Under the Banner of Heaven Review: Exploring Religious Extremism and True Crime

Jon Krakauer’s Under the Banner of Heaven stands out as a gripping exploration of religious extremism, true crime, and the complexities of faith. Through the lens of a shocking double murder committed by two fundamentalist Mormons, Krakauer uncovers the dark underbelly of the religious zealotry that continues to impact modern America. This review will break down the key elements of the book, its thematic exploration, and why it’s essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of religion, crime, and psychology.

Overview: A True Crime Story That Explores Religious Extremism

Under the Banner of Heaven follows the story of Ron and Dan Lafferty, two brothers from a fundamentalist Mormon sect who brutally murdered their sister-in-law and her infant daughter in 1984. The brothers claim they were acting on divine commands from God. This chilling tale is set against the broader backdrop of Mormonism’s roots, offering readers a critical look at the complex history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and the violent fringes of religious extremism.

Krakauer blends a meticulous true crime investigation with a deep dive into the psychological and historical contexts that shaped the Laffertys’ actions. By doing so, he creates a thought-provoking narrative that goes beyond the mere reporting of facts and into the heart of belief and fanaticism.

Key Themes in Under the Banner of Heaven

Krakauer expertly tackles several significant themes throughout the book. These include:

1. Faith and Extremism: The Lafferty brothers believed they were following God’s will when they murdered their relatives. This belief stems from the deep conviction that their religious interpretations were divinely sanctioned, showcasing the dangerous intersection of blind faith and violence.
2. Religious Fundamentalism: Krakauer explores the concept of religious fundamentalism, particularly within Mormonism. He highlights the stark contrast between mainstream LDS teachings and the radical interpretations practiced by splinter groups like the Laffertys’ Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS).
3. Psychology of Zealotry: One of the book’s most fascinating aspects is its analysis of the psychological makeup of individuals who commit atrocities in the name of religion. Krakauer examines how the Laffertys’ upbringing in a strict religious environment contributed to their radicalization, painting a chilling portrait of how faith can be twisted into justification for violence.
4. The History of Mormonism: In addition to focusing on the crime, Krakauer provides an insightful history of the Mormon Church, particularly its more controversial aspects, such as polygamy and its complex relationship with fundamentalist offshoots. By tracing these historical elements, Krakauer sheds light on how modern-day extremism can be rooted in early church doctrine.

What Makes Krakauer’s Narrative Stand Out

Jon Krakauer is known for his exceptional storytelling, and Under the Banner of Heaven is no exception. His ability to weave together the investigative aspects of true crime with the rich, often uncomfortable history of Mormonism is what sets this book apart.

Krakauer doesn’t merely recount events; he immerses the reader in the psychological and theological struggles of his subjects. He doesn’t shy away from difficult questions about faith, obedience, and the human cost of religious conviction. This nuanced approach ensures that the story of the Lafferty brothers is more than a sensational crime story—it’s a meditation on the power of belief and its potential to shape lives for better or worse.

Critique: Strengths and Weaknesses of Under the Banner of Heaven

Strengths:

1. Thorough Research and Investigative Reporting: Krakauer’s meticulous research shines through every page of the book. He carefully examines both the crime and the religious ideologies that fueled it, providing readers with a well-rounded understanding of the events. His interviews with family members, law enforcement, and religious experts add depth to the narrative, making it feel both personal and authoritative.
2. Engaging Writing Style: Krakauer’s narrative is engaging, with clear, concise prose that never feels bogged down by the complexity of the subject matter. The story moves at a steady pace, balancing investigative detail with human drama. Readers will find themselves both repelled and fascinated by the Laffertys’ story.
3. Balanced Perspective: Krakauer manages to present a fair and balanced portrayal of Mormonism. While he is critical of the extreme offshoots, he doesn’t demonize the entire religion. Instead, he focuses on how extreme interpretations of faith can lead to violence, without condemning the broader community.

Weaknesses:

1. Overemphasis on Mormonism’s Darker Side: Some readers may feel that Krakauer spends too much time delving into the darker aspects of Mormonism, which could be seen as disproportionately critical of the religion. While it is essential to understand the historical and theological context, some parts of the book may feel repetitive for those already familiar with the topic.
2. Focus on Extremism Over Personal Story: While the investigation into the Lafferty brothers is fascinating, the book occasionally neglects the personal stories of the victims. While the crime is well-reported, the emotional impact on the victims’ families doesn’t receive as much attention as it might deserve.

Final Verdict: Why You Should Read Under the Banner of Heaven

Jon Krakauer’s Under the Banner of Heaven is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, religious extremism, or the complexities of faith. The book offers a unique perspective on the dark side of religious belief, exploring the intersection of fanaticism, violence, and personal conviction.

Whether you’re drawn to the shocking nature of the crime or the exploration of Mormon history and extremism, Krakauer’s thorough investigation provides insights into the human psyche and the power of belief. While the book does have some minor weaknesses, it is overall an eye-opening and thought-provoking read.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Under the Banner of Heaven about?

Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer explores the true crime story of two brothers, Ron and Dan Lafferty, who murder their sister-in-law and niece in 1984, claiming they were following God’s command. The book also delves into the history of Mormonism, examining religious extremism and the intersection of faith and violence.

What are the main themes of Under the Banner of Heaven?

The primary themes of Under the Banner of Heaven include:

• Religious extremism: The dangerous effects of radical religious beliefs.
• Faith and violence: How unshakable faith can lead to horrific actions.
• Psychology of zealotry: Examining the mental and emotional triggers behind fanaticism.
• The history of Mormonism: An exploration of both mainstream and fundamentalist Mormon beliefs.

Is Under the Banner of Heaven a true crime book?

Yes, Under the Banner of Heaven is a true crime book that investigates the brutal murder of Brenda Lafferty and her infant daughter by her brothers-in-law, Ron and Dan Lafferty. However, it is not just a true crime story—it also critiques religious fundamentalism and explores the history of the Mormon Church.

What makes Jon Krakauer’s writing unique in this book?

Jon Krakauer is known for his investigative journalism and ability to present complex topics in an accessible and engaging manner. In Under the Banner of Heaven, he combines meticulous research with storytelling, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the Lafferty murders while diving deep into the psychological and theological implications of the crime.

Is Under the Banner of Heaven biased against Mormonism?

While Under the Banner of Heaven does critique certain fundamentalist aspects of Mormonism, Krakauer maintains a balanced perspective. He highlights both the history of the mainstream LDS Church and the extremist factions that have formed over time, without condemning the entire religion. The book focuses on how radical interpretations of faith can lead to violence, rather than attacking the religion as a whole.