Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith

Blood atonement is a purported principle of the Mormon Church according to which some sins can be atoned for only by the ritual murder of the guilty party. It is no longer practiced or endorsed by the LDS. Blood atonement was intended to operate as a type of capital punishment. It is the theological basis of Ron and Dan Lafferty’s crimes.

The Book of Mormon was written and published by Joseph Smith based upon golden tablets that were, according to tradition, revealed to Smith by the angel Moroni. The Book of Mormon tells the stories of the Lamanites, believed by Mormons to be modern-day Native Americans, and Nephites, the Mormon people.

FLDS stands for Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. FLDS members practice a literal interpretation of Smith’s teachings, including the controversial practice of polygamy. The LDS claims the FLDS is not part of the Mormon church.

Excommunication refers to the religious expulsion of an individual or group within a faith tradition. They are cut off from communion with the religious group. In fundamentalist Mormon sects, excommunicated members are not allowed to speak to or associate with family members still in the FLDS community.

LDS is the abbreviated form of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as the Mormons, a religion founded by Joseph Smith in the United States in the early 19th century. The LDS is more mainstream than the FLDS and claims that FLDS is not associated with the Mormon Church.

The Peace Maker was a pamphlet published by Joseph Smith’s printing press. Written in 1843 by Udney Hay Jacob, The Peace Maker advocated polygamy and was at first supported by Joseph Smith. When LDS followers were outraged by the contents of the pamphlet, however, Smith claimed it was published without his permission.