LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is the main governing body of the Mormon faith, established in 1830 by Joseph Smith. It embraces modern teachings and practices, focusing on monogamous marriages, a strong emphasis on family values, community service, and adherence to a structured church hierarchy. In contrast, FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) separated from the LDS Church in the early 20th century, primarily due to differing views on polygamy, which they still practice. FLDS maintains strict religious doctrines centered around spiritual leaders and often emphasizes isolation from mainstream society. This fundamentalist sect continues to face legal challenges and issues related to its controversial practices, including child marriage and the enforcement of a patriarchal structure.
Origins and Founders
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), founded by Joseph Smith in 1830, emphasizes adherence to mainstream Christian doctrines and practices, while the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) branched off in the early 20th century, primarily under the leadership of leaders like Joseph F. Smith and then later Warren Jeffs, to promote polygamy as a central tenet. The LDS Church officially abandoned polygamy in 1890, whereas the FLDS continues to endorse and practice plural marriage, viewing it as essential for reaching the highest level of heaven. The LDS community maintains a strong focus on mainstream social values, whereas the FLDS often operates in isolated communities with strict adherence to their interpretations of Mormon doctrine. Understanding these distinctions can deepen your insight into the broader landscape of Mormon beliefs and practices.
Central Beliefs
LDS (Latter-day Saints) and FLDS (Fundamentalist Latter-day Saints) differ primarily in their beliefs regarding polygamy; while LDS Church officially abandoned the practice in 1890, FLDS continues to endorse it in their communities. Your understanding of these groups will reveal that the LDS Church emphasizes modern-day revelation through its current leaders, whereas FLDS adherents often view historical figures like Joseph Smith and Brigham Young as pivotal prophets, maintaining strict adherence to their teachings. Another key distinction lies in their organization; the LDS Church is structured with a formal hierarchy, while FLDS groups tend to operate in smaller, more isolated communities. Doctrine surrounding marriage, family roles, and the role of women further reflects these differences, with FLDS emphasizing patriarchal structures and traditional gender roles.
Polygamy Practice
Polygamy, while historically associated with both the Latter-day Saints (LDS) and the Fundamentalist Latter-day Saints (FLDS), is practiced quite differently between the two groups. The LDS Church officially discontinued the practice in 1890, focusing on monogamous marriages, whereas the FLDS continues to embrace polygamous unions as a tenet of their faith. FLDS communities often advocate for the belief that plural marriage is a pathway to exaltation, leading some members to take multiple wives within tightly-knit, insular communities. You may find that the FLDS maintains stricter doctrines and social norms surrounding polygamy, resulting in a unique cultural identity distinct from mainstream LDS beliefs.
Leadership Structure
The leadership structure of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is characterized by a hierarchical system led by a president, often referred to as a prophet, who is supported by a Quorum of Twelve Apostles and other general authorities. In contrast, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) operates under a more decentralized authority, with its president viewed as a prophet in a more exclusive and authoritarian context, often emphasizing a strict adherence to polygamous practices. While the LDS church focuses on community involvement and local governance through congregational bishops, the FLDS prioritizes a tighter control over its members, mandating compliance with the leadership's decisions. Understanding these differences in leadership can greatly inform Your perspective on the distinctive practices and beliefs of each organization.
Geographic Locations
Latter-day Saints (LDS) primarily operate within the United States and Canada, with a significant presence in Utah, where the church was founded in the mid-1800s. In contrast, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) is known for its settlements in isolated locations such as Colorado City, Arizona, and Bountiful, British Columbia, reflecting their emphasis on polygamous practices. The LDS Church is officially headquartered in Salt Lake City, while the FLDS maintains a strict adherence to founding principles, often leading to secluded communities that resist integration with mainstream society. Understanding these geographic distinctions highlights the cultural and doctrinal divergence between the two groups, informing your perspective on their respective lifestyles and beliefs.
Scriptures Used
LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) both consider the Book of Mormon and the Bible as sacred texts, yet they diverge significantly in doctrinal interpretation and practices. LDS theology emphasizes a modern-day prophet, currently Russell M. Nelson, who leads the church and provides ongoing revelation, while FLDS adherents often reject this authority and adhere to outdated teachings from earlier leaders like Warren Jeffs. The concept of plural marriage is a critical point of difference; LDS officially discontinued this practice in 1890, while FLDS continues to uphold polygamy as a religious tenet. Your understanding of these groups can be enriched by exploring the nuances in their beliefs and historical contexts, providing insights into the broader landscape of American religious movements.
Religious Practices
LDS (Latter-day Saints) and FLDS (Fundamentalist Latter-day Saints) differ significantly in their religious practices, particularly regarding the belief in polygamy. The LDS Church officially abandoned the practice of polygamy in 1890, focusing instead on monogamy and family values. In contrast, the FLDS continues to practice polygamy, viewing it as a central tenet of their faith and essential for attaining the highest level of heaven. Your understanding of these distinctions can enhance your appreciation of the complexities within Mormon beliefs and how they manifest in modern society.
Community Lifestyle
The lifestyle of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) contrasts significantly with that of the Fundamentalist Latter-day Saints (FLDS). In LDS communities, members emphasize family values, education, and community service, adhering to modern practices of monogamous marriages. Conversely, FLDS adherents still practice polygamy, living in isolated communities where strict adherence to their interpretation of Mormon doctrine, including gender roles and religious authority, is prevalent. This divergence in beliefs leads to contrasting approaches to social structure, education, and individual freedoms within each group, shaping the daily lives of their members.
Legal Recognition
LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) differ significantly in their beliefs and practices, especially regarding polygamy. While LDS officially renounced polygamy in 1890 and seeks to comply with contemporary legal standards, FLDS continues to practice polygamous marriages, leading to ongoing legal challenges. Your understanding of these differences is crucial, particularly regarding how each group's legal status is perceived in the United States, where LDS is recognized as a legitimate religious organization, while FLDS faces scrutiny and legal issues related to child welfare and unlawful marriages. This distinction impacts various aspects of their communities, including taxation, property rights, and religious freedoms.
Membership Size
The membership size of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is significantly larger than that of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS). As of 2023, the LDS Church boasts approximately 17 million members worldwide, making it one of the fastest-growing religions in the United States. In contrast, the FLDS, which split from the LDS Church due to disagreements over polygamy practices, is estimated to have only a few thousand adherents. This stark difference in membership size reflects not only the broader acceptance of the LDS Church but also the more controversial and isolated nature of the FLDS community.