Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of gender discrimination.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did Krakauer’s parallel storytelling—weaving together Mormon history with the Lafferty brothers’ story—affect your reading experience? What impact did this structure have on your understanding of the events?

2. The book opens with details about religious extremism post-9/11. How does this framing compare to other accounts of religious fundamentalism you’ve read, such as Lawrence Wright’s Going Clear or The Looming Tower? 

3. What were your initial reactions to Krakauer’s assertion that religion itself is inherently irrational? How did this perspective influence your reading of the subsequent chapters?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Consider the concept of “turning a blind eye” that Krakauer explores. When have you witnessed institutions or individuals ignore warning signs (of extremism or anything else)? What do you think makes this response so common?

2. The book examines how charismatic leadership can influence beliefs and actions. Have you encountered situations where charismatic authority figures shaped group behavior? Is this phenomenon necessarily negative, in your opinion?