Are Sister Wives FLDS
When it comes to the topic of polygamous relationships, terms like “sister wives” and “FLDS” often surface. For those unfamiliar with these terms, “sister wives” refers to women who are married to the same man; they’re not necessarily biologically related, but they consider themselves spiritual sisters through marriage. On the other hand, FLDS stands for Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – a group that broke off from mainstream Mormonism due to their continued practice of polygamy.
While it’s true that members of the FLDS community follow a lifestyle involving plural marriages (which includes sister wives), it’s important to remember that not all sister wives are part of the FLDS. There are many other religious and cultural groups worldwide where polygamy is accepted and practiced. Therefore, while some sister wives may indeed be part of the FLDS, this isn’t always necessarily the case.
In essence, navigating through these complex societal structures requires an understanding that while there may be overlaps in certain areas – such as between ‘sister wives’ and ‘FLDS’ – each term represents a unique facet within broader human relationship dynamics. The key here is recognizing these nuances rather than making blanket assumptions about these communities.
Understanding the Term ‘Sister Wives’
I’ve found myself often asked about the term “sister wives”. It’s a term that’s been tossed around in popular culture, largely due to the reality television show of the same name. In essence, sister wives are women who are all married to the same man. This practice is common in some polygamous cultures and religious sects.
To dig deeper, this arrangement typically occurs within fundamentalist groups practicing what they call “plural marriage”. A well-known example is the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), not to be confused with the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which discontinued polygamy over a century ago.
Within these societies, it’s not unusual for one man to have multiple wives. These wives are referred to as ‘sister wives’ because while they’re marital partners to their shared husband, they also form a sort of sisterhood amongst themselves. They often work together in raising children and managing household tasks.It might surprise you that there’s a wide range of dynamics within these plural marriages. Some sister wives report forming close bonds with their co-wives, resembling familial or best friends relationships more than anything else. On the flip side, others describe experiencing intense jealousy and competition.
What should be made clear though is that being part of a plural marriage isn’t something every woman chooses willingly—coercion can play a role sometimes. Other times it’s simply an accepted norm within certain communities where individuals aren’t presented with many other options.
Always remember: understanding doesn’t equate approval. It’s possible (and important) to learn about different lifestyles without necessarily endorsing them ourselves. And when we talk about sister wives or any other unconventional family structures, let’s make sure we’re doing so respectfully and knowledgeably.
The FLDS: A Brief Overview
Let’s dive right into the heart of the matter. The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, often shortened to FLDS, is a religious group that splintered from the mainstream Mormon church around the turn of the 20th century. Their main point of contention? Polygamy or more specifically, plural marriages.
Devout followers believe in “celestial marriage”, an eternal bond that extends beyond this life. Yes, it’s true – many practice polygamy as part and parcel of their faith. In fact, they see it as a direct path to divinity and heavenly exaltation.
Now you might be wondering how large this group is? Well, estimates suggest there are about 6,000 to 10,000 members scattered across North America today. Most live in tightly-knit communities in regions such as Short Creek on the Arizona-Utah border and Bountiful in British Columbia. But what about law enforcement? Isn’t polygamy illegal? Indeed it is – at least on paper. However, authorities have generally turned a blind eye unless other criminal activities are involved like underage marriage or welfare fraud.
Finally, let’s address our main topic: Are sister wives FLDS? Reality TV has certainly brought attention to this lifestyle with shows like “Sister Wives”. While these programs depict families living harmoniously together despite societal norms, it’s important not to conflate reality TV with real-life practices within FLDS communities. The two can be vastly different.
Remember this: Not every person living in a polygamist family identifies as FLDS just like not every Catholic person lives at the Vatican! So yes while some ‘sister wives’ may indeed belong to the FLDS church, many don’t! It’s essential we recognize these nuances to maintain a balanced perspective on such complex topics.
