violent faith
kelly | 30 April 2007 - 6:49pm
been reading: Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer
This book, recommended to me by SG, is a fascinating look at a religion I knew pretty much nothing about. Although his focus is on Mormon Fundamentalists, Krakauer also provides more than just a glimpse into the beliefs of followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The two are, in fact, intricately linked and it would be impossible to examine the history of one without considering the other.
The book weaves the account of the Lafferty brothers (who in 1984 murdered their sister-in-law and her infant daughter because they believed they had received a revelation from God to do so) with a thorough look at the history of the Mormon faith. Extreme violence and a belief of being above man's law (gathering instead under the "banner of heaven") are, in fact, characteristic of the Mormon history, as Krakauer discusses in the book. The Lafferty brothers are but modern-day examples of many Mormon men before them who took lives in the name of God.
When most people think of Mormon Fundamentalists, they think of polygamy. Krakauer examines this facet of the faith as well, and takes a particularly close look at women who were married off to church leaders - sometimes men related to them - at young, often preadolescent, ages.
Perhaps what makes Mormonism so interesting to study is that it is a relatively recent religion. It was incorporated in 1830, in the age of the printing press, and so the entire history - from the earliest beginnings to present-day - has been documented. There is a record of everything. What is amazing (and, at least to me, mind-boggling) to read is how one day a man claimed that he had received a revelation from God and people started listening to, and believing in, every word he said.
Of course, such blind faith is not unique to Mormonism. And shedding blood and proclaiming it "God's will" is in no way unique to Mormonism, either. And that is perhaps what I found most provocative about this book. It is, specifically, about the faith of Mormon Fundamentalists. But more generally, the questions raised apply to all religions and faiths. "Organized religion is hate masquerading as love," says one of the Lafferty brothers to Krakauer in a recent prison interview. A strong statement, for sure, but one that doesn't feel completely off-base by the end of this book.
- 640 reads
all comments photoblog
This sounds like a book I would like to read. You are like my own personal Book Reviewer.
That one quote really intrigues me. I might actually read this one!
To me, the quote seems incredibly off base for the organized religion that I grew up with. Historically (i.e. the Crusades) it might've been true of Christianity. But religion has come a long way since then and the one that I'm a member of (United Church of Christ - relatively new i.e. 1800's as well) definitely does not proclaim to be above the law in any way, shape, or form.
Jon Krakauer's other books - notably "Into Thin Air" - were exceptionally well written, so I'll probably take a run at this one. I don't know that one religion deserves to be singled out - you ask me, they all have a lot to answer for - but religious fundamentalism, at its core, is frightening whether it's Islamic fundamentalists, Christian Fundamentalists, Jewish, whatever. "My imaginary friend can beat up your imaginary friend!"
i read this book several months ago and i found it a fascinating read as well. i would recommend it to all my friends.
i don't know if this is interesting or not for anyone to read but - from a personal point of view, as someone who considers herself a devout Muslim, i found many aspects of the book quite interesting. For example, there were a few parts where Krakauer would stress to emphasize that the crux of the issue weren't the texts/scriptures per se, but the interpretation of them by that guy (sorry, i already forgot his name, the one who killed his wife). As a Muslim who believes that her faith is misinterpreted by not just non-Muslims but some Muslims as well, those parts in the book really resonated with me. Reading the book really forced me to contemplate how i reconcile my own faith with rationality, and also helped me consider how Islam - from a personal point of view - encourages me to question, not submissively accept everything. i'm getting off track here, but - i really enjoyed reading the book as well & it certainly has stayed with me long past my finishing the pages in the book.
At your service, jana. :)
I found it to be slow reading, Bente, because he spends a lot of time on the history (which is essential to understanding). But fascinating nonetheless.
You make a good point, Danielle. Although I would argue that while a particular religion might not advocate killing in any way, its members may still use their beliefs to rationalize such things. The KKK has been known to quote the Bible, after all. But perhaps more pertinent to today is organized religion's tendency to judge others. I'm thinking specifically of gays, although there are many other groups ostracized as well. That might not apply to your denomination, I don't know. But Christianity in general is still actively homophobic.
I agree that one religion doesn't deserve to be singled out, Nilbo, and I agree that they all have a lot to answer for. Krakauer says he chose to examine Mormonism because he grew up with it around him and has always been intrigued by it.
Welcome, nadia! I'm so glad you contributed to the conversation. And what you say is right - the danger is in how people interpret. In the Mormon history, the religious leaders - Joseph Smith himself, in fact - encouraged followers to kill certain dissenters, so there are cases where misinterpretation wasn't the issue. But today, I agree the danger lies mostly in zealots who twist their beliefs to justify whatever it is they want to do. And I wholeheartedly agree with your insistence on questioning and not submissively accepting everything. To me, that is key.
Hey Kalki,
Thanks so much for your warm welcome. i really appreciate that.
You are absolutely right to differentiate between the murderous actions of someone like Joseph Smith, versus those individuals who *verbally*, not physically, differ on the interpretations of scriptures and do not disagree w/ dissenters to the point of causing injury to someone. That's an extremely valid point and i completely concur.
On a completely non-related point [sorry for my digressino], i used to think that somewhere on your blog, a long time back i had read a post by yourself re a trip to Dubai. Am i dreaming, or is that accurate? The reason i ask is only b/c i was born in Sharjah, UAE .... and i THOUGHT for some reason that you had publically mentioned somewhere on your blog that you had visited Dubai and i was thinking 'wow that's cool'. i have been meaning to somehow ask you this but never knew how to. Please let me know if i'm going delusional or not. i just thought it was so cool if you had.
Thanks again for the kind words re my previous post.
I'm glad you're here, nadia. And yes! We went to Dubai (and Oman) last July. All my posts from that trip are here. It was amazing.
I am very intrigued by Mormonism. I would totally try this book.
Hi amy! It was indeed an intriguing, and informative, read.