What are the beliefs of the Fdls about Christmas?

Holidays & Special Events

By Felicity Long

The Fundamenta;ist Church of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) is a religious sect that broke away from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as the Mormons. The FLDS has its own unique beliefs and practices that set it apart from other branches of the Mormon faith.

One question that often arises is whether FLDS members believe in Christmas. Christmas is a widely celebrated holiday in many Christian denominations, but the FLDS has different views on this festive occasion. Understanding their perspective can shed light on their overall beliefs and the ways in which they observe or ignore certain traditions.

The FLDS does not officially recognize or celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday. They do not view it as a holy day that is significant in their faith. Instead, they focus on other religious events and practices that are central to their beliefs.

The Perspective on Christmas Among Fdls Community

Christmas is a holiday widely celebrated around the world, but for the members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FDLS), the perspective on Christmas is quite unique. The FDLS community, an offshoot of the mainstream Mormon Church, has its own beliefs and practices that differ from the traditional celebration of Christmas.

One of the main reasons why FDLS members don’t celebrate Christmas is their belief in simplicity and modesty. They believe that extravagant holiday celebrations, including the exchanging of lavish gifts and elaborate decorations, go against their religious principles. Instead, they focus on more spiritual aspects of their faith.

Another reason why FDLS members do not actively participate in Christmas festivities is their belief in the importance of family all year round, rather than just during the holiday season. They believe that love and togetherness should be practiced every day, and not just on a specific day of the year.

Instead of Christmas, the FDLS community celebrates other holidays that are more aligned with their religious beliefs. One such holiday is Pioneer Day, which commemorates the arrival of the pioneers in Utah and the struggles they faced. During this holiday, the FDLS community gathers for religious services, reenactments of pioneer life, and shared meals.

It is important to note that perspectives and practices within the FDLS community may vary, as it is a diverse group with its own unique beliefs and traditions. However, the general perspective is that Christmas is not a significant holiday within the FDLS community, and they choose to focus on other aspects of their faith instead.

Historical Background of Fdls and Christmas

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) has an interesting historical background when it comes to Christmas. The FLDS is a religious sect that emerged in the early 20th century as an offshoot of the mainstream Mormon church.

FLDS members follow the teachings of their prophet, most notably the late Warren Jeffs, who was convicted of child gender assault and is currently serving a jail sentence. The FLDS practices polygamy and often lives in secluded communities.

Christmas, as it is celebrated in mainstream society, is not a significant holiday for the FLDS. This is because the FLDS believes that the Christmas holiday, as it is traditionally observed, has pagan roots and that the celebration of Jesus’s birth should not be confined to a specific day. Instead, the FLDS focuses on living a holy and righteous life every day of the year.

FLDS members do not typically exchange gifts or put up Christmas decorations. They believe that a simpler way of life, devoid of materialism and commercialism, is more in line with their religious teachings. Instead of giving presents, FLDS members may choose to donate to charitable causes or perform acts of service to others.

However, it’s important to note that the FLDS is a diverse group, and some individuals may choose to celebrate Christmas in their own way. For example, some FLDS families may gather for a meal or engage in religious rituals or ceremonies on December 25th.

In conclusion, the FLDS has a unique perspective on Christmas. While it does not place significant importance on the holiday, individual FLDS members may choose to celebrate in their own way, according to their personal beliefs and practices.

Fdls Interpretation of Christmas Scriptures

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) has its own interpretation of the scriptures related to Christmas. The FLDS church follows the teachings of their leader, who they believe receives direct revelation from God.

According to the FLDS interpretation, Christmas is not celebrated in the traditional way. They believe that the celebration of Christmas as a holiday is a man-made tradition and is not based on the teachings of the scriptures. Instead, the FLDS church focuses on the religious significance of Jesus Christ and his birth.

In their interpretation of the scriptures, the FLDS church emphasizes the importance of Christ’s birth as a divine event that fulfilled prophecies and brought salvation to mankind. They believe that the true meaning of Christmas is to remember and reflect on the sacrifice and love of Jesus Christ.

FLDS members also believe that the commercialization of Christmas, with its emphasis on gift-giving and material possessions, distracts from the true spiritual significance of the holiday. Instead, they encourage their members to focus on prayer, studying the scriptures, and spending time with family during the Christmas season.

Key Points of FLDS Interpretation of Christmas Scriptures
Christmas as a man-made tradition
Emphasis on the religious significance of Jesus Christ and his birth
Focus on the sacrifice and love of Jesus Christ
Distrust of the commercialization of Christmas
Encouragement of prayer, scripture study, and family time

Overall, the FLDS church sees Christmas as a time for spiritual reflection and devotion to their faith, rather than a time for celebratory traditions and materialism. They believe that their interpretation of the scriptures aligns more closely with the teachings of Jesus Christ and strive to live their lives accordingly.

Fdls Celebratory Customs during Christmas

Christmas holds a special place in the hearts of Fdls, or Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. While they do not celebrate Christmas in the traditional sense, Fdls do have their own unique customs and traditions during this time of the year.

One of the key customs observed by Fdls during Christmas is the nativity reenactment. Members of the community come together to recreate the scene of Jesus’ birth, complete with costumes and props. This reenactment serves as a way for Fdls to remember and reflect upon the true meaning of the holiday.

Another important custom is the emphasis on family time during Christmas. Fdls believe in the importance of strong family bonds, and Christmas provides an opportunity for them to strengthen these relationships. Families gather together for meals, prayer, and singing hymns. It is a time of love, unity, and togetherness for the Fdl community.

In addition to family gatherings, Fdls also engage in acts of charity and giving during Christmas. They believe in the spirit of giving and strive to help those in need within their community. Whether it is through donating food, clothing, or gifts, Fdls make an effort to bring joy and happiness to those who may be less fortunate.

Furthermore, music plays a significant role in Fdl Christmas celebrations. Hymns and songs praising Jesus and celebrating his birth are sung with passion and reverence. Music is seen as a way to connect with the divine and express gratitude for the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Overall, while Fdls do not participate in many of the commercial aspects of Christmas, they have their own meaningful customs and traditions. Nativity reenactments, family gatherings, acts of charity, and music all play a vital role in their unique way of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Nativity Reenactment Family Time Acts of Charity Music
Recreating the scene of Jesus’ birth Gathering together for meals, prayer, and singing hymns Donating food, clothing, or gifts to those in need Singing hymns and songs praising Jesus

Impact of Fdls Beliefs on Christmas Traditions

The beliefs of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) have a significant impact on the way Christmas is celebrated within their community. As a strict sect that adheres to their own interpretation of Mormonism, the FLDS has unique beliefs and practices that differ from mainstream Christianity. These differences influence how they approach and celebrate Christmas.

One key aspect of the FLDS belief system that affects their Christmas traditions is their rejection of the commercialization of the holiday. Unlike mainstream society, which often emphasizes materialism and gift-giving during Christmas, the FLDS place more emphasis on the spiritual and religious aspects of the holiday. They believe in focusing on the birth of Jesus Christ and the religious significance of this event, rather than consumerism and material gifts.

Another way in which FDLS beliefs impact Christmas traditions is their strict adherence to traditional gender roles. In the FLDS community, men and women have separate roles and responsibilities, and these roles are reflected in the way Christmas is celebrated. Men may be responsible for organizing and leading religious services and activities, while women may take charge of preparing meals and decorating the home. This segregation of gender roles affects the dynamics of family gatherings and the overall atmosphere of holiday celebrations within the FLDS community.

Furthermore, the FLDS’ emphasis on modesty and simplicity also influences their Christmas traditions. They believe in maintaining a simple and humble lifestyle, avoiding extravagance and excess. This is reflected in their Christmas celebrations, which are often devoid of lavish decorations or elaborate feasts. Instead, they focus on creating a reverent and spiritually-focused atmosphere, centered around prayer, scripture readings, and religious songs.

Overall, the beliefs of the FLDS have a profound impact on the way Christmas is celebrated within their community. From their rejection of commercialism to their strict adherence to traditional gender roles and modesty, the FLDS maintain a distinct approach to the holiday season that sets them apart from mainstream Christianity.

Rejection of Secular Aspects of Christmas by Fdls

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) adheres to a strict religious doctrine that emphasizes a separation from the secular world. As a result, FDLs reject many of the secular aspects of Christmas that have become popular in mainstream society.

While FDLs recognize the religious significance of Christmas as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, they do not partake in the commercialized and materialistic aspects of the holiday. FDLs believe that excessive consumerism and focus on material possessions detracts from the true spirit of Christmas.

Unlike many other Christian denominations that incorporate secular traditions such as Santa Claus, gift-giving, and Christmas trees into their celebrations, FDLs maintain a simple and traditional approach to the holiday. They focus on prayer, scripture study, and spending time with family to mark the occasion.

Additionally, FDLs do not engage in the festivities associated with December 25th, as they recognize it as a date largely chosen for convenience rather than the actual birth of Jesus. Instead, they celebrate the birth of Jesus on April 6th, which they believe to be the true date based on revelations from their founder, Joseph Smith.

In summary, FDLs reject the secular aspects of Christmas and instead emphasize the religious significance of the holiday. Their focus on simplicity, spirituality, and the true meaning of Christmas sets them apart from mainstream society’s celebration of the holiday.

Fdls Perception and Attitudes towards Mainstream Christmas Celebration

Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) have a unique perspective and approach towards the mainstream Christmas celebration. The FLDS, a fundamentalist Mormon sect, has distinct beliefs and practices that differ from those of the mainstream Mormon Church and other Christian denominations. Understanding their perception and attitudes towards Christmas can provide insights into their religious beliefs and cultural practices.

First and foremost, it is important to note that the FLDS do not recognize or celebrate Christmas in the same way as mainstream society. They do not observe December 25th as the birth of Jesus Christ and do not participate in the traditional Christmas festivities. This is because the FLDS follows the teachings of their prophet, Warren Jeffs, who explicitly forbids the celebration of secular holidays.

However, the FLDS does acknowledge and honor the birth of Jesus Christ, but in a different manner. They believe in living a simple and austere lifestyle, and this extends to their religious celebrations. Instead of grand festivities and materialistic exchanges, the FLDS focuses on internal reflection, prayer, and religious study during the holiday season.

For them, the birth of Jesus Christ is a spiritual event, rather than a commercialized occasion. They emphasize the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with Christ and strive to embody his teachings in their daily lives. This means that their perception of Christmas is deeply rooted in their religious beliefs and values.

Moreover, the FLDS views the mainstream Christmas celebration as a distraction from their core religious principles. They believe that the commercialization and consumerism surrounding Christmas detract from the true meaning of the holiday. Instead of investing time and resources in elaborate decorations and gift-giving, the FLDS prioritizes simplicity and spiritual growth.

It is also important to acknowledge that the FLDS community is relatively insular and self-sufficient. They prioritize their own unique religious practices and cultural traditions, which may differ significantly from mainstream society. As a result, their perception and attitudes towards Christmas align with their larger worldview and religious beliefs.

In summary, the FLDS perception and attitudes towards the mainstream Christmas celebration are rooted in their distinct religious beliefs and cultural practices. They prioritize simplicity and spiritual growth over materialistic exchanges and elaborate festivities. Understanding their perspective can shed light on their beliefs and values, offering a glimpse into their unique way of life.

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Felicity Long

Felicity Long, a seasoned travel journalist with 15+ years of experience, specializes in exploring Europe, family travel, and skiing, as evident in her book "Great Escapes: New England" (The Countryman Press). She edits the Europe eNewsletter and contributes significantly to TravelAsker's destinations sections. Felicity has received esteemed awards, including the Cacique and Yo Leonardo Awards, in recognition of her outstanding international travel writing accomplishments.

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