Adventures in Mormon land: Polygamy Lives

Utah breathed a collective sigh of relief this week. Maybe it was more of a gasp. They had been holding their breath. Now they let it go. It was long. It was loud. Warren Jeffs is finally under arrest.

For those not familiar with Mormon sub-culture, Warren Jeffs is a Fundamentalist. A Mormon Fundamentalist. Jeffs reportedly has eighty wives. Jeffs heads the Fundamentalist Mormon Church (FLDS). Jeffs was a big embarrassment to Utah Mormons, ever striving to be considered mainstream.

Since his arrest, the news has been about Jeffs, with a short break for President Bush’s visit. The talk shows have been consumed with Jeffs. Doug Wright of the Doug Wright show, KSL radio’s morning talk show, described Warren Jeffs’ doctrines as heard in sermons as “archaic”. Utahns wonder aloud where this guy came from. They are glad to have him locked away, hopefully for good.

What is the problem with Warren Jeff’s? Why are Utahns so anxious to shut him down and lock him away? Why is Utah embarrassed by Warren Jeff’s? After all, he is one of the few Mormons on the planet who actually believes what Joseph Smith and Brigham Young taught.

Then again that might be the reason…