Elder Marlin K. Jensen takes on the NY Times by distinguishing FLDS polygamy from 19th century LDS polygamy.
In distinction to the cloistered isolation of today’s polygamous groups, including the FLDS, Mormon culture in the 19th century was characterized by a vibrancy of productive activity in various fields of endeavor: education, industry, politics, community-building, agriculture, and many professions. Latter-day Saints strived to move apace with the rapid demands and changes of life and sought to embrace modernity, not thwart it. They sought to take advantage of the ideas and innovations of modern life by establishing schools and universities of higher education. In this they followed the advice of Joseph Smith: “One of the grand fundamental principles of ‘Mormonism’ is to receive truth, let it come from whence it may.”
Jeff Lindsay has more to refute the sloppy reporting which lends to these misconceptions.
Tags: FLDS, Marlin K Jensen, polygamy
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7 May 2008 at 8:34 pm
Christian Prophet
How do you propose religious groups not remain cloistered when the state is out to get you? I heard today the judge ORDERED that prosecution proceed. Does that mean she is in deep trouble constitutionally unless at least something criminal is established, even if it has to be trumped up? You may not have yet seen the interesting viewpoint in: “Lessons of the Texas FLDS Raid”
http://spirituallibertarian.blogspot.com/
8 May 2008 at 7:15 pm
David B
I don’t know that it’s sloppy reporting so much as it’s cultural distance. I mean, i’m doing fieldwork in the PRC right now, and busily learning that there’s a lot that just isn’t going to come through in my reports ’cause i’m not familiar enough with it to really grok it appropriately. Same with the conflation of FLDS and LDS polygyny, i think.