The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) is a sect that split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) (commonly known as the Mormon Church) in the early 20th century. The FLDS believes in adhering to a stricter interpretation of Mormon doctrine, particularly around issues like polygamy, the role of women, and the authority of their leaders. Below are the core beliefs of the FLDS:
1. Polygamy (Celestial Marriage)
- Central Practice: The FLDS is perhaps best known for its belief in and practice of polygamy. They believe that men should marry multiple wives to achieve the highest level of salvation and exaltation in the afterlife. This practice is seen as a commandment from God and is considered essential for reaching the highest heaven (the "Celestial Kingdom").
- Prophet's Authority: The FLDS regards the leader, often called the "Prophet," as the only person authorized to perform celestial marriages, including marriages for young girls. These marriages are arranged by the Prophet and often take place in their teenage years.
2. Prophet and Priesthood Authority
- The FLDS believes in the principle of "continuous revelation" and holds that God speaks directly to their Prophet, who is regarded as the only person on earth authorized to receive divine guidance. The Prophet has absolute authority over all aspects of the followers' lives, including marriage, family, and community decisions.
- The Prophet is seen as the earthly leader of the "True" Church, and followers are expected to obey him unquestioningly, often at the cost of personal autonomy.
3. Strict Gender Roles
- Women’s Role: Women in the FLDS are expected to be submissive, obedient, and dedicated to the roles of wives and mothers. They are often married at a young age (sometimes in their teens) and are expected to bear many children. They are not allowed to question the Prophet or men in the community.
- Men’s Role: Men are expected to take multiple wives and lead their families in accordance with the Prophet’s teachings. They are also expected to hold positions of authority within the church and community.
4. Rejection of Mainstream LDS Teachings
- The FLDS believes that the mainstream LDS Church, which abandoned the practice of polygamy in 1890, is in apostasy. They view the LDS Church as a false church that has deviated from the true teachings of Mormonism as revealed by Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church.
- The FLDS adherents believe that the mainstream LDS Church, by abandoning polygamy and other early practices, lost its "true authority" to guide the faithful.
5. Strict Separation from the Outside World
- The FLDS maintains a highly insular and isolated lifestyle, with strict rules about interaction with the outside world. Members are taught to distrust non-FLDS people and avoid worldly influences, such as television, popular culture, and the Internet.
- They also control social interactions within the community, often segregating men and women, and dictating who may marry whom, based on the Prophet’s direction.
6. Salvation and Exaltation
- The FLDS believes in a concept of salvation that includes achieving a special, elevated status in the afterlife. They teach that only those who are part of the “True Church” (FLDS), follow the teachings of the Prophet, and live according to their interpretation of Mormon principles will be exalted to the highest levels of heaven.
- Adherence to the Prophet’s guidance, including polygamy and submission to male authority, is seen as essential for reaching the highest heaven.
7. Strict Rules and Control Over Behavior
- The FLDS enforces a highly regulated lifestyle that includes strict codes for dress, behavior, and religious observance. For example, women are expected to wear modest, old-fashioned clothing, often long dresses and bonnets, and refrain from wearing makeup or cutting their hair.
- The church also enforces rules about what can be said, thought, and believed. Members are not allowed to question or challenge the doctrines of the faith, and there are severe consequences (including excommunication) for disobedience.
8. Excommunication and Shunning
- Excommunication is a common method of discipline within the FLDS. Those who disobey the rules, criticize the Prophet, or act in ways deemed sinful or rebellious are often excommunicated and shunned by their community. This punishment is highly traumatic for members because it often means complete severance from their families and social networks.
9. Focus on the Prophetic Lineage
- The FLDS places great emphasis on the Prophet’s role and the family lineage of the Prophet. They believe that the Prophet is directly chosen by God and that his family (such as the Jeffs family, which has led the FLDS for decades) has a special connection to God.
- As of the early 21st century, Warren Jeffs led the FLDS as its Prophet. Under his leadership, the group became notorious for extreme control, isolation, and practices of abuse.
10. Preparation for the Second Coming of Christ
- Like mainstream Mormons, the FLDS believes in the imminent Second Coming of Jesus Christ. They believe that they must live in strict obedience to God's commandments in preparation for Christ’s return. The Prophet often frames this in terms of being spiritually ready for the “End Times,” and members are expected to follow the Prophet’s lead in this preparation.
11. View of the State and Legal System
- The FLDS rejects the authority of secular governments and laws, particularly when they conflict with religious beliefs. They have historically tried to maintain their own system of governance and enforcement, including their own courts and leaders. This often puts them in conflict with local, state, and federal authorities, especially regarding issues like polygamy, child marriage, and abuse.
In summary, the FLDS maintains an extremely authoritarian structure centered around the Prophet's authority, the practice of polygamy, strict gender roles, and a separation from the outside world. These beliefs create a highly controlled and insular society, where obedience is paramount and any deviation from the Prophet’s guidance is met with severe punishment. The sect’s controversial practices, particularly the forced marriages and the treatment of women and children, have drawn significant criticism and legal action in the U.S.