Our Library Book Club discussion will start this book tomorrow. Have any of you JWD's read this yet?  I was amazed at how similiar the shunning of mormons and jw's is, and how devastating for families. Other ideas that jumped out at me were; the male hierarchy with ultimate decisions over a woman and her childrens lives; the sense of isolation as a means to contain the flocks numbers, and the brutality which was/is so readily accepted in religions.

Any thoughts?

Panda,

I have recently finished Jon Krakauer's book: Under the Banner of Heaven.  I was struck by the similarities with the jdubs.  Especially the tendency of the members to ignore, or down right deny, the unflattering history of their church.  As well as the church leaders efforts to hide any evidence of it by going to great lengths to purchase and seal records of Joseph Smiths and others associated, that were involved in wrong doing.  I also noticed the same as others, the control exercised over women and children.  It gives a good look at what on the surface looks like such a family friendly environment.  The foundation of the Mormon Church looks to have had quite a shaky start.  Jon Krakauer does a good job of recounting the facts as well as explaining his own beliefs later in the book, and I appreciated and agreed with his approach to the world around him.  His words touched me.  Hope you enjoy the read, though a sobering subject.

exjdubswife