FLDS info resources *bump

Like with Batman, I was into the FLDS cult before it was cool. Since Chip mentioned it, I am hip-deep in media consumption on America's favorite Mormon fundamentalist polygamy cult.

I've been toying with the idea of writing a blog post on this since April 3, but have been overthinking the question: what do I have to add? I don't feel like grandstanding. There are horrors too dark for my literary working-over. But what I do have to contribute, in my familiar role as information conduit, is information resources, and I can see that most of America is sorely lacking for these.

The facts about this cult can begin to cut through the hijacked concept of tolerance blinding the majority of the public - the unquestionable righteousness and dehabilitating comfort of religious pluralism. It's so seductive that cult leaders count on it for mind control of the general public, to keep the outside at bay. So here's a strong starter list.

Books

Under the Banner of Heaven by journalistic god Jon Krakauer - Here's the book, the big book, the main book, the definitive and exhaustive expose chronicling not only the development of the FLDS, but the entire history of Mormonism and how it sets the context for this splitter cult. The research, gripping writing, and scrutable detail all deservedly elevated this majestic piece of journalism to the bestseller list. I have been fascinated by this cult ever since I read this book, a few years ago. The lack of its mention in all this media coverage bewilders me. The systemic evil of this cult is laid out clearly, all its shocks delivered matter-of-factly. This is the one to read.

When Men Became Gods by Stephen Singular chronicles the life of FLDS Leader Warren Jeffs and his reign. Enticing review in the Rocky Mountain Times, with round-up of basic tenements of the cult.

Colorado City: An inside look for the outsider and The Polygamists: a history of Colorado City, both by Benjamin Bistline. He is a historian from the inside. I think these are the same book.

FLDS survivor biographies

Escape - Escapee Carolyn Jessop's story. She was forced into polygamous marriage and bore eight children. In Banking on Heaven, she talks about the abuse, and how her children held her down while her husband beat her. Her story is being made into a movie by the same name, produced by and starring Katherine Heigl (Knocked Up) .

Stolen Innocence - Escapee Elissa Wall's story. She was forced into marriage with her cousin when she was 14, and was rescued as she had her fourth miscarriage while hiding from her husband. Details at ABC's 20/20 Her story will be made into a movie by producers Jeffrey Sharp and Christine Vachon (Boys Don't Cry) see brief at Cinematical.

Films

Banking on Heaven DVD - If you want a quick crash course, this documentary is a good pick. Made in 2007 by a woman who escaped a similar cult, it is the only filmcrew to get inside the compound and conduct interviews. Powerful, disturbing. View trailer

Secret lives of women: polygamy cult - new documentary aired on women's cable network WE 4/29. This Chicago Tribune column includes a clip. Focuses on escapees-turned-activists Flora and Carol Jessop.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Lifting the Veil of Polygamy - Both expose and historical documentary chronicling polygamy's roots in Mormonism, and its current doctrine and practice by both "new Mormons" and fundamentalists. Escapees interviews. By Living Hope Ministries. Warning: ends with sell to be saved. Watch online for free. Order DVD for four dollars.

Websites

Out of Polygamy.com - Site devoted to helping victims of FLDS leave and recover. Run by Kathy Jo Nicholson, who left.

Lost boys and girls of polygamy - an article including information on what's involved in becoming a host family for a rejected child.

Texas DFPS - Updates from the agency

Documents

Court/public documents related to the Eldorado case at San Angelo Standard-Times, with ongoing news updates

The startling Bishop's List, listing men's wives, children, and ages.

Letter to LDS-PR-machine senator Harry Reid from Utah attorney general Mark Shurtleff and Arizona attorney general Terry Goddard, defending what the states have done over the years to combat the cult in Colorado City/Hilldale.

Articles

Mormonism: A Racket Becomes a Religion - Slate ran excerpts from the new book by incisive commonsense sage Christopher Hitchens God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything.

The Texas Polygamist Sect: Uncoupled and Unchartered - Well-written commentary from TIME summarizing the situation, and finally - a piece that mentions Jon Krakauer and Under the Banner of Heaven.

When the polygamists came to town - Nice angle shows what it's been like for the small town next door since their weird neighbors moved in on a lie and a prayer. TIME

Cult beliefs - Some gems rounded up by Sun Herald, from Carol Jessop's book Escape

Here...

A few words from the heroic Flora Jessop - directly responsible for the rescue of 84 women and children who wanted to escape.



And finally, a recording of actual preaching from Warren Jeffs to girls in 5th to 10th grade, on "celestial marriage" (polygamy) - Section 132 in Mormon scripture. Very straightforward on what these girls were born for, and what they must do to achieve happiness and eternal life.