LDS Audit

In the FLDS church they begin wearing garments at age eight

The Start of a Lifetime: FLDS Garments and Childhood Ritual

In the world of modern religious practices, few rituals captivate curiosity quite like the initiation of FLDS children into wearing sacred garments at the tender age of eight. This practice marks a distinct divergence from mainstream LDS conventions and highlights a core difference among these religious communities. For members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), the wearing of garments after baptism at this young age is not just a rite of passage but an enduring spiritual commitment and cultural hallmark.

Historical Roots of FLDS Garments

The tradition of wearing garments has a storied legacy tracing back to Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon movement. Smith's original revelation described garments extending from wrist to ankle as a symbol of divine protection and covenant. Over time, the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) adapted the garment's design to fit contemporary needs and lifestyles. However, the FLDS chose to preserve the original iteration, viewing change as a deviation from their core tenets. This adherence to the original form keeps alive a piece of early Mormon history that the LDS Church has since modernized.

While the LDS Church encourages its members to begin wearing garments as adults following temple admission, FLDS children receive this sign of faith much earlier. At age eight, following baptism, FLDS children don garments, a practice which sharply distinguishes them from their LDS counterparts. Mormon Stories Podcast provides interviews and insights, revealing how sacred undergarments serve as a constant reminder of one's faith and commitment within the FLDS tradition.

Key Claims and Evidence