rblog

Under the Banner of Heaven : A Story of Violent Faith
Author: Jon Krakauer
Amazon info

I find it fascinating to read about religion, and although this book is technically about the Rafferty murders, there is enough background on the Mormon religion to satisfy anyone who is looking for a basic background. The Mormon religion is particularly fascinating, not only because Molly grew up in Salt Lake City, but because the entire history of the religion is well documented - not lost to the mists of pre-history.

While this book provides the story of Joseph Smith, the angel Moroni, and the founding of the Mormon Church (and where the word Mormon originates), it is really about the Fundamentalist Mormons. And, you guessed it, once again "Fundamentalists" pretty much equates to "Evil". Forget any idyllic illusions you may harbor about polygamy, simply consider that most of the "extra wives" are usually married in their mid-teens. The more you read, the scarier it all sounds. In fact, in many ways it is a troubling book, as the main characters are remorseless killers - because God told them to kill - how could they refuse.

The book raises excellent questions - is someone who hears voices by definition insane? What if the voice is God's voice? What if God is telling you to kill? Difficult questions for society to answer. (Easy questions for me - if you are hearing God's voice, you are hallucinating.)

Well written, a nice balance between the "easy read, but lacking depth" of the typical journalist and the "deep, but dry" style of the typical historian. Recommended for all - but as mentioned above, it is a bit disturbing. Just remember, this is the Fundamentalist Mormons - not the mainstream group.