When it comes to the Mormon faith, most people only know about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). However, there is another group of Mormons that few outside of their community have heard of: the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS). Although both groups have similarities in their beliefs and practices, there are a few key differences that set them apart. If you’ve been curious about what makes these two groups different, then keep reading.
First things first, let’s talk about the LDS Church. This is the larger of the two groups, with millions of members worldwide. The LDS Church was founded by Joseph Smith in the early 19th century and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Members of the LDS Church believe in the Book of Mormon, which is a religious text that Smith said he translated from golden plates that were buried in upstate New York. They also believe in the Bible, and their teachings focus on the importance of family, service, and faith in Jesus Christ. So, what about the FLDS?
The FLDS is a splinter group of the LDS Church that was founded in the early 20th century. They are much smaller than the LDS Church, with only a few thousand members. The FLDS split from the mainstream church because they believed that the LDS Church had abandoned some of the fundamental principles of the early church. One of the main differences between the two groups is that the FLDS still practices polygamy, while the LDS Church does not. The FLDS also have different beliefs about the role of women in the church and in society. All in all, there are several significant differences between the two groups, which we will explore further in this article.
Basic Beliefs of the LDS Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), also known as the Mormon Church, is a Christian denomination that follows the teachings of the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Here are some of the basic beliefs of the LDS Church:
- Godhead – Members of the LDS Church believe in the Godhead, which consists of three separate beings: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. They believe that each being has a distinct role and that they work in unity.
- Plan of Salvation – Members of the LDS Church believe that God created a plan for all of his children to come to earth, gain a physical body, and learn and progress. They believe that through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, they can return to live with God.
- Authority – Members of the LDS Church believe that the priesthood, or the authority to act in God’s name, was restored to earth by God through the Prophet Joseph Smith. They believe that this authority is necessary for ordinances such as baptism and confirmation.
The Difference between LDS and FLDS
The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) is a breakaway sect of the LDS Church. Although they share some beliefs, there are several differences between the two:
- Leadership – While the LDS Church has a hierarchical leadership structure with one president and twelve apostles, the FLDS Church is led by a prophet, who is believed to have direct communication with God.
- Polygamy – While the LDS Church discontinued the practice of polygamy in the late 1800s, the FLDS Church still practices it today. Polygamy is the practice of having multiple wives or husbands at the same time.
- Beliefs – The FLDS Church has some beliefs that differ from those of the LDS Church, such as the belief that their current leader is a prophet and the belief that they are the only true church.
The Importance of Family in the LDS Church
The LDS Church places a strong emphasis on family and believes that it is central to God’s plan. Families are viewed as a source of joy, comfort, and support, and members are encouraged to prioritize their families in all aspects of their lives. The church also teaches that families can be together forever through ordinances performed in LDS temples.
| BELIEFS | LDS | FLDS |
|---|---|---|
| GODHEAD | Trinitarian – God, Jesus Christ, Holy Ghost | Believe in three separate beings, but have different views on their roles |
| POLYGAMY | No longer practice | Still practice |
| LEADERSHIP | One president and twelve apostles | One prophet |
Overall, while there are some similarities between the LDS and FLDS churches, the differences in beliefs, leadership structures, and practices make them distinct from one another.
Basic Beliefs of the FLDS Church
The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) is a breakaway sect of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). While the mainstream LDS Church renounced polygamy in 1890, the FLDS Church still practices plural marriage. Here are some of the basic beliefs of the FLDS Church:
Plural Marriage
- The FLDS Church believes that in order to reach the highest level of heaven, one must participate in plural marriage or “celestial marriage.”
- Men are encouraged to take multiple wives in order to “build up the kingdom of God.”
- Women are taught that their salvation is dependent on their husband and their willingness to accept and embrace polygamy.
The practice of plural marriage has been at the center of controversy surrounding the FLDS Church. While the church argues that plural marriage is a sacred practice based on religious beliefs, critics see it as a form of abuse and exploitation of women and children.
The FLDS Church also has a strict hierarchy, with the prophet or “President” at the top and complete obedience to his commands as a requirement for salvation. Women are generally subservient to men in the church, with limited education and opportunities outside of their roles as wives and mothers.
Secretive Practices
The FLDS Church is known for its secretive practices and tight control over its members. The church’s compounds are often closed off to outsiders, and members are taught to distrust non-members and the outside world. This has led to accusations of brainwashing and cult-like behavior within the FLDS Church.
The church also has a history of isolating its members from mainstream society, with many FLDS families living in their own communities apart from non-members. This isolation has made it difficult for law enforcement to investigate allegations of abuse and other crimes within the church.
Discipline and Punishment
The FLDS Church has a strict code of conduct and imposes harsh discipline on members who violate church rules. This can include excommunication, shunning, and even physical punishment.
| Offense | Punishment |
|---|---|
| Breaking a church rule | Excommunication or shunning |
| Questioning church authority | Excommunication or shunning |
| Sexual misconduct | Excommunication, shunning, and/or physical punishment |
Members are taught to fear punishment and obedience to authority is strongly emphasized by the church. This can make it difficult for members who wish to leave the church to do so, as they may face severe consequences for doing so.
In summary, while there are similarities between the FLDS Church and the mainstream LDS Church, the FLDS Church’s beliefs and practices around plural marriage, secrecy, and discipline set it apart as a distinct religious sect.
History of the LDS Church
The history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) dates back to the early 1800s. It was founded by Joseph Smith Jr. in upstate New York in 1830. Over the years, the LDS Church has grown into a global faith with millions of members across the world. Despite its growth and success, the LDS Church has faced its share of challenges and controversies.
- One significant challenge the LDS Church faced was the practice of polygamy, which led to a rift within the faith.
- Another controversy surrounded the Mormon pioneers and their settlement in Utah, which led to conflicts with the federal government.
- The Church has also faced criticism and challenges from other religious groups, particularly in regards to its beliefs and practices.
What is the difference between LDS and FLDS?
While both the LDS Church and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) trace their roots to the teachings of Joseph Smith Jr., there are significant differences between the two groups.
The FLDS Church split from the LDS Church in the early 1900s and continued to practice polygamy, which the larger LDS Church abandoned in the late 1800s. The FLDS Church has faced legal challenges and controversies due to its practice of polygamy, with its leader Warren Jeffs being convicted of charges related to sexual assault and child marriage.
| LDS Church | FLDS Church |
|---|---|
| Abandoned practice of polygamy in late 1800s | Continues to practice polygamy |
| Global faith with millions of members | Small, isolated community |
| Recognized by the United States government | Not recognized by the United States government |
Despite these differences, both the LDS and FLDS Churches share a common history and teachings. However, the divergence in practices and beliefs has led to a significant divide between the two groups.
History of the FLDS Church
The FLDS, or the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, was formed in the early 20th century when members of the Latter-Day Saints (LDS) Church refused to accept the church’s decision to abandon polygamy. The FLDS Church believes that plural marriage is essential to attain the highest level of heaven, a belief that was shared by the early LDS Church.
After the official ban on polygamy in the LDS Church in 1890, many members continued to practice it in secret. This led to the formation of several splinter groups, including the FLDS Church. Today, the FLDS Church is the largest group that practices polygamy in the United States.
Beliefs of the FLDS Church
- The FLDS Church believes in the Book of Mormon and the teachings of Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church. However, they also believe that the LDS Church has strayed from these teachings and that they are the only true followers of Joseph Smith’s teachings.
- The FLDS Church teaches that plural marriage is required for exaltation and that the Prophet, currently Warren Jeffs, is God’s representative on Earth.
- They also believe in the importance of self-sufficiency and have established several large communities where members work together to support each other.
Controversies Surrounding the FLDS Church
The FLDS Church has been the subject of numerous controversies, particularly surrounding their practices related to marriage and the treatment of women and children.
In 2011, Warren Jeffs, the Prophet of the FLDS Church, was convicted of sexual assault of minors and sentenced to life in prison. Many members of the FLDS Church have also been accused of child abuse and welfare fraud.
Despite these controversies, the FLDS Church continues to thrive and attract new members.
Current Status of the FLDS Church
Today, the FLDS Church is estimated to have approximately 10,000 members, primarily located in the western United States. The majority of their communities are located in Hildale, Utah and Colorado City, Arizona.
| Key Facts | FLDS Church |
|---|---|
| Founder | John Y. Barlow and Joseph White Musser |
| Current Prophet | Warren Jeffs |
| Belief | Plural marriage is essential for exaltation |
| Est. Number of Members | 10,000 |
Despite the numerous controversies and legal issues surrounding the FLDS Church, its members remain steadfast in their beliefs and practices.
Mainstream vs. Fundamentalist Mormonism
When discussing Mormonism, it is important to understand that there are two main branches: mainstream and fundamentalist. While both share similarities in terms of beliefs and practices, they also have significant differences that set them apart from each other.
- Mainstream Mormonism: This refers to the largest and most well-known branch of Mormonism, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Members of this branch adhere to the teachings of Joseph Smith and consider him to be a prophet. They also accept the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ. Mainstream Mormons are typically characterized by their conservative values and commitment to family, service, and education.
- Fundamentalist Mormonism: This refers to various small sects that broke away from the mainstream Mormon church over issues such as polygamy and the rejection of some of Smith’s later teachings. These groups often refer to themselves as Fundamentalist Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) and are characterized by their strict adherence to often-ignored early Mormon teachings. They are most well known for their practice of polygamy and often live in isolated communities. The FLDS community gained national attention when their leader, Warren Jeffs, was sentenced to life in prison for child sexual assault and rape.
While both mainstream and fundamentalist Mormons share roots in Joseph Smith’s teachings, they have vastly different ways of interpreting and practicing them. Understanding the differences between these two branches is crucial in developing a complete understanding of Mormonism.
In terms of beliefs, the two branches share many similarities. Both believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ and his role as the savior of the world. Both also believe in the importance of family and maintaining strong relationships. However, their differences often stem from how they interpret the teachings of Joseph Smith.
| Mainstream Mormonism | Fundamentalist Mormonism |
|---|---|
| Officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) | Various small sects, often referring to themselves as Fundamentalist Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) |
| Accepts Joseph Smith as a prophet and the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ | Strict adherence to often-ignored early Mormon teachings |
| No longer practices polygamy | Practices polygamy |
| Teaches a conservative, family-centered lifestyle | Often lives in isolated communities and rejects many modern societal norms |
In conclusion, the differences between mainstream and fundamentalist Mormonism lie primarily in their interpretation and practice of Joseph Smith’s teachings. While the two branches of Mormonism share similarities in terms of beliefs, their differences can be profound and result in vastly different lifestyles and community structures.
Polygamy in the LDS Church
Polygamy has been a controversial topic within the Latter-day Saint (LDS) Church for years. While many people associate polygamy with the LDS Church, it is important to understand the differences between the LDS Church and the Fundamentalist Latter-day Saints (FLDS) when it comes to this topic.
- Polygamy was practiced by early members of the LDS Church, including its founder, Joseph Smith. However, the LDS Church officially renounced the practice in 1890.
- Today, the LDS Church does not condone or practice polygamy. Anyone found practicing polygamy is excommunicated from the church.
- While some individuals and groups have continued to practice polygamy outside of the LDS Church, they are not affiliated with the official church and are not recognized as Mormons by the church or its members.
It is important to note that there are some groups, like the FLDS, who have broken away from the main LDS Church and continue to practice polygamy. These groups are not recognized by the LDS Church and are considered to be in apostasy.
| Aspect | LDS Church | FLDS |
|---|---|---|
| Official stance on polygamy | Does not condone or practice polygamy | Practices polygamy |
| Membership | Over 16 million members worldwide | Estimates range from several thousand to 10,000 members |
| Leadership structure | Hierarchical system with a president and twelve apostles | Dictatorial system with a self-proclaimed prophet |
It is important to understand the difference between the LDS Church and the FLDS when discussing polygamy. While the LDS Church officially banned the practice over a century ago, some individuals and groups have continued to practice polygamy outside of the church. However, these groups are not recognized by the LDS Church and their practices are not condoned.
Polygamy in the FLDS Church
Polygamy is a hot topic when discussing the difference between LDS and FLDS. While the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints renounced polygamy in 1890, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) still practices it today.
- The LDS Church teaches that marriage should be between one man and one woman.
- The FLDS Church, on the other hand, believes that a man must marry at least three wives in order to achieve the highest level of salvation, according to their founder Joseph Smith.
- Women in the FLDS Church are often forced into plural marriages at a young age and are taught that their highest calling is to be a wife and mother to many children.
Polygamous marriages in the FLDS Church are often secretive and illegal. Many of the marriages are arranged by the leader of the church, currently Warren Jeffs, and his counselors. The wives and children often live in separate houses and are told to keep quiet about their family situation.
There are countless stories of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment within polygamous families in the FLDS Church. Women and children are often subject to physical and emotional abuse, and many are cut off from the outside world.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1998 | Winston Blackmore becomes bishop of the Canadian FLDS community |
| 2002 | Warren Jeffs becomes prophet of the FLDS Church |
| 2008 | Warren Jeffs convicted of two felony counts of child sexual assault and sentenced to life in prison |
The practice of polygamy in the FLDS Church is a complex and controversial issue. While some see it as a fundamental part of their religious beliefs, others see it as a violation of basic human rights. Regardless of personal opinions, it is important to recognize the negative impact that polygamy can have on individuals and families within these communities.
What’s the difference between LDS and FLDS?
Q: Are LDS and FLDS the same thing?
A: No, they are not. LDS stands for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while FLDS stands for the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Q: What are the main differences between LDS and FLDS?
A: The main differences are that the LDS church is the largest denomination of the Latter-Day Saint movement, while the FLDS church is a breakaway group that believes in polygamy and other controversial practices not condoned by the mainstream LDS church.
Q: Which one is more widely known?
A: The LDS church is more widely known and has a worldwide presence, while the FLDS church is relatively small and operates mainly in certain areas of the United States.
Q: Can someone be a member of both LDS and FLDS?
A: No, someone cannot be a member of both LDS and FLDS because they are two different and separate organizations with different beliefs and practices.
Q: Are there any controversies associated with either organization?
A: The FLDS church has been associated with several controversies, particularly regarding their practice of polygamy which has been deemed illegal by the government. The LDS church has had its own controversies over the years, including its former ban on black members holding the priesthood, which was lifted in 1978.
Thanks for Reading!
We hope this article helped clarify the differences between LDS and FLDS. Remember, while they may both have Latter-Day Saints in their name, they are two very distinct organizations. Be sure to check back for more informative articles in the future!