Under The Banner Of Heaven: Mormonism & Latter-Day Saints Explained
Mormonism and the Latter-day Saints Church are fundamental aspects of Under the Banner of Heaven’s true crime story, particularly how the culture, history, and teachings are connected to the brutal murders. Under the Banner of Heaven follows the fictional Detective Jeb Pyre (Andrew Garfield) as he investigates the real-life 1984 murders of Brenda Lafferty and her 15-month-old daughter Erica. Based on the nonfiction novel of the same name,Under the Banner of Heaven’s themes seek to explain how religious extremism can lead to such heinous crimes, focusing on the Lafferty family as devout Mormons.
As Andrew Garfield’s Mormon detective Jeb Pyre uncovers the truth of Brenda Lafferty’s murder, the character must take a look at sects and leaders of his own religion dangerously interpreting scripture and LDS teachings for their violence and their own personal gains. Under the Banner of Heaven’s character Allen Lafferty, in particular, cites several instances in Mormon history connected to violence that set a precedent for the killers declaring such crimes as the will of God. When revealing the connections between Mormonism’s history and Brenda Lafferty’s brutal murder, the FX on Hulu series also features many flashbacks to these true events.
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While the Andrew Garfield-led Under the Banner of Heaven isn’t necessarily a condemnation of Mormonism in general, the series explores how religion’s scriptures and culture can influence horrifying acts like Brenda Lafferty’s murder. The series investigates the dangers of religious delusions, misinterpretations, and unyielding faith, with the gruesome events in the true story leading Detective Jeb Pyre to
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