Venn Diagram: FLDS VS LDS Beliefs

I had a question the day about the differences between the FLDS and The LDS Faiths. I did my best to summarize the differences and similarities using a Venn diagram.

It's pretty much what you would expect from a splinter group. It's in no way authoritative or complete but summarizes the small differences that exist between each group. I know the LDS church would like to distance themselves as much as possible from this group, but the fact remains that many beliefs are still shared.

The FLDS church is probably the straightest branch on the Mormon tree. They're in many ways most representative of the original Mormon Church.

I have limited information on the RLDS church. It would be interesting to see a Venn Diagram representing the differences today. I think you'd see a smaller intersection.

Edit #1: I got some feedback so updating a few items..... Polygamy in heaven is shared.  Someone pointed out that the Word of Wisdom is not completely shared by the FLDS. They appear to have a similar opinion to those early members of the Mormon church. Usage of banned substances aren't nearly as taboo for the FLDS as they are for the LDS members.

Salt Lake; We have an image problem:

It's been a fun week to watch the Mormon PR machine cranking up. There was an interesting post on this board regarding those pesky words that continue to dog the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (phew! long name).

weird, secretive (28%)
cultish (39%)
sexist (20%)
controlling (38%)
conservative (38%)
pushy (9%)
anti-gay (24%)
and family-oriented (44%)

Two PR firms have been hired, and the church is rolling out a "Missionary Media Initiative" starting in October. It'll start out in 8 areas -- San Antonio/Austin, TX; Indianapolis/Ft. Wayne, IN; Omaha, Lincoln-Hastings, NB; Seattle-Tacoma, WA; Spokane, WA; Denver, CO; Atlanta, GA, and Phoenix, AZ.


It's nice to see that the Sacred tithes will be used for the church's image problem. I can't help but think that if Jesus were here, he would never spend money on improving his image among the Pharisees and Sadducees.

The timing is also interesting here. Why did the Mormon leadership decide to address this image problem now? Mormons have had an "image" problem since the foundation of the church in 1830. 


I think it has a lot to do with Mitt Romney's run for president. Mitt Romney's Achille's heel seems to be his Mormonism. A recent Quinnipiac poll shows that only 45% of registered votes have a positive opinion of Mormonism. 32% have an unfavorable opinion of them.

It's true that the Mormon church has told top officials that they should not participate in campaigns in any way. But launching a PR campaign that attempts to address the main issue that dogs Romney ends up being back door support for Mitt Romney.  Bravo Mormons.. Bravo.