Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith [Review]
Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith is a gripping and thought-provoking narrative by Jon Krakauer. It tells the story of two brothers, Dan and Ron Lafferty, who commit a gruesome murder in the name of God, believing that they are obeying a divine revelation from God. The book takes readers on a roller coaster journey through their childhoods, into adulthood, and finally to prison. Through interviews with family members, friends and former associates – as well as research into the history of Mormonism – Krakauer uncovers what might have motivated these two men to commit such an atrocity.
The book dives deep into the religious beliefs of the Lafferty brothers, exploring how their faith may have led them to believe that murdering innocent people was justified by their religion. Krakauer’s thorough research paints a vivid picture of what it means to be a Mormon fundamentalist and how they interpret their beliefs in light of modern society. He also examines how those beliefs may have shaped their actions and the consequences of those actions. Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith is an eye-opening look at one group’s approach to faith and its potential implications for society at large.