Are Priesthood and Baptism in the FLDS Valid in the LDS Church?

The Ongoing Nexus of Doctrine and Practice: Are Priesthood and Baptism in the FLDS Valid in the LDS Church?

Introduction

It is often posited that the Fundamentalist Latter-day Saint Church (FLDS) is a sect that branched out from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), with a distinct focus on polygamy and differences in doctrine and practice. This article delves into the validity of priesthood and baptism conducted by the FLDS, elucidating the perspectives and practices of the FLDS within the context of the LDS Church's doctrine.

Theological Context and Historical Background

The core of this inquiry arises from the theological and organizational separation between the FLDS and the LDS Church. The FLDS was born out of a splintering that occurred in the mid-20th century, driven by the desire to maintain traditional practices including polygamy, which the LDS Church had officially renounced in 1890. This separation highlights the significant doctrinal and practical divergences between the two groups.

Validity of Baptism and Priesthood in the LDS Church

The validity of baptism and priesthood conferred by the FLDS within the context of the LDS Church is a nuanced issue that requires a detailed examination of the theological and organizational structures of both churches.

Baptism

In the LDS Church, baptism is the first step in the process of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. The ordinance of baptism must be administered by someone who holds the priesthood and is authorized by the hierarchy of the church. If a person was baptized in the FLDS, their baptism may or may not be considered valid within the LDS Church, contingent upon the particular stance of the leadership and the member's interpretation of their own faith.

Priesthood

The FLDS and the LDS Church have differing views on priesthood keys and ordinations. Ordination in the LDS Church is highly structured, requiring the authorization of higher ecclesiastical authorities. If a person claims to have been ordained by the FLDS, their ordination would generally not count within the LDS Church unless they meet specific conditions of recognition and worthiness.

Selection and Ordination within the FLDS

Members of the FLDS may disagree with the official stance of the LDS Church, believing that certain members were righteously ordained even though not recognized by higher authorities. This belief in the loyalty and righteousness of certain individuals can sometimes lead to the assertion that such ordinations should be accepted as valid.

The Role of Jesus Christ

For many believing members of both churches, especially in the LDS Church, the central figure of Jesus Christ provides the ultimate authority regarding the validity of ordinances. If Jesus Christ Himself believes in and sustains an ordinance, then it is considered valid by the faithful. However, for some, such as members of the FLDS, apostasy may render previous ordinances invalid, as Jesus Christ might never have known these individuals.

Conclusion and Reflection

The validity of priesthood and baptism conferred by the FLDS in the LDS Church is a deeply personal and theological question that cannot be answered definitively. It depends on individual interpretations, leadership stances, and the dynamics of the respective faith communities. The question serves as a reminder of the diversity within the broader Latter-day Saint faith and the importance of each group's autonomy and beliefs.

Ultimately, the question reflects the complex interplay between doctrine and practice in religious communities, illustrating the challenges and nuances faced by those navigating faith distinctions within the Latter-day Saint movement.