Jon Krakauer’s book Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith received astounding media attention and scrutiny even weeks before its release, including two statements from LDS leaders that condemned the book as historically inaccurate and critical of all people of faith. This panel seeks to examine Krakauer’s depiction of fundamentalist Mormonism, mainstream Latter-day Saints, and Ron and Dan Lafferty, two brothers who murdered their sister-in-law and niece after claiming a revelation from God. Why was this book a bestseller? Does it illuminate faith helpfully? Should it be recommended?

Newell G. Bringhurst, Jana Bouck Remy, Todd Compton, Richard Rands, John Hatch