Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith

Follow the history of the FLDS church after Warren Jeffs took over Rulon Jeffs’s role as prophet. How has the church continued to exemplify the themes of Under the Banner of Heaven?

Consider the theme of The Intersection of Mormon Faith and Government. What other religions experience opposition with the government or present the government with challenges? How are their belief systems similar to or different from the Mormon Church?

Krakauer suggests that all religion is irrational. Develop an argument in agreement or disagreement with Krakauer’s thesis.

Make a case for whether Ron Lafferty’s actions were an outcome of mental illness, religious extremism, or something else. Explain whether Ron’s verdict should be different based upon a mental illness determination.

Under the Banner of Heaven does little to differentiate between mainstream faith and religious extremism and implies that the two are nearly indistinguishable. Argue whether the two are closely related or are distinctly different.

What other religions have patriarchal hierarchies? Explore the patriarchal systems of these religions and determine how those systems express themselves through violence or oppression.

What is the relevance of the book’s title? How does the title represent multiple storylines throughout the book?

What made the Mormon Church and Joseph Smith’s message so popular at its inception? What contributes to its continued popularity today?