Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

Marxism is a word that is filled with tension for most members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, especially those who are familiar with the statements of past church leaders on communism and socialism. And yet, we as church members are likely to find ourselves interacting with colleagues and loved ones who hold elements of the Marxist worldview, and even doing family history and temple work for ancestors who may have participated in Marxist movements of the past.

This book brings clarity to questions around the basic nature of Marxism, how it began in the troubled personal life of Karl Marx and then over time became a worldview that fuels opposition to many of the church’s basic doctrines. With this book, readers will be better informed to understand the roots of much of today’s activist messaging against the restored gospel, and also develop a greater ability to engage in productive conversations on Marxism. These conversations require unflinching honesty toward important historical realities.