Are the Sister Wives Mormon – What is Mormonism?

Are the Sister Wives Mormon

Are the Sister Wives Mormon? What is Mormonism? These questions often arise when discussing the popular reality TV show “Sister Wives.” To answer the first question, yes, the Sister Wives are indeed members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as Mormons. However, it’s important to note that their lifestyle and beliefs may not align with all practising Mormons.

Mormonism is a religious movement that originated in the early 19th century in upstate New York. It was founded by Joseph Smith Jr., who claimed to have received divine revelations and translated an ancient record called the Book of Mormon. The core beliefs of Mormonism centre around Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer, along with additional scripture such as the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.

One distinguishing aspect of Mormonism is its emphasis on family and marriage. While mainstream society typically practises monogamy, some sects within Mormonism, like those followed by the Sister Wives on TV, practice polygamy or plural marriage. However, it’s crucial to understand that this practice is not endorsed or practised by all Mormons today.

Understanding Mormonism

Mormonism is a religious tradition that traces its roots back to the early 19th century in the United States. It was founded by Joseph Smith, who claimed to have been visited by God and Jesus Christ, leading to the restoration of true Christianity. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as the Mormon Church, is the largest and most well-known branch of Mormonism.

Here are key aspects to help you understand Mormonism:

1. Beliefs: Mormons believe in additional sacred texts alongside the Bible, including the Book of Mormon, which they consider to be another testament of Jesus Christ. They also believe in modern prophets and continuing revelation from God. Family is highly valued in Mormonism, with emphasis on eternal marriage and eternal families.
2. Practices: Mormons engage in various practices that shape their way of life. They attend regular Sunday worship services at local meetinghouses or temples. They strive for personal righteousness through adherence to a strict moral code that includes abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea. Additionally, they participate in temple rituals such as baptisms for the dead and sealing ceremonies.
3. Organisation: The LDS Church has a hierarchical structure led by a president who is considered both a prophet and an apostle. Below him are two counsellors forming the First Presidency, followed by twelve apostles who oversee different areas around the world.
4. Missionary Work: One distinctive aspect of Mormonism is its strong emphasis on missionary work. Young men and women are encouraged to serve full-time missions where they share their beliefs with others around the world.
5. Controversies: Over time, some aspects of Mormon history and doctrine have generated controversy among critics and scholars alike. These include historical issues such as polygamy practised during Joseph Smith’s time (which has since been abandoned by mainstream Mormons), exclusionary policies towards African Americans until 1978, and the role of women in the church.

Exploring the Sister Wives

When it comes to the popular reality TV show “Sister Wives,” many people wonder if the wives are indeed Mormon and what Mormonism is all about. Let’s delve into these questions and shed some light on this intriguing topic.

1. The Connection with Mormonism:

• Yes, the Sister Wives are indeed affiliated with the Mormon faith. They follow a specific branch of Mormonism called Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). It’s important to note that FLDS is considered a separate sect from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), also known as Mormons.
• The FLDS practices polygamy, which means that a man can have multiple wives simultaneously. This differs from mainstream LDS teachings, as they officially renounced polygamy in 1890.

2. Understanding Mormonism:

• To fully grasp the context behind Sister Wives’ association with Mormonism, let’s explore what Mormonism is all about.
• Founded by Joseph Smith in the early 19th century, Mormons believe in a restorationist form of Christianity. They see themselves as followers of Jesus Christ and consider their church to be a continuation of His original church.
• Central to their beliefs is the Book of Mormon, which they regard as an additional scripture alongside the Bible. They also hold sacred texts such as Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price.
• Mormons emphasize family values and place great importance on marriage and raising children within strong familial bonds.

3. Distinctions between FLDS and LDS:

• While both FLDS and LDS share historical roots, there are significant differences between them.
• One key distinction lies in their approach to polygamy: while it was practiced by early members of the LDS church, it was officially abandoned over a century ago. In contrast, some splinter groups like FLDS continue to practice plural marriage.