"I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we 'accentuate the positive.' I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good. . Look for the sunlight through the clouds" -- President Gordon B. Hinckley ("The Continuing Pursuit of Truth," Ensign, Apr. 1986, 2-4).
I debated whether or not to mention anything about the recent episode that Oprah aired titled “Polygamy In America”.
I admire Oprah for a lot of things. But I do get nervous when she speaks on Religion- only because she holds A LOT of power and influence Globally.
I hope that one day she’ll bring on Religious Leaders, particularly the leaders of the LDS Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), Islamic Leaders and the Fundamentalist “Mormon” Church to clear up “Polygamy in America”.
I am from the LDS Church and the males in my Church always get asked “so how many wives do you have?” “One.” And people tilt their heads wondering why we “Mormons” don’t have several wives.
Several people just don’t understand. Unfortunately Oprah doesn’t understand.
I just wish that when she airs episodes on Religion - she throughly studies out the Religions. Because unfortunately now more than before people will connect “Mormons” to modern-day Polygamy. There are two separate “Mormon” Churches in America. The original “Mormon” Church” & the Fundamentalist “Mormon” Church” (the ones who still practice Polygamy - and separated themselves from The original “Mormon” Church”).
People just don’t understand. Which is fine if they’re willing to seek out on their own- clarification from the actual source. Unfortunately a lot of people hold to Oprah’s word - which in this case is not clear & not entirely accurate.
There is no official connection between the FLDS Church and the LDS Church; they are distinct and separate denominations.
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I watched this a few weeks ago and I thought she was quite clear that they weren’t part of the mainstream LDS church. I could have missed something though!
I could have just as easily missed something myself as well - as I was watching two kids at the time I was watching this episode.
I would like to think I missed something and she did make it clear!
I agree that she made it very clear. I am not a member of LDS Church but I have always understood that those in the LDS Church don’t believe and/or practice Polygamy but those in the FLDS DO. Just so you know that it’s not a common perception among education Americans and most of us understand the difference.
That is SO GOOD to hear.
I apologize for not hearing her be clear at all. From what I heard her speak about The Church - I didn’t hear that part.
Which would make sense since I only really listened to (heard) about half of it (I was watching kids) and must have missed that part.
Sorry Oprah! Thank you for being clear! 
Firstly, as in every religion, there are different sects of the same umbrella. Remember the KKK Believe themselves to be a Christian based organization although many of us wouldnt consider ourselves to have the slightest thing in common with such people.
I think people should be more open minded than to tar all LDS with the same brush.
The Bible and the Koran both have passages in them to lead to Polygamy practices. The reasons for these were purely practical to begin with and have nothing to do with sex or power. It was really to protect women who were widows, or unpotected by other normal family means.
It was considered morally unsuitable for a woman who was not your wife to live in your home. So, in order to offer her protection under your home, you had to marry her. Same with girl children. This was not about sex. There were strict rules to these practices. The Koran specifically says that each wife much be treated equally financially and morally. Her needs must be met by the husband. A husband must be able to afford to support the wives he takes and any children he fathers or children that come with the marriage.
A man was specifically directed for example to marry his brother’s widow to care for her and her children so that they would not know poverty. This was a noble deed not a gross one.
Of course over the years, these practices have been perverted.
Polygamy comes in many many religions. Unfortunately LDS and Islam has been tarred with it more than others. Why I do not know. There are many Dominant/Submissive lifestyles too that support this lifestyle choice.
I think it is interesting I don’t know if you have seen the HBO series Big Love. I absolutely love the way they have done it. They took the subject from the right angle. From a man who truly believes this is given from God’s word, is a true family man and is trying to live in the right way… and how his family who lives this lifestyle deals in today’s world. That people are flawed no matter how spiritual they are. Living in that type of lifestyle is no picinic for anyone involved. It takes committment, belief, and strong moral values to do it correctly.
I wish that Oprah would have highlighted the larger picture of this subject. Too many people only see the narrow view of it. They judge it before knowing the whole story of it, which is completely sad.
Sure, there are those who abuse. But there are others who truly believe that this is the word of God and do their best to be faithful and live their lives true to the word as they understand it.
We do not have the right to judge them. For they too are God’s precious loved ones.
The abusers, the people who marry children for sex….. now those we can burn at the stake! Weeding those out though is indeed difficult.
I don’t agree with many of the LDS teachings. Others of their teachings I think they are streets ahead of any other religious thoughts… what is important in understanding religion is that it is simply a vehicle to God. God gives us different makes and models for us to choose to help us find our way to heaven. We have to choose which one suits us.
Amber:
Beautifully said.
You’re absolutely correct, it wasn’t about sex (never was) - it was a means to protect women so they do not know poverty. The world wanting single Mothers and women and children on the street : that’s wrong. The original “Mormon” Church discontinued the practice according to God’s commandment. The Fundamentalist “Mormon” Church didn’t agree with God’s commandment and continued the practice regardless and took the doctrine and made it their own. That’s when we separated.
Anyways, there’s a lot more information on that here & here.
Thanks Amber for being so supportive & understanding.
Can’t really understand why this kind of shows is taken so seriously…
And anyway Opra is not a reporter, she just uses the material she’s given.
Generally religious beliefs should be respectable…
I think many Americans are sick and tired of a president who puts his own brand of God above America. And I think Mormons have something special to prove, given how one of their profits, um, rebelled against America. But I don’ t think that any religion has a monopoly on crazy. So, yeah, I kind of agree with Washingtonians for Romney that a Mormon can become president. It might be a handicap , though.
Anonymous:
Well, of course I agree with you - knowing that I am a HUGE Romney fan.
Thanks for your input and comment!
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Great Blog! You have reduced my ignorance about “LDS” and confirmed my opinion on polygamy. I am not a polygamist or LDS, however, I do believe if the practice is the belief of those who are considered adults 18 & above they should be allowed to practice their belief so long as the male is able to care for his flock or family members equally. I also feel the children should not be subject to isolation and those who do not share this belief should teach their children not to ridicule others born into these families as they were born only to larger more diverse families. And so what of it, it is no different than the many multifamily homes with one or two parents with step, half and whole siblings under one roof. Diversity is diversity, America is a diverse nation and needs to be remolded as its laws and education must incorporate old religion as equally as the new religions that are unfolding everyday.
Rebecca - I agree with your statement regarding Oprah’s global power and influence, and as such she needs to be extra careful about the particular message that she is attempting to get over. She does not always appear to research her subject matter as thoroughly as required which can lead to confusion and misconception.
I’m not too sure where I sit in regard to the rights and wrongs of polygamy, but from the little I know and have recently researched, I believe that its practice by the FLDS is unlawful and immoral. I accept that as consenting adults we should be allowed to make our own choices (within the laws of the land) but the abuse of children by mature adults is repulsive and should be condemned by all.
I am writing this note from the other side of the globe and am fortunately not influenced by the (great) American nation. I agree in religious tolerance but not at any cost. We must protect our children and their future and not succumb to the evils of mankind.
I stumbled across your blog while researching FLDS in order to answer some questions my daughters had after learning of the recent raid on a FLDS compound here in Texas. I am at a loss to be honest as to just what to say to them regarding the situation. They are well old enough (ages 13,12,11,10) to understand the wrong that has been done to those forced into the lifestyle of their “spirtual” leaders but they cannot fathom how in this day and age how this could be happening. I am not LDS but my mother attended with my sister and I for many years when I was a child. We left because she did not agree with the teachings once she learned more. I have tried to explain to my girls what I recall of the LDS faith and that the FLDS is a completely different group of people than most people think of. Even with my knowledge they have a hard time separating the two groups. I do agree with you that the media tends to use the term “mormon” or just LDS when referring to the FLDS and this just further adds to the confusion. Wouldn’t it be nice if the media could get all the facts and be unbias in it’s coverage of things? Ah….a girl can dream!
Welcome Hanunah, Tim, & Sandy Anders!!!
Hanunah:
I like your outlook on Polygamy as a whole and the original concept of it: ["it is no different than the many multifamily homes with one or two parents with step, half and whole siblings under one roof. "] Also, it is very important that the children that are born into the families who don’t know any better, shouldn’t be subject to ridicule or mockery - as they are innocent and don’t know any different until they’re introduced to the outside world. At that point they should be given the right to choose for themselves without fear of any danger from family (in my opinion).
Sadly, that is not the case in todays practice of polygamy as they do have fear of leaving. They are either shunned or fear for their lives and their children’s lives. I do hope that people understand that that was never the case in the original days where Polygamy was practiced in the Original Church.
Tim:
I completely agree with your statement:
["I accept that as consenting adults we should be allowed to make our own choices (within the laws of the land) but the abuse of children by mature adults is repulsive and should be condemned by all.
... I agree in religious tolerance but not at any cost. We must protect our children and their future and not succumb to the evils of mankind."]
Abuse of children was never and will never be tolerated by God :
“1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” –Matt. 18:1-8
“25 Ye say that this people is a guilty and a fallen people, because of the transgression of a parent. Behold, I say that a child is not guilty because of its parents.”– Alma 30: 25
Our Prophet Thomas S. Monsons’ thoughts regarding abuse of children: “A Little Child Shall Lead Them”
Sandy:
It is tough for children to understand that two Churches with ‘apparently’ the same name could be SO different. I found it confusing myself even growing up IN the Church and hearing about the ‘other LDS Church’. This material here may be of some help to you in teaching your children the difference.
You all are so awesome! Thank you SO MUCH for your thoughts and understanding 
It WOULD be nice if the media could get all the facts and be unbias - for sure!!! But I suppose that it could only teach us to seek the truth on our own if there is any question about what they’re saying? Look how good you all are in seeking the truth for yourselves from the source
Hi Rebecca … Thanks for your great feedback.
With regard to the recent FDLS situation we all need to be careful of carrying out trial by media or public over-reaction, but at the same time I think we all need to stand up, regardless of creed, faith, religion, etc., and condemn the persecution of innocent children by those who perpetrate it in the name of God.
As the days and weeks unfold and more and more transpires we should not hide behind our tolerances or own beliefs, but let those responsible know that they should be condemned to hell for their repulsive actions.
Where it concerns young children, I believe that in the FDLS, polygamy has been used to disguise paedophilia, and as such the law needs to take appropriate action and remove the offenders from society for a long time.
And as you quote from scripture:
“Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were drowned in the depths of the sea”
Keep up the good work : )