Polygamy. It can be defined informally as the belief that a man can have multiple wives. Although it is illegal in the United States, polygamy is still practiced by people of the Mormon Church and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (not to be confused with the non-Fundamentalist Church, which does not practice polygamy). I am not here to debate over whether or not polygamy is acceptable. I am determined to keep an open mind about people with multiple wives, although I would never practice it myself.
Perhaps you remember in April, when a community of FLDS men, women, and children in Eldorado, Texas was raided because a 16 year old girl called authorities reporting child abuse in the community. Children were taken from their families and held by the state while the area was investigated. The Texas Supreme Cort did rule that the state abused its power in their investigation. Several of these families have returned to their "ranch," as they call it. Some men in that community have had over 60 wives. Having wives, in that culture, is something to be respected, and the more wives a man has, the better/more powerful he is.
But there is a good chance there is something happening behind the walls of the homes in this polygamist sect and others. As one can note from Carolyn Jessop (below), she witnessed abuse of her children. She escaped with all of her biological children one very early morning when her husband was not around. As a child, her mother would beat her every day, and it was just accepted in society.
Another victim of the practices of this religious group is rape victim Elissa Wail. At 14, she was forced to marry her 19 year old cousin, who was very aggressive towards her. She was able to leave the church, and her former husband could face life in prison for his acts.
The FLDS community treads the thin line of the seperation of church and state here in the United States. The question for us: if religion allows young girls to marry 50 year old men, is it law abiding, or is it assault of a minor?
The way some of the inhabitants of Eldorado speak and react worries me. They seem soft and shy and distant, almost as if they are somewhere else. These women are incredibly timid and pert. I do believe that comes from a very disciplined society where beating is acceptable and sex is done behind very closed doors so that others do not gain any knowledge they shouldn't. These women could very well have no idea about what is going on around them. Even if they are unhappy, many are afraid to leave; since birth they have been taught that the apocalypse is coming and only they will be spared from its wrath. Thus, leaving sounds too risky for a person who might want to. The religion claims that its people have free will, but they are confined by their religious tendencies.
What do you think? Is either side right?
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Although it is illegal in the United States, polygamy is still practiced by people of the Mormon Church and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (not to be confused with the non-Fundamentalist Church, which does not practice polygamy).
I feel this paragraph needs clarification. The Mormon church (correct name- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) denounced polygamy in the late 19th century, and any member of the church found to be practicing polygamy is excommunicated. You contradicted yourself when you said that members of the Mormon church practice polygamy but the Latter Day Saints do not, as they are one and the same. Although the FLDS and smiler subgroups believe in the book of Mormon, these groups are not members of the Mormon church. The Mormon church is consisted purely of LDS. In fact, the Church of LDS has issued statements saying that the term Mormon (a term used to describe the adherents, practitioners, followers or constituents of Mormonism) be applied only to members of its church and not just any person or group who believes in the book of Mormon to avoid any confusion between mainstream LDS church and the cult-like groups such as the FLDS.
Anyway, great blog. I personally think that this is nothing more than a cult that brainwashes its members. Those women are obviously scared and reserved. They claimed they had never seen/heard about young girls being forced to marry older men, but if I remember correctly there were several pregnant teenagers found in the raid. I feel that it was right (albeit illegal) to remove the children.
I really like your blog for the fact it's not just about someone who went on Holiday to London and took a dozen shitty black-and-white photos and wants to write an essay about that whole Chloé/F21 thing that's going on. I am DEFNINITELY adding you. Will you add me???? Please??
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