Under the Banner of Heaven audiobook cover - A Story of Violent Faith

Under the Banner of Heaven

A Story of Violent Faith

Jon Krakauer

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Religion & SpiritualitySociety & CultureHistory

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Under the Banner of Heaven
The Lafferty Murders+
Mormon Origins+
The Roots of Fundamentalism+
Mechanisms of Extremism+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 6
What was the core justification Ron and Dan Lafferty used for murdering their sister-in-law and niece?
  • A. They were acting in self-defense against a plot orchestrated by their brother Allen.
  • B. They were executing a 'removal revelation' they believed came directly from God.
  • C. They wanted to claim Allen's inheritance to fund their fundamentalist sect.
  • D. They believed Brenda had stolen holy scriptures from the School of Prophets.
Question 2 of 6
How did Joseph Smith translate the golden plates after Martin Harris lost the initial translated text?
  • A. He used the original spectacles provided by the angel Moroni.
  • B. He translated directly from the Egyptian hieroglyphics using his own scholarly knowledge.
  • C. He placed a peeping stone inside a hat, buried his face in it, and read the English version.
  • D. He received a new set of golden plates that were already written in English.
Question 3 of 6
Which of the following was a primary reason the local populations in places like Jackson County became hostile toward the early Mormons?
  • A. The Mormons actively attempted to overthrow the local state governments.
  • B. The locals resented the Mormons' insular economic practices, unified voting, and anti-slavery stance.
  • C. The Mormons refused to pay local taxes and claimed the land belonged to them by divine right.
  • D. The local populations discovered Joseph Smith's secret practice of polygamy.
Question 4 of 6
Why did the Lafferty brothers turn against the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and embrace fundamentalism?
  • A. They believed the mainstream church had compromised its divine principles to appease the United States government.
  • B. They were excommunicated for refusing to pay their tithes to the church leaders in Salt Lake City.
  • C. They discovered that Joseph Smith had actually rejected the practice of polygamy during his lifetime.
  • D. They felt the mainstream church was too aggressive in its enforcement of early pioneer laws.
Question 5 of 6
What is the historical Mormon concept of 'blood atonement' that Dan Lafferty used to justify his violence?
  • A. A ritual where animal blood is sacrificed to cleanse the sins of the congregation.
  • B. The belief that spilling the blood of an unbeliever is justified if they commit an unforgivable sin against a Saint.
  • C. A symbolic communion practice where members drink wine to remember Joseph Smith's martyrdom.
  • D. A requirement that all Mormon men must serve in the military to defend the church.
Question 6 of 6
What happened between Ron and Dan Lafferty after they were incarcerated?
  • A. They successfully escaped prison together using tactics inspired by early Mormon settlers.
  • B. They united to write a manifesto defending fundamentalist Mormonism to the public.
  • C. Ron received a revelation to kill Dan, leading to violent attacks between the brothers.
  • D. Dan repented for his crimes and agreed to testify against Ron in court.

Under the Banner of Heaven — Full Chapter Overview

Under the Banner of Heaven Summary & Overview

Under the Banner of Heaven (2003) traces the roots of contemporary Mormon fundamentalism through the lens of a horrendous double murder. The devotion of the Lafferty brothers is a gateway into core tenets that include divine revelation, polygamy, blood atonement, and the way Mormons act in their unique role as God’s chosen.

Who Should Listen to Under the Banner of Heaven?

  • People curious about Mormon culture
  • Anyone trying to understand American fundamentalism
  • People interested in American history

About the Author: Jon Krakauer

Jon Krakauer’s extensive journalism work has been read by millions on Outside, National Geographic, and Rolling Stone. The Pulitzer-nominated author’s passion for mountaineering hasn’t stopped him from releasing best sellers that include Into Thin Air, Into the Wild, and Where Men Win Glory.

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