Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer Summary

Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer explores the 1984 double murder committed by Mormon Fundamentalist brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty, who claimed divine justification for their crimes. The book intertwines this true-crime narrative with a critical examination of the history and doctrines of Mormonism, particularly its fundamentalist offshoots that practice polygamy and resist modern governance.

This book is ideal for true crime enthusiasts, readers interested in religious extremism, and those curious about the historical tensions between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and its radical splinter groups. It appeals to fans of investigative journalism and narratives that dissect the intersection of faith and violence.

Yes, Krakauer’s meticulous research and gripping storytelling make it a compelling read. It offers a chilling look at how religious fervor can justify violence, while contextualizing modern fundamentalist movements within broader Mormon history. Critics praise its depth, though some Mormon scholars dispute its accuracy.

The book argues that fundamentalist ideologies, when divorced from societal oversight, can enable authoritarianism and violence. It highlights how leaders in offshoot Mormon sects wield absolute control—including coercive polygamy—under the guise of divine mandate, often leading to tragic outcomes like the Lafferty murders.

Polygamy serves as a focal point for Krakauer’s critique of Mormon Fundamentalist communities. He documents cases of underage marriages and systemic oppression of women, contrasting these practices with the LDS Church’s official renunciation of plural marriage in 1890.

The LDS Church condemned Under the Banner of Heaven as misleading and historically inaccurate. Officials criticized Krakauer for conflating mainstream Mormonism with extremist factions, arguing that the book unfairly portrays the faith as inherently violent.

Krakauer traces Mormonism’s origins, including Joseph Smith’s founding revelations, the 19th-century persecution of Mormons, and the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre—a pivotal event where settlers were killed by Mormon militiamen.

Like Into the Wild and Into Thin Air, this book combines rigorous journalism with narrative suspense. However, it shifts focus from physical survival to ideological extremism, offering a darker exploration of human behavior.

Some scholars, like Brigham Young University’s Robert Millet, accuse Krakauer of cherry-picking facts to vilify Mormonism. Critics argue he oversimplifies theological nuances and exaggerates the prevalence of fundamentalist violence.

In 2022, FX released a limited series adaptation starring Andrew Garfield. Earlier, the 2006 documentary Damned to Heaven drew inspiration from Krakauer’s research, examining similar themes of faith and fanaticism.

Krakauer questions how society should balance religious autonomy with preventing harm. He scrutinizes cases where courts hesitated to intervene in polygamist communities, enabling systemic abuse under the protection of faith.

Its themes resonate amid rising concerns about religious extremism and cult behavior globally. The book serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked dogma and the psychological mechanisms of indoctrination.