Summary

"Under the Banner of Heaven" by Jon Krakauer delves into the unsettling intersection of religious extremism and violence, using the 1984 Lafferty murders as a focal point. The book meticulously examines the history of Mormonism and its schisms, particularly focusing on Mormon fundamentalism and its belief in polygamy. Krakauer juxtaposes the Lafferty brothers' horrific crime with the broader context of faith-based violence, challenging the reader to confront the dark side of religious devotion.

The narrative begins with the gruesome details of the murders of Brenda and Erica Lafferty in American Fork, Utah, and the subsequent investigation that leads to the brothers, Ron and Dan Lafferty. The story then pivots to explore the Lafferty family's background, their devout Mormon upbringing, and the events that led Ron to embrace fundamentalist beliefs. Krakauer intricately weaves in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), tracing its origins from Joseph Smith's revelations to the establishment of a theocratic society in Utah under Brigham Young.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to explaining the doctrine of plural marriage and the conflicts it engendered, both within the Mormon community and with the U.S. government. Krakauer introduces various Mormon fundamentalist sects, such as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) in Colorado City and the United Effort Plan (UEP), highlighting their practices, beliefs, and the control exerted by their leaders. He contrasts these groups with mainstream Mormonism, emphasizing the LDS Church's efforts to distance itself from polygamy.

The author also explores the complexities of faith, reason, and extremism, questioning how religious devotion can lead to violence and inhumanity. He draws parallels between Mormon fundamentalism and other forms of religious extremism, both historical and contemporary, underscoring the potential dangers of religious fanaticism. By examining the Lafferty case within this broader context, Krakauer challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of faith and its capacity for both good and evil.

Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Krakauer presents a nuanced and disturbing portrait of religious extremism in America. "Under the Banner of Heaven" is not just a true crime story but a profound exploration of the power and perils of religious belief, urging readers to critically examine the forces that shape human behavior and the potential consequences of unchecked religious fervor.