S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) is a splinter group of Mormonism that believes that polygamy is a God-ordained form of marriage. The FLDS traces its roots all the way back to ...

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October 09 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS)?

With this question, I always feel that it is best for a member of that faith to answer the question as they know more about their faith than a non-Latter Day Saint knows:

But after my research, I note the following.

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) is a secretive, extreme polygamous sect that split from the mainstream Mormon Church (LDS Church) in the early 20th century. Under the leadership of Warren Jeffs, the group is regarded as a high-control cult known for arranged, underage marriages, severe social restrictions, and welfare fraud.

After research, I found some aspects of the FLDS Church:Polygamy: 

The FLDS broke away when the mainstream LDS Church abandoned the practice of plural marriage in 1890. 

They believe polygamy is essential to achieving the highest level of salvation. Leadership and Authority: The church is led by a prophet considered to have absolute authority. 

Warren Jeffs has been the president since 2002, even while serving a life sentence for sexually assaulting child brides. 

Lifestyle and Restrictions: Members often live in isolated communities, most notably in Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah. Their lives are strictly controlled, with bans on many forms of entertainment, media, and outside influence.

"Pray and Obey": The group operates under a doctrine of total obedience to the prophet, who can reassign wives and children to other men.

Legal Scandals: The group has faced massive federal investigations, including the 2006 conviction of Warren Jeffs and raids on their ranch in Texas.

Note: The FLDS is distinct from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which strictly prohibits polygamy.

Research Notes: From the "Universal Life Church"

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) share common historical roots but have evolved into distinct entities with unique doctrines and practices. Understanding the schism that led to the creation of the FLDS involves exploring the early doctrinal conflicts within the Mormon community, particularly concerning polygamy, and examining the major differences in beliefs and practices that define the two groups today.

The two churches also differ in their teachings on salvation and other theological points. For instance, the FLDS Church places a strong emphasis on obedience to the prophet and the practice of polygamy as essential to achieving the highest level of heaven. The LDS Church emphasises the atonement of Jesus Christ, personal repentance, and service to others as key components of salvation.

The schism between the FLDS and LDS churches represents a fundamental clash in beliefs about the practice of polygamy and the interpretation of prophetic leadership. These differences have led to a significant cultural and doctrinal divide that persists to this day. Understanding these divergences is crucial for appreciating the distinct identities of these two groups and their respective places in the religious landscape of America.

Prophetic Leadership

The FLDS Church is led by a prophet, who has significant control over the church and its members. This leader is believed to be a direct mouthpiece of God, with the authority to receive revelations and dictate life choices for members, including marriages and family decisions. The LDS Church also believes in modern-day revelation. Still, it has a more structured and collective approach to leadership, governed by a President and a Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, with decisions often made by group consensus.

My Comment on the subject:

Many verses in the scriptures teach us how to recognise wolves in sheep's clothing. And how to protect ourselves from being deceived. Without these things in place, people can become very vulnerable to deception or to being entrapped in a cult.

2 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report