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.

Table of Contents

Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith Review

Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith is a groundbreaking book from acclaimed author Jon Krakauer. This gripping story dives deep into the history, beliefs, and motivations of polygamous Mormon fundamentalists in America today. The Key Features of this stirring narrative include:

1. An examination of the events leading up to and the aftermath of one of the most shocking crimes in modern-day Utah.
2. An exploration of faith, violence, and the boundaries between religious freedom and criminal acts.
3. Insightful interviews with former members of fundamentalist groups who provide an unprecedented look into the world of Mormon fundamentalism from within.
4. A detailed portrait of the traditionalist Mormons who have rejected mainstream Mormonism, yet remain faithful to many tenets of their shared faith.
5. A thought-provoking study on how religious beliefs can lead to extreme acts when taken to their logical conclusions.

Through meticulous research and extensive interviews, Krakauer paints a vivid picture that reveals how a seemingly peaceful community can be driven by faith to commit heinous acts. His account forces readers to consider questions about religion, justice, and ultimately what it means to be human. Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith is an eye-opening journey through a landscape that few have ever seen before.

Product Details

Product	Details
Title:	Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith
Author:	Jon Krakauer
Publisher:	Anchor Books
Publication Date:	July 13, 2004
Format:	Hardcover, 464 pages
ISBN-10 :	1400032806
ISBN-13 :	978 – 1400032804
Language :	English

Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons of Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith

Pros

1. This book examines a dark side of religion, uncovering a world of fanaticism and violence usually hidden from view.

2. The author provides an in-depth look at the history and culture of fundamentalist Mormonism.

3. It offers an intriguing exploration into the mindsets and motivations of those who commit violent acts in the name of faith.

4. Under the Banner of Heaven is a gripping narrative that is difficult to put down.

Cons

1. Because it focuses on extreme cases, it does not represent all religious beliefs or provide insight into mainstream Mormonism.

2. Some readers may find its darker themes unsettling or disturbing.

Who are They for

Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith is an insightful and gripping book by Jon Krakauer, best-selling author of Into The Wild. It tells a remarkable story about two brothers who abandon their family and embark on a journey to fulfill a revelation from God. In this captivating narrative, Krakauer examines the complex relationship between faith and violence, and how religion can be used to justify unthinkable acts. Through meticulous research and personal interviews, he reveals the inner workings of the fundamentalist Mormon Church and its impact on society. Under the Banner of Heaven is both a riveting exploration of our collective struggle to make sense of faith, as well as a powerful testament to the strength of conviction that can drive people to extremes.

My Experience for Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith

I was feeling lost and alone in my faith until I discovered Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith. This book changed my life! Not only did it teach me about the history and culture of religion, but it also showed me how to make sense of my own spiritual journey.

It began with a story of two brothers who were Mormon fundamentalists living in Utah. One brother had become increasingly radicalized and was convinced that his version of Mormonism was the only true path to salvation. He threatened violence against those who disagreed with him, claiming divine authority for his actions. His brother, horrified by his extremism, refused to join him in his crusade.

The story went on to explore other cases of religious extremism, from the Jonestown Massacre to the Waco siege. It also examined the impact these events had on those involved as well as on society at large. As I read, I could not help but be struck by the power of faith – both its potential for good and its capacity for destruction.

At the same time, Under the Banner of Heaven opened my eyes to a more nuanced understanding of spirituality and faith. It demonstrated that no single path is right or wrong, and that each person must find their own way when it comes to matters of faith. It showed me that it is possible to remain true to one’s beliefs while still respecting those of others.

As I continue along my own spiritual journey, I’m thankful for having read Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith. It has been an invaluable resource in helping me understand why some people take their faith so seriously – and why others don’t.

What I don’t Like

1.The book is very lengthy, and some readers may find it difficult to stay focused.
2.Under the Banner of Heaven does not provide a comprehensive overview of religious extremism, but instead focuses on one particular sect – the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS).
3.The book uses strong language, and some readers may be offended by its content.
4.The narrative can be confusing at times, as it often jumps around between different points in time and place.
5.It also contains graphic descriptions of violence, which may be disturbing to some readers.

How to Apply the Teachings of Under the Banner of Heaven to Your Life

Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith by Jon Krakauer tells the story of a radical sect of Mormonism and the double murder committed by two brothers who claimed divine inspiration for their actions. But within this gripping narrative is a powerful message about belief, faith, and how to apply it in our lives.

First and foremost, Under the Banner of Heaven urges us to question what we believe and why. It shows that even something as seemingly strong as faith can be manipulated and twisted into something extreme. We should never take our beliefs for granted; rather, we should constantly examine them to ensure that they are healthy, productive, and true to ourselves.

The book also highlights the importance of understanding where our beliefs come from. Are they based on facts or fiction? On our own experiences or those of others? Knowing why we have certain convictions can help us better understand them and make sure they are positive influences in our lives.

Finally, Under the Banner of Heaven reminds us that dangerous beliefs can lead to dangerous behavior. We must be aware of how our beliefs could potentially influence our actions so that we don’t end up doing something we’ll regret later on. Doing so takes honesty, courage, and self-awareness—all things worth striving for if you wish to live a moral life according to your own values.

By reflecting upon these lessons, you too can learn how to apply the teachings of Under the Banner of Heaven to your own life.

Questions about Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith

What is Under the Banner of Heaven?

Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith is a non-fiction book by Jon Krakauer. The book examines the origins and history of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), a radical offshoot of mainstream Mormonism, and two brothers who commit murder in the name of their faith.

What topics does Under the Banner of Heaven cover?

Under the Banner of Heaven covers a variety of topics, including religious fanaticism, gender roles within fundamentalist sects, polygamy, violence and extremism within Mormonism, and how religious beliefs can lead to criminal activity. The book also explores the legacy of Joseph Smith and his teachings as they relate to modern day FLDS.

Who should read Under the Banner of Heaven?

Under the Banner of Heaven is an engaging read for anyone interested in religion, culture, history or psychology. It provides an eye-opening look at how religious beliefs can shape behavior and is a must-read for anyone wanting to better understand this controversial topic.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.