Rated of 5
by Ann Riveting
Telling the chilling story of the Lafferty brothers and the murderous slaughter of their sister-in-law, Krakauer goes beyond the crime to investigate the the Mormon founder, Joseph Smith and the emergence of this new American religion. It would not have been possible to explain the fanatical beliefs of the brothers without doing so. The result is a fascinating investigation by Krakauer into the history of the movement and the offshoot that has become the polygamous FLDS sect, so much in the news right now. It is noteworthy that statehood for Utah depended on the end of polygamy as a tenet (unless God orders it!!) It is no wonder that some adherents considered it apostasy at the time Perhaps their motives may have more to do with enjoying this life rather than insuring the next. It is interesting to note that men find ways to dominate women under the cloak of religion and not just in the mid east.
Rated of 5
by Jacob Oveson Under the Banner of Heaven
An unfair, one-sided view of the Mormon church. At least 90% of what was said about Joseph Smith was entirely false. It's sad to think that there will be people who not only look up to this and do not consider anything of the LDS church, but will also despise and discriminate it. I've seen people holding banners and signs of at sacred Mormon tabernacles exclaiming how much they hate Mormons. I have lots of knowledge of the Mormon church, and know as a fact that they're very nice, honorable people who work hard to make the world a better place. In my opinion, this should be encouraged and thought well of instead of discriminated. The gospel of the Mormon church is hardly what this book claims it to be. Other religious followers are simply upset that the Mormon church receives as many converts as it does. Why? because people feel that it's right, and believe that they're doing the right thing in following a correct gospel. don't push them away from this. Even if you don't believe the Mormon gospel is true, Mormonism teaches lots of good morales such as no alcohol, drugs, or such, as these things cloud your view of judgment. I myself do believe in the Mormon gospel, and I think that Under the Banner of Heaver does a poor job of revealing it's actuality. He never labels a single source for allot of his arguments, nor does he explain the reasonings behind them. Most of his "facts" make no sense at all, and should not be listened to. Please don't base your opinions of this book. Mormons are allot different then this book makes them out to be.
Rated of 5
by nina Under the Banner of Heaven
It's a horrible injustice to the Mormon faith that the book does not distinguish between the fundamentalist and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This kind of debauchery causes prejudice and hatred of others. I'm sad others will believe what the author says about the "mormon" (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) faith. The actions of two fanatical, misguided, evil people do not represent the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If one thinks he/she knew nothing about the "Mormons" before reading this book, he/she can be assured that he/she still knows nothing about the "Mormon" beliefs.
Rated of 5
by Jersey Not that great
Completely one sided and doesn't really distinguish the difference between the real mormons and the crazy polygamists that aren't mormons at all. I'm friends with alot of mormons and have even been to their services and I feel that their should be a greater distinction between the two. Its not fair that one group gets a bad reputation because of other peoples actions.
Rated of 5
by Butch Too much history
Thought the book explained the Mormon History very well, but I thought this took away from the actual story of the Lafferty Brothers. The first 110 pages seemed like they came right out of history book. It really took away my interest from the book quickly. The book also repeats itself in the near closing chapters. However, the author did a great job portraying the chacters Ron and Dan Lafferty, which made for a scary element of the book.
Rated of 5
by naida
I thought this book was very interesting and read it almost in one sitting. I was a little distressed that the author felt the need to respond at length to a critic in the end. Very readable. I bought it for friends just so could talk about it with someone.
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