Of Saints and Lamanites: An Analysis of Navajo Mormonism

The Navajo Indians have long been subject to intense pressure by various missionary groups. One of the most successful, and certainly the most controversial, of the Christian denominations to proselytize among the Navajo has been the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons. Today it is estimated that approximately 20% of the Navajo population, perhaps 40,000 tribal members, have been baptized as Mormons (Stewart and Wiley, 1981: 82). This paper will attempt to explain the reasons behind Navajo affiliation and conversion to the Mormon faith, explore the nature of Navajo Mormonism, and speculate as to the future of Mormonism among the Navajo people.