Lowell L. Bennion

Book excerpt: Lowell L. Bennion is legendary in many circles. An LDS institute instructor and professor of sociology at the University of Utah, he was never content simply to quantify social ills or to preach against them but actively set out to correct what he could. He founded and directed the Teton Valley Boys Ranch, served as executive director for the Salt Lake City Community Services Council, and organized other charities.His heart was with the underprivileged. He detested Pharisaism and often quoted biblical passages on the topic adapted to a Mormon ear: As your treading is upon the poor, ... I hate, I despise your f(ast) days, and I will not (dwell in) your solemn assemblies ... Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear ... Woe unto them that are at ease in Zion. Bennion passed away in 1996 just after this biography was released, leaving an enormous void where he had been a beacon to humanitarian and liberation causes in his community.