Jennie B. (MyLikeIt) reviewed Under the Banner of Heaven : A Story of Violent Faith on + 450 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 18
A compelling history of FLDS sects, the mainstream Mormon church, and the events leading to a grotesque crime. Also a thought-provoking look at the psychological and sociological underpinnings of fundamentalist religious fanaticism in general (worth contemplating in today's world). A great read.
Marta J. (booksnob) reviewed Under the Banner of Heaven : A Story of Violent Faith on + 412 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 17
A very well-researched, bone-chilling account of brutal murders committed in the name of God. This present-day story is intertwined with a history of Mormonism and its many splinter fundamentalist groups.
Jennifer G. (gilora) reviewed Under the Banner of Heaven : A Story of Violent Faith on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
A riveting true account of the brutal murders of a young mother and her infant daughter at the hands of two fundamentalist Mormon brothers who claimed to be directed by God. Traces the histories of the Mormon church and various excommunicated splinter sects, and discusses the seeds of fundamentalism and how ordinary people can be turned into fanatics willing to commit acts of violence in the name of God. Fascinating reading.
Great Read!
This is the literary version of a perfectly produced and directed documentary on BOTH the murders AND the LDS/FLDS faith in general. The story of the Lafferty murders could not have been revealed as thoroughly without including the condensed yet comprehensive lesson on Mormonism. Writing of the murders apart from the church history {or the church unrelated to the Lafferty clan} would have produced only pedestrian pulp.
Prior to this read, my image of the LDS was limited to memories of white- shirted missionaries pedaling the neighborhoods and the rumor that their basements were stowed the provisions for the pending Armageddon. This book brilliantly reported so much more. Most importantly, Krakauer reminds us once again that coming from the castigating finger of RELIGION is evil incarnate.
This is the literary version of a perfectly produced and directed documentary on BOTH the murders AND the LDS/FLDS faith in general. The story of the Lafferty murders could not have been revealed as thoroughly without including the condensed yet comprehensive lesson on Mormonism. Writing of the murders apart from the church history {or the church unrelated to the Lafferty clan} would have produced only pedestrian pulp.
Prior to this read, my image of the LDS was limited to memories of white- shirted missionaries pedaling the neighborhoods and the rumor that their basements were stowed the provisions for the pending Armageddon. This book brilliantly reported so much more. Most importantly, Krakauer reminds us once again that coming from the castigating finger of RELIGION is evil incarnate.
Helpful Score: 5
This book is very biased. I'm an atheist, so I have no vested interest in the religion, but Krakauer chooses to reveal some pretty harsh history about Mormonism. He takes a somewhat mocking tone while describing how the religion began, describes some pretty graphic scenes of violence, and glosses over some of the parts describing Mormon values.
By the title, I wasn't expecting this book to try and be objective; however I had hoped Krakauer would present at least some part of Mormonism that wasn't "bad." For instance, I had hoped he would describe, with the same level of detail he gave the massacre, why the group had to move around so much.
Parts of this book are slow, but the interesting parts do redeem the book by moving so quickly. I recommend this to those who are interested in the history of the Mormon faith, but suggest reading the other side, too.
By the title, I wasn't expecting this book to try and be objective; however I had hoped Krakauer would present at least some part of Mormonism that wasn't "bad." For instance, I had hoped he would describe, with the same level of detail he gave the massacre, why the group had to move around so much.
Parts of this book are slow, but the interesting parts do redeem the book by moving so quickly. I recommend this to those who are interested in the history of the Mormon faith, but suggest reading the other side, too.
