Under the Banner of Heaven – Jon Krakauer – 2003, Anchor Books
Under the Banner of Heaven: A Cultural Exploration
Jon Krakauer’s Under the Banner of Heaven examines the history of Mormon fundamentalism and its connection to a 1985 double murder in Utah. While presented as a true crime narrative, the book delves deeply into the origins of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its evolving doctrines, and the development of schismatic groups who practice polygamy and embrace more radical interpretations of scripture.
Historical / Cultural Context
Published in 2003, Krakauer’s work emerged from a context of growing public interest in, and sometimes misunderstanding of, religious extremism. The murders committed by brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty, ostensibly in the name of religious devotion, provided a stark case study. Krakauer uses this event as a springboard to trace the historical development of Mormonism, from its beginnings with Joseph Smith to the splintering that led to fundamentalist sects. The book’s significance lies in its attempt to understand the motivations and beliefs of individuals operating outside the mainstream, and the potential for violence when religious conviction is coupled with a literalist interpretation of scripture and a sense of divine mandate. It arrived in a post 9/11 world grappling with the dangers of radical belief systems.
Who This Book Is For
This work is suitable for readers interested in religious history, the psychology of belief, and the social dynamics of fundamentalist movements. It appeals to those with an interest in true crime, but its depth goes beyond simple sensationalism. Academics studying religious studies, sociology, and American history will find it a valuable resource. However, it’s also accessible to general readers seeking a nuanced understanding of a complex and often controversial subject. The book is less about definitive answers and more about raising critical questions about faith, power, and interpretation.
Further Reading
- The Kingdom of God: A History of Mormonism by James E. Talmage: Provides a more orthodox historical account of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Lyman Bushman: A biography of Joseph Smith that presents a sympathetic, yet scholarly, perspective.
- American Apocalypse: The History and Prosperous Future of America’s Cults by Robert Jay Lifton: Explores the broader phenomenon of cults and apocalyptic movements in American culture.
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