Understanding the Differences Between LDS, RLDS, and FLDS Churches

There are numerous churches that trace their origins back to Joseph Smith Jr. and the Book of Mormon, with each organization often branching off due to theological disagreements and leadership disputes. This article delves into the differences between the LDS, RLDS, and FLDS churches, focusing on their origins, beliefs, and practices.

The Family of Joseph Smith Jr. and the Book of Mormon

The story of these churches begins with Joseph Smith Jr., a spiritual leader who claimed to have received divine revelations that led to the creation of the Book of Mormon. Following his leadership, various schisms occurred, each resulting in the formation of new organizations. Some broke away during Joseph's lifetime, while others formed after his death. A significant split happened in the 1990s when the RLDS church leader, a direct descendant of Joseph Smith Jr., retired with no sons to succeed him, choosing instead to ordain one of his daughters as the new leader.

The LDS Church: A Mainstream Christian Religion

The LDS Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is one of the largest and most well-known churches tracing its roots to Joseph Smith Jr. With around 18 million members worldwide, it is a prominent player in Christian denominations. The LDS church believes in Jesus as the savior of mankind but rejects the trinitarian concept of 'one in substance.' It recognizes the Bible as inspired scripture and also regards the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price as additional scripture, on par with the Bible.

The RLDS Church: A Lesser-Known but Significant Mainstream Christian Denomination

The RLDS Church (Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), though smaller, still holds significant religious importance. Following the death of Joseph Smith, the RLDS believes that the church should be led by a direct descendant. This belief led to a split in the 19th century, with one faction led by Brigham Young (who later became the founder of the LDS Church) and another by those supporting a descendant of Joseph Smith Jr. The most significant dispute between these factions arose from the issue of polygamy. While the LDS church embraced polygamy, the RLDS rejected it, asserting that Joseph never practiced it despite evidence to the contrary. In 1890, the LDS church officially abandoned polygamy, while the RLDS continued to reject it and maintained their own practices.

The FLDS Church: A Fundamentalist LDS Offshoot

The FLDS Church (Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints) is a more radical offshoot of the LDS church. The FLDS fundamentally rejects the LDS church's abandonment of polygamy and continues to practice it, asserting that having multiple wives is essential for salvation. This religious group is often described as cult-like due to its strict, authoritarian practices. The FLDS sect is led by Warren Jeffs, who is currently serving a life sentence for charges of arranging marriages for underage girls and sexual assault. The FLDS is generally regarded as a pariah in the wider religious and societal community.

Current Relations Among These Churches

The RLDS and LDS churches maintain a friendly relationship today, despite their historical schisms. The FLDS, on the other hand, is considered a pariah and has no contact with the other two churches. The RLDS church has also adjusted its practices in recent years, ordaining women to the priesthood and downgrading the status of the Book of Mormon from scripture to additional scripture.

In conclusion, the differences between the LDS, RLDS, and FLDS churches are rooted in their varying interpretations of Joseph Smith Jr.'s teachings, particularly regarding polygamy. These schisms illustrate the complex and often contentious nature of religious movements and their evolution over time.