Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer (2004, Paperback, Reprint)

Having been raised LDS (NOT Fundamentalist & no longer a believer) I found this book a very interesting look into a religious subculture. Overall, I felt it was fairly presented and well researched. I felt the author presented the facts without a whole lot of personal opinion regarding the beliefs of modern Mormons. I'm sure many a practicing Mormon will disagree but I would recommend this book to anyone who has a lot of questions regarding how the modern day Mormon polygamists came into being.

UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN: A STORY OF VIOLENT FAITH BY JON KRAKAUER: I finished Under the Banner of Heaven two days ago now, and I haven't written the review yet, waiting to see if anything would change in my mind about Mormons, and so far nothing has. I still think it's a horribly misogynistic religion that goes even further than all other religions I know to take away all responsibility, independent thought, and individualism, and literally sacrifice oneself to god and whoever is your president and high lord protector (the title isn't exactly this, but is just as preposterous), whether you be regular Mormon or fundamentalist -- of course, he is a man, without a doubt.

The crux of the book is the deaths of Eric and her eight or so year-old daughter at the hands of the Lafferty brothers who still can't decide who officially slit the girls throats.

While the book managed to enrage me throughout, it did serve to educate and enlighten me on the religion in general, and on the important differences between the fundamentalists and the Latter Day Saints (LDS). The book also presents the history of Mormonism with Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and what led to the creation of the religion, its development through the decades and centuries, with the Mormons being ostracized wherever they went, until they settled in the deserts of Utah and set about completely ignoring the US government and living their lives as they saw fit. The Church of Latter Day Saints continues to do this to some degree today, and the fundamentalists especially, thriving on it.

So let's clear up the main thing first: polygamy. The Church of Latter Day Saints condones and doesn't allow polygamy, after changing this steadfast rule from the D&C (Doctrine and Covenants -- the rulebook which Mormons go by as put down by Joseph Smith, with additions made by Brigham Young and successive "prophets") in the nineteenth century when the government essentially pressured them into doing this, since polygamy was (AND STILL IS!) illegal in every state. But in a religion where everyone from the president to the lowly devout woman has the ability to talk with god and receive his instruction; splitting, and the formation of break-off sects and groups is as inevitable as night come sunset. And it it's these break-off groups that form their own churches and communes (Colorado City in Utah is one of these), and they are the fundamentalists groups who believe that the LDS have fallen from the true ruling of god and take it upon themselves to adhere to the D&C as they see fit. The result is a town like Colorado City, in the middle of the desert, isolated, as they like it. There polygamy is a way of life; if you don't subscribe to this way, you are pressured and then ostracized. It is also in this town where anywhere from thirteen to sixteen year-old girls are ordered, yes, ordered by the president to marry whatever man the president decrees, without any choice in the matter. Ordered to marry that man, live with him, and whose sole duty is to bear as many children as possible, no questions asked . . . or you're going to hell! This is the truth. This is life in Colorado City. It is also here that instances of rape and pedophilia are becoming common place, as fathers take a liking to their eleven year-old daughters (whether they be biologically or adopted through marriage), rape them, and them force them to marry their fathers.

And it seems pretty pathetic when our president makes it his duty to

This book is primarily about the fundamentalist Mormon church, but does provide lots of history on the mainstream Mormon religion, including, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and the difficulties the church has faced with politics and polygamy. It's an amazing history of the US and religion. I found it hard to put the book down, but each chapter requires the opportunity to reflect upon the content. I found myself appalled and enthralled at the same time. Basically, it's a history of what has been done 'in the name of God' within the Mormon church and the splinter fundamentalist religions. A very informative read - especially with the recent arrest of Warren Jeffs - this book describes the history of his family and how his beliefs came to be!

I was pleased about how quickly the book arrived. Thank you for sending it so promptly. It is a fascinating book.

This book is a must read for those wanting some incite to the FLDS polygamy lifestyle. It does a good job explaining the fundamentalist approach to the LDS church and why there are splinter groups to the Mormon church. The author has a bias, but he does a great job at remaining neutral throughout most of it.

I recommend this book for LDS, FLDS, and any interested in the Mormon church.

This book has a lot of factual information. It was interesting and easy to read. I got through the book in about one weekend. Jon Krakauer is a famous writer and the style is is good. I bought this book because it was recommended by a friend.

Recinnended by sister-in-law, I thought it was a murder mystery. What i got was a thourough Utah Mormon history. The murder was no mystery as we knew who did it from the start. I guess the history was meant to explain why the murder happened as it did, but I found it very drawn out and sometimes even dull. How can such a man as Brigham Young be so revered? Joseph Smith was made to look like a kook and not the prophet that he was. Did not like this book.

Book was in excellent condition, but the content of the book was not as expected. Too many details and not enough story line. I never finished it.

it seemed like an interesting idea, i really like some of Krakauer other books. check it out for yourself

I like that it goes towards a good cause and you get a response in a very timely manner! I bought this book because it is a book that was chosen for my book club and there was a wait list at the library. I chose to buy from this company because of the cause. Thank you!

I had been wanting to read this book for a while. I got an excellent price and the book arrived within a few days of purchase. It was in good condition.

I am just over halfway through reading this book. The print is fairly small so there is a huge amount of history tucked in these pages. The author gives a good characterization of this religion and members. This is definitely a book I will read to the end. Would definitely recommend.

The book, Under the Banner of Heaven, arrived quickly and in great shape. It arrived much quicker than usual.

It was a well researched, well-written in-depth look at the fundamentalist Mormon sect of Warren Jeffers.

This tome clearly defines the diferences between the traditional Mormon religious teachings and community and the fundamentalist Mormon zealots.

It was difficult for the writer to try to not show any bias for or against the Mormon Church.

I learned alot.