Under the Banner of Heaven

Dorosi Valle                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

            Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer

On July 24, 1984, two brothers, instructed to “remove the following individuals” by God, murdered a woman and her infant daughter. Under the Banner of Heaven reveals the details behind this murder, exploring the obscure world of fundamentalist Mormonism. In this investigate work of non-fiction, Jon Krakauer examines extremes of religious belief through unbelievable findings, keeping even the most unmotivated reader flipping the page.

Under the Banner of Heaven begins with a general background of Dan and Ron Lafferty who murdered Brenda and Erica Lafferty, Allen Lafferty’s wife and daughter. As the book later explains, Brenda had been bad-mouthing the Lafferty brothers’ new fundamentalist beliefs. Ron, who succumbed to fundamentalist Mormonism thanks to his brother Dan, blamed Brenda for his recent divorce. Soon after, Ron received a revelation from God to “remove the following individuals” so that His “work might go forward.” In July 24 of 1984, Dan Lafferty entered his younger brother’s house, murdering Brenda and Erica Lafferty. Dan now is serving a life sentence and feels no remorse about the murders. He says “I was doing God’s will, which is not a crime.”

To ground the reader as Krakauer embarks on this “violent faith” journey, he provides a closer look at the Mormon religion. From Joseph Smith’s childhood to the angel Moroni, Krakaeur traces the foundation of fundamentalist Mormonism, establishing a clear difference between mainstream Mormons and fundamentalist Mormons. From a general standing, Under the Banner of Heaven doesn’t just specifically focus on the Brenda and Erica murder case. Instead, he uses the murder as a window into revealing much more. Krakauer exemplifies fundamentalist lifestyles in Colorado City, Arizona. He exposes the world of plural marriage hidden within small towns. Through jaw-dropping descriptions, Krakauer gives an understanding of fundamentalist Mormonism as the more violent faith.

This eye-opening novel examines an American religion practiced by millions. The compelling true story of Brenda and Erica’s murder is one of tragedy and sorrow. Under the Banner of Heaven discloses an in depth investigation of fundamentalist Mormonism, making this obscure religion vivid and terrifying. In conclusion, this is a book that must be read.