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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
An expository true crime story with a historical backdrop based on the LDS church origins. Krakauer provides the reader with enough enticing information to care about a murder crime and how the roots of a religion may have influenced the two men who did it. I personally enjoyed more the interviews with Dan Lafferty than the tangents about LDS church history. Seriously, the writing was exciting and the subsequent court case even more so. In particular, I appreciated the inclusion of the professional opinions during the court case about Dan's mental state. Overall, a telling story that begs the question about how society views faith or religious violence towards others/groups.
informative
I love Jon Krakauer. I think he is a phenomenal journalist. This is a fascinating documentary on the strength and power of religious belief. I recently moved to Salt Lake City, so my knowledge of Mormonism had a good foundation. However Under the Banner of Heaven describes the founding, evolution, and fanatics of the LDS church in an informative and intriguing way. I'd recommend this book to anyone not only interested in the curiosities of the LDS faith, but also how religious zealots can develop (applicable within and outside of this particular faith).
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
This was my second read of this book - the first was in 2005. If you like dark history this is highly recommended
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Domestic abuse, Violence, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Pedophilia
informative
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
dark
slow-paced
dark
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Extremely well written and thoroughly researched book in line with Krakauer's portfolio.
However for me right now the subject matter was to heavy and existential. You can only read about how people think God is talking to them specifically and commanding them to become PDFs in the name of immortal glory before you begin to loose faith in a shared human consciousness and morality.
This book did exactly what it aimed to do, it educted about an organized religion that protects and unconsciously endorses PDF men taking and impregnating child wives.
The common refrain applies, not all Mormons, not all Germans, not all white people, but at some point you are accountable to the behaviors of those in your culture. Silent inaction is a silent affirmation of their behavior.
However for me right now the subject matter was to heavy and existential. You can only read about how people think God is talking to them specifically and commanding them to become PDFs in the name of immortal glory before you begin to loose faith in a shared human consciousness and morality.
This book did exactly what it aimed to do, it educted about an organized religion that protects and unconsciously endorses PDF men taking and impregnating child wives.
The common refrain applies, not all Mormons, not all Germans, not all white people, but at some point you are accountable to the behaviors of those in your culture. Silent inaction is a silent affirmation of their behavior.
I had a really hard time getting through this one.