What Under The Banner Of Heaven’s Title Quote Means For Dan’s Demise
WARNING: Spoilers ahead for Under the Banner of Heaven episode 4.
Under the Banner of Heaven episode 4 finally sees its characters mention the title scripture quote, with the line meaning far more to Dan’s demise than simply his polygamous interests. The true story of Brenda Lafferty’s murder explores the dangers of religious fanaticism, delusions, and fundamentalist beliefs, with the killers using Mormon scriptures as validation for their crimes. While polygamy was outlawed nearly a century before Under the Banner of Heaven’s story takes place, Dan Lafferty becomes increasingly obsessed with following the original practice, as justified by a Mormon prophet John Taylor’s 1880 polygamy-defending address.
When Dan and Robin go to a farm in Colorado City, they come into contact with fundamentalist Mormons, who continue to practice polygamy and various other fundamentalist beliefs against the laws of the United States government. When Dan signals interest in polygamy, the Under the Banner of Heaven Mormon fundamentalist responds with the quote: “God is greater than the United States, and when the government is in conflict with heaven, we will be arranged under the banner of heaven against the Government. The United States says we cannot marry more than one wife. God says different.”
Related: Under the Banner of Heaven’s Mormon Wedding Attire Explained
The quote was meant to defend the Mormons’ previous practice of religion in the 1800s, but the “under the banner of heaven” section has much broader implications for Dan. As Dan’s descent into fundamentalism continues throughout Under the Banner of Heaven’s story, he’ll keep using the sentiment of fighting for his heavenly pursuits to justify any heinous crimes or illegal acts
Read more on screenrant.com
