Polygamist Ranch

Birdie07 · April 8, 2008

I'm so glad those kids were taken out finally! My only beef with any of it is people generally mistake the FLDS with mainstream LDS (mormons). I was raised mormon up until I was about 18 or 19. People always make some snude smart remark how my dad must have 5 wives. I think its rude and ignorant of people to think this. Mormons (LDS) DO NOT practice polygamy!! I am glad to see the government finally doing something about it though. For example people can go on Oprah and other shows and actually say " I have 3 wives and 90 something kids" and its public and nothing is done. It's illegal right? Do something? Sheesh!

1elephant · April 8, 2008

update: 401 kids found.

sick

amandalovesryan · April 8, 2008

if you get a chance read Escape by Carolyn Jessops. It is such a great book about this!

Infinity22 · April 8, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliaA07

I'm so glad those kids were taken out finally! My only beef with any of it is people generally mistake the FLDS with mainstream LDS (mormons). I was raised mormon up until I was about 18 or 19. People always make some snude smart remark how my dad must have 5 wives. I think its rude and ignorant of people to think this. Mormons (LDS) DO NOT practice polygamy!! I am glad to see the government finally doing something about it though. For example people can go on Oprah and other shows and actually say " I have 3 wives and 90 something kids" and its public and nothing is done. It's illegal right? Do something? Sheesh!

I second that, I'm in the exact same boat as you!

starchild · April 8, 2008

I think the mainstream confusion comes from the fact that Mormons used to practice polygamy. I think it was something that was practiced/accepted into the 20th century. Please correct me if I'm wrong because I don't want to put false info out there, but I seem to recall that from my studies.

I agree it is ignorant to categorize all Mormons in the same manner (just like some people do to Muslims so often). I don't think the intention is to be rude but is just ignorance that comes from people being absorbed in their own religions and not exploring others enough to get the truth.

Lauren I saw that the count escalated on the news, it's so crazy!

Dbell · April 8, 2008

Oh my goodness!!! 401 children?

Infinity22 · April 8, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by starchild

I think the mainstream confusion comes from the fact that Mormons used to practice polygamy. I think it was something that was practiced/accepted into the 20th century. Please correct me if I'm wrong because I don't want to put false info out there, but I seem to recall that from my studies.

I agree it is ignorant to categorize all Mormons in the same manner (just like some people do to Muslims so often). I don't think the intention is to be rude but is just ignorance that comes from people being absorbed in their own religions and not exploring others enough to get the truth.

Lauren I saw that the count escalated on the news, it's so crazy!

Here's the answer to your question. The LDS Church (Mormon) discontinued polygamy in 1890.
April 6, 2008 - LDS Newsroom - Polygamy Investigation

Here's some more interesting documention on the topic of "Mormons and Polygamy"
May 10, 2006 - LDS Newsroom - Mormons and Polygamy

jean-marcus · April 8, 2008

WOWWWWW there is some weirdness in this world... sad

starchild · April 9, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infinity22

Here's the answer to your question. The LDS Church (Mormon) discontinued polygamy in 1890.
April 6, 2008 - LDS Newsroom - Polygamy Investigation

Here's some more interesting documention on the topic of "Mormons and Polygamy"
May 10, 2006 - LDS Newsroom - Mormons and Polygamy

Thanks for correcting me, it ended in 1890 and did not go into the 20th century. This is a very young religion (comparatively speaking) so that's not that long ago. I think that's why outsider's ideas persist. It's not like something that was outlawed 600 years ago and is long gone from memory. Unfortunately this kind of stuff sticks until people learn about it on their own

Thanks for sharing

starchild · April 18, 2008

Has anyone continued to follow this story? I saw some of the mothers of the taken children on Larry King and it was something else!

I've also been reading lots on the history of the Mormon church, pro and anti LDS & FLDS stuff just to see all sides. I'm kind of a nerd so I wanted to get the back story since I'm following the current events All I can say is wow!!!

Someone sent me this documentary. It's made by a Christian group so towards the end their agenda is obvious, but the first half at least is quite informative and consistent with the histories I've been reading. You can watch the full feature online if you're so inclined:

Lifting the Veil of Polygamy