Part I, Chapters 1 - 2 Summary and Analysis

In Chapter 1, Krakauer gives a brief synopsis of the modern Mormon Church. Information in this chapter also gives important highlights of the history of this church. One point that Krakauer makes in this chapter is that the modern Mormons do not accept Lafferty as a member of their congregation, nor do they condone his murderous actions. It should be noted, however, both the fundamentalists, like Lafferty, as well as the modern Mormons come from the same roots and believe in the same laws and principles. The main area of contention between the Mormons and the Fundamentalists is that the Fundamentalists believe that men should be allowed to marry more than one woman. Although the disagreement about this practice of polygamy is one issue that has long plagued the Mormon Church, most members try to present...