Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer
I just finished reading this book and I can’t stop recommending it to everyone who is unfortunate enough to cross my path. On the surface, this book is about two brothers who killed their sister-in-law and her baby in the name of God. However it delves deeper and traces the origins of Mormonism and Mormon Fundamentalism. It is extremely well-written and well-researched – who knew a book about Mormons would be a page-turner?! I certainly did not expect that. My only issue with this book is a personal problem: I feel complete bewilderment instead of compassion for those that follow the Mormon faith. Further it’s shed light on the fact that most religions are based in such fantasy (lunacy?) it’s hard to understand how people can be believers. I suppose our desire for answers enables people to go to such great, reason-defying lengths be comforted.
One Response to “Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer”
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Jon Krakauer is definitely a good writer. I admire his writing abilities and the books he has published. One thing that bothers me is the depiction of the Mormons. I have been a roman catholic for 40 years and 2 years, I have investigated the Mormons. There is definitely a difference between the FLDS and the LDS. It’s like comparing the radical muslims who strap bombs on their body for the purpose of mass killing and the devout law-abiding Muslims. For one unfortunate event, the Lafferty brothers murder was a gargantuan issue that would elevate and highlight the “true” nature of the Mormons is just ridiculous in itself. Thus, coming into conclusions that the Mormons have a violent history. But wait . . . how about the 5000 plus documented cases of the catholic priests abuse? How about the history of Pope Clement instigating the massacre of the thousands of Cathars in France where women and children were killed? How about the issue of the Vatican financiers link to the underworld for investing purposes? The Bible, history also tells us that it has been re-written multiple times, interpreted by undocumented scholars of the past — there is definitely massive changes that were done. Polygamy? How about the offsprings of Adam and Eve, King Solomon and even the current day Muslims practice polygamy —— but times have change Christians as well as Mormons practice monogamy as part of the embodiment of Christian family.
White clothing? Read the bible and you’ll see. The Assyrians or Essyrians, the authors of the lost scroll were known to be wearing white clothing as a symbol of purity — these people were devout christians—synonimous to monks in the ensuing times. After 2 years of investigations, I was fascinated by the Mormons strict adherence to family values, gospel principles, respect of Sabbath day, fasting to pray and live to be Christ-like. Impressive, they walk the walk and talk the talk! A true follower of Christ in this modern day. Kudos!