In the latest episode of Breaking the Faith the group traveled to Salt Lake City, UT to stay in house a owned by a Mormon woman who helps the FLDS transition to the outside world. While I think it’s great she wants to help the FLDS girls find their way in this new life outside of their religion I can’t help but think it’s a little odd.
Both religions are cut from the same cloth woven by Joseph Smith. Both hold to up the Book of Mormon as scripture, both believe the practice of polygamy came from God; both believe you must make yourself worthy through obedience to the doctrines of the church and both consider Smith a prophet.
During their trip to Salt Lake City the girls had a chance to meet and spend some time with a group of Mormon girls. In the course of their conversation the Mormon girls became very curious about the polygamy and how women were treated within the FLDS community.
After learning about some of the restrictions placed on the FLDS one of the Mormon girls asked them if they ever felt like they were in a cult. This really offended a couple of the FLDS girls and they left before the Mormon girls could say any more.
The young Mormon girl’s criticism of the FLDS way of life sounded a lot like the pot calling the kettle black. It was astonishing to me for a Mormon to ask that question considering how restrictive and controlling their church can be in the most mundane parts of the members lives. Some examples of this are:
Endowed members must wear their “scared undergarments” at all times, and aren’t permitted to wear regular underwear.
Only one set of ear rings and no tattoos
The Word of Wisdom and dietary restrictions
Like the members of the Mormon Church are to strive for perfection, the FLDS must do the same. In the episode the girls explained how the FLDS is broken down into two groups. The “Repenting” and the “United Order”. If they’re in the Repenting group it means they’re not living up to the standards of their church, and therefore aren’t considered perfect.
If they’re able to achieve the desired level of perfection as set by their church leaders the FLDS members move up to the “United Order”. At this level church members receive such privileges as going to the Storehouse to purchase food and personal items.
When you think about it, apart from the polygamy there really isn’t that much of a difference between the two groups. However Mormons still do their best to separate themselves from the FLDS as if they’re an entity all on their own.
It was Joseph Smith who set the stage for them to practice polygamy into eternity. The FLDS are just doing their best to live the life he wanted for them. The fundamental doctrine of plural marriage was never to change, and yet Mormons look down their nose at those who would dare to follow the doctrine established by their beloved founder and prophet, Joseph Smith.
As I watch this show my heart goes out to these girls. I know how hard it is to leave a religion and culture behind for unfamiliar territory. I hope and pray these girls find a way to build a life for themselves outside the FLDS community.
In Christ,
Melissa Grimes
Jesus said, “I am the way, the only Truth, the only Life. No one can go to where the Father is, except through me.” and ” Believe in Jesus Christ who is Lord, and you shall be saved.” The Bible declares that salvation is only by knowing and believing in the Biblical Jesus Christ, not by any work that we do. God made it that simple – its faith and His grace combined. Not works. We need to get people to understand that faith opens the door for each of us to belong to God’s family, and to hear from Him for ourselves. (Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:8,9)
I am not branded by any religion, but I am a lover and a student of God’s pure Word. I have found it to be full of the life giving flow of God Himself, bringing answers, revelation and direction for my life when everything was turmoil. A relationship that is based on loving God as our heavenly Father, and understanding the life manual He has given us (Bible) is life transforming. No other book can communicate the depth and facets of God and His infinite love, like the Bible. This Book is like no other, it is understood on many dimensions.
I pray daily for the girls and women, to find a way to get out of the FLDS and to find the true Jesus Christ, who is the only Son of the living God (John 3:16). Once they come into the knowledge (KNOWING) the living Christ, their eyes will be opened and they will be free. This is true freedom – knowing Jesus who is the Christ (Messiah). I counsel abused women, and those who are married to sexual addicts. I see so much abuse, confusion and hopelessness, when God made each one of these precious women and girls to have a destiny and a purpose – but how can they acheive it while in such bondage to the FLDS cult?
I am glad people like you are risking everything to step into the fire and help these people. God’s blessings on you and all you do to help them.
Sandy