FLDS Church Explained: Beliefs, Practices, And Hidden History
The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church) is a polygamist religious sect that broke away from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) after the latter officially discontinued the practice of plural marriage in 1890. This article delves into the FLDS Church explained, exploring its core beliefs, distinctive practices, and the often-obscured history that has shaped its identity and continues to influence its members' lives. From its theological underpinnings to its societal structure and controversies, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of this unique and often misunderstood religious group.
Origins and Schism: The Roots of Fundamentalism
The history of the FLDS Church is inextricably linked to the LDS Church and the doctrine of plural marriage, or polygamy. Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, secretly introduced the practice in the 1840s, claiming it was a divine commandment. While controversial from the outset, it became a defining feature of early Mormonism.
However, mounting pressure from the United States government, including legal challenges and economic sanctions, led the LDS Church to officially renounce polygamy in 1890 with the issuance of the Woodruff Manifesto. This decision sparked a deep schism within the church, as some members believed the revelation to practice plural marriage was eternal and could not be rescinded by any earthly authority.
These dissenting members, known as "fundamentalists," continued to practice polygamy in secret, preserving what they saw as a vital principle of their faith. Over time, various fundamentalist groups emerged, each with its own leaders and interpretations of doctrine. The FLDS Church, as it is known today, traces its lineage through several of these groups, solidifying its presence in communities like Short Creek, Arizona (later Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah).
Core Beliefs and Doctrines of the FLDS Church
The FLDS Church shares many foundational beliefs with mainstream Mormonism, including the belief in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and other scriptures considered divinely inspired. They believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world and emphasize the importance of personal righteousness and obedience to God's commandments.
However, the FLDS Church diverges significantly from the LDS Church in its adherence to specific doctrines and practices, most notably:
- Plural Marriage: This remains the central tenet distinguishing the FLDS Church. They believe that plural marriage is essential for achieving the highest degree of exaltation in the afterlife. Men are encouraged to take multiple wives to increase their spiritual potential and populate heaven with their offspring.
- The Law of Consecration: This principle involves dedicating all possessions and resources to the church, with the leadership then distributing them according to the needs of the community. In practice, this has often led to accusations of financial mismanagement and exploitation.
- Prophetic Authority: The FLDS Church places immense importance on the authority of its prophet, who is believed to be God's direct representative on earth. The prophet's pronouncements are considered binding and unquestionable, shaping all aspects of church members' lives.
- Separation from the World: The FLDS Church emphasizes the importance of remaining separate from the "wickedness" of the outside world. This often translates into strict rules regarding dress, entertainment, education, and social interactions with non-members.
- Blood Atonement: While controversial and officially disavowed by the LDS Church, some former FLDS members have alleged that the doctrine of blood atonement, which suggests that certain sins can only be atoned for through the shedding of blood, is still practiced or at least discussed within the church.
- Education: FLDS children typically attend church-run schools or are homeschooled, with a curriculum emphasizing religious instruction and vocational skills. Higher education is often discouraged, as it is seen as a potential source of worldly influence.
- Dress Code: FLDS women are expected to wear modest, long-sleeved dresses in muted colors, often with high necklines. Their hair is typically worn in a specific style, often braided or pinned up. Men typically wear plain, long-sleeved shirts and trousers.
- Marriage Arrangements: Marriages are often arranged by church leaders, sometimes with little input from the individuals involved. Girls are often married at a young age, sometimes as young as 14 or 15, to older men.
- Social Isolation: FLDS communities tend to be insular, with limited interaction with the outside world. This isolation is reinforced by strict rules regarding media consumption, internet access, and social activities.
- Community Work: Members are expected to contribute to the community through various forms of labor, such as construction, farming, and domestic work. This labor is often unpaid and is seen as a form of religious service.
- John Y. Barlow: A key figure in the early fundamentalist movement, Barlow helped to establish the Short Creek community and served as its leader for many years.
- Joseph W. Musser: Musser succeeded Barlow as leader and further solidified the FLDS Church's distinctive doctrines and practices.
- Rulon Jeffs: Jeffs led the FLDS Church for decades, expanding its membership and influence. He was known for his strict interpretations of religious law and his control over all aspects of church members' lives.
- Warren Jeffs: Warren Jeffs, Rulon Jeffs' son, took over as prophet in 2002. His leadership was marked by increasing authoritarianism and a series of controversial actions, including arranging marriages between underage girls and older men. He was eventually convicted of child sexual assault and is currently serving a life sentence in prison.
- Polygamy Laws: Polygamy is illegal in the United States, and FLDS members who practice plural marriage have faced prosecution. However, legal challenges to these laws have argued that they violate religious freedom.
- Child Sexual Abuse: Allegations of child sexual abuse have plagued the FLDS Church for decades. Warren Jeffs' conviction on child sexual assault charges brought these allegations to the forefront and led to increased scrutiny of the group's practices.
- Financial Mismanagement: The FLDS Church's practice of the Law of Consecration has been criticized for leading to financial mismanagement and exploitation. Former members have accused church leaders of using church resources for their personal gain.
- Discrimination: The FLDS Church has been accused of discriminating against former members and those who do not adhere to its strict religious principles. This discrimination has taken various forms, including social ostracism, economic hardship, and legal challenges.
- Government Intervention: The United States government has intervened in FLDS communities on several occasions, citing concerns about child welfare and human rights violations. These interventions have included raids, investigations, and legal actions.
Practices and Daily Life in the FLDS Community
Life within the FLDS Church is highly structured and regulated, with every aspect of daily life governed by religious principles and the dictates of the prophet.
Leadership and Power Dynamics within the FLDS Church
The FLDS Church is characterized by a hierarchical structure, with the prophet holding absolute authority. The prophet is believed to receive direct revelation from God and his pronouncements are considered binding on all members.
Historically, the FLDS Church has been led by a succession of powerful figures, including:
The absence of Warren Jeffs has created a power vacuum within the FLDS Church, leading to internal divisions and uncertainty about the future direction of the group. While he remains a powerful figure through his written pronouncements, the day-to-day leadership is fragmented.
Controversies and Legal Challenges Facing the FLDS Church
The FLDS Church has faced numerous controversies and legal challenges throughout its history, primarily related to its practice of polygamy and allegations of child abuse and exploitation.
The Future of the FLDS Church
The future of the FLDS Church remains uncertain. The conviction of Warren Jeffs and the internal divisions within the group have weakened its leadership and created a sense of instability. While some members have left the church, others remain committed to its principles and practices.
The ongoing legal challenges and government scrutiny also pose a threat to the FLDS Church's survival. However, the group's deep-rooted religious beliefs and its history of resilience suggest that it will continue to exist in some form, even if its membership and influence decline.
Understanding the FLDS Church explained requires acknowledging its complex history, its unique theological interpretations, and the impact its practices have on its members' lives. While controversies and legal challenges continue to shape its trajectory, the FLDS Church remains a significant, if often misunderstood, part of the American religious landscape.
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