The book, “Latter-day Liberty,” by Utah County political activist Connor Boyack, is extremely provocative. If sales gain steam, it could provoke a political debate within Mormonism. I say that as someone who disagrees with Boyack’s conclusions at times. Yet, his arguments and conclusions are persuasive and painstakingly researched.

Boyack believes that doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints parallels most closely with libertarianism, or what he describes as classical liberalism. He’s not pitching the Libertarian Party to Mormons, but he does argue that libertarian ideals, such as freedom of personal choices that do not harm others, or a foreign policy that avoids proactive conflict, are elements of...