2 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer is a disturbing book that covers a history of Mormon fundamentalism as a background to the murder of Brenda Lafferty and her daughter Erica by her brothers-in-law, Ron and Dan Lafferty.

I wasn't as enthusiastic about Under the Banner of Heaven as Krakauer's other books. Though it was an excellent and effective book, it was depressing in a way that made me recall a lot of my teenage angst. If you were (or are!) an angst-ridden teen like I was, this may drudge up a few things (for better or worse) resting deep within your psyche.

Perhaps the most fascinating thing I learned from this book is the early Mormon emphasis on religious experiences involving communication directly with God. In the many religious debates I've been in, it often comes up that I've never had a "religious experience" - at least not a "real" one. If I had, it is argued, I would have the same beliefs as partner in conversation. Under the Banner of Heaven is a good illustration of how arbitrary these experiences can be both across religions and even within a single religion.

I would recommend this book to anyone who considers themselves more religious than most, no matter your religion.

Learn more about this author, James Tharpe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Book reviews: Under the Banner of Heaven, by Jon Krakauer?
We want to hear your view. Write now!