Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith (ISBN 1400032806) is a book of investigative non-fiction written by Jon Krakauer first published in July 2003. It is a juxtaposition of two stories; the formation and evolution of the LDS or Mormon church, and a modern-day double murder committed by Fundamentalist Mormons, Ron and Dan Lafferty, in the name of God. The book examines the ideologies of both the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and more controversial polygamy-practicing groups, such as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The LDS church was quick to issue a response to the book, stating that the book "is not history, and Krakauer is no historian. He is a storyteller who cuts corners to make the story sound good." The press release went on to say "He finds sufficient zealots and extremists in the past 150 years to help him tell his story, and by extrapolation tars every Mormon with the same brush... Krakauer unwittingly puts himself in the same camp as those who believe every German is a Nazi, every Japanese a fanatic, and every Arab a terrorist."

Krakauer responded to the LDS press release through an open letter on his publisher's website, date July 3, 2003, retorting that he was saddened that the church had "elected to regard ^* book in such a reductionist light."

External links

• Official Doubleday Website for Under the Banner of Heaven
• LDS Church Response to Jon Krakauer's Under the Banner of Heaven
• Krakauer's response to LDS Church criticism