FLDS vs. LDS

Attribute	FLDS	LDS
Founder	Joseph Smith	Joseph Smith
Beliefs	Believe in the teachings of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon	Believe in the teachings of Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and other scriptures
Leadership	Follows a prophet chosen by the FLDS community	Follows a prophet chosen by the LDS community
Practices	Polygamy is practiced	Polygamy is not practiced
Membership	Smaller membership compared to LDS	Larger membership compared to FLDS

Beliefs

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) both have their roots in the teachings of Joseph Smith, but they have diverged in their beliefs over time. FLDS members believe in the practice of polygamy, which was abandoned by the LDS church in the late 19th century. FLDS members also believe in the concept of "blood atonement," which teaches that some sins are so serious that the only way to atone for them is through the shedding of the sinner's blood. This belief is not held by the LDS church.

Leadership

FLDS and LDS also differ in their leadership structures. FLDS is led by a single prophet who is believed to have direct communication with God. This prophet holds absolute authority over the members of the church and is considered infallible in his teachings. In contrast, LDS is led by a president and a council of twelve apostles who are considered to be inspired by God but are not believed to be infallible. Decisions in the LDS church are made through a system of councils and voting, whereas in the FLDS church, the prophet's word is final.

Practices

FLDS and LDS also differ in their religious practices. FLDS members are known for their distinctive dress, which includes long prairie dresses for women and short hair and button-up shirts for men. They also practice communal living, with many families living together in large compounds. In contrast, LDS members dress in a more mainstream fashion and live in individual households. LDS members also participate in regular worship services at local meetinghouses, whereas FLDS members hold services in their own homes.

Community

Both FLDS and LDS place a strong emphasis on community, but they approach it in different ways. FLDS communities are often closed off from the outside world, with members encouraged to marry within the church and avoid contact with non-members. This insular approach can lead to suspicion and hostility towards outsiders. In contrast, LDS communities are more open and inclusive, with members encouraged to engage with the wider community and participate in charitable activities. LDS members are also known for their missionary work, which involves spreading the teachings of the church to non-members.

Relationship with the Mainstream LDS Church

Despite their shared history, FLDS and LDS have a strained relationship. The mainstream LDS church officially disavows the practice of polygamy and considers FLDS to be a separate and apostate group. FLDS, on the other hand, views the LDS church as having strayed from the true teachings of Joseph Smith and believes that it has lost its way. This divide has led to tension and conflict between the two groups, with each side accusing the other of being in error.