flds=cool?

The February issue of National Geographic (which my brother gave me a years subscription as a Christmas present. Thanks again, Ricky.{that 'thanks' should be read with heavy sarcasm[just kidding(or am I?)]})has a cover story on 'Polygamy in America'. While it touches on a variety of groups, it primarily focuses on the Flds Church in Texas and in Hilldale Utah.

Aside from the polygamy thing(which I realize is a big aside. Probably big enough to cancel out the positive aspects I am going to describe) I found their community to be very likable. Even admirable.

I've often thought that the ideal community would be something like a primitive tribe with some modern technology, and that is exactly what the Yfz ranch is like.

I feel much of our modern troubles come from the fact that we evolved in a particular environment which is radically different than our modern societies. We have certain desires and tendencies which once served us well but can now work against us.(similar to what I talk about here).

However, I also feel technology makes our lives better. If we could somehow combine our old ways of living with the benefits of our modern world, life it seems, would be better.

Their communities are small. The largest one has 6,000 people.

They don't own televisions, but they do use the internet, cell phones and drive automobiles.

The entire community is based around the temple, which serves not only as a spiritual center but a social one as well.

They grow most of their own food and everyone, including children, help.

They have other businesses as well, such as machine manufacturers which are owned and operated communally.

If someone needs a house, the community pitches in and builds it. "In one display of solidarity, the men built a four-bedroom home, from foundation to roof shingles in a single day."

Ironically, they are kind of like a hippy commune. One woman even operates a naturopathic dispensary in Hilldale.

I realize other communities similar to this exist, usually with a left wing/environmental worldview being the uniting glue, but one thing those communities seem to lack is the strong family basis.

If you lived in a place like the Yfz ranch, all your grandparents and siblings and cousins and uncles etc. would be your neighbors. While being so close physically to your extended family can have its pros and cons, over all it sounds nice to me. Especially if you shared a similar world view.

I have always had a fully negative impression of the Flds Church, but while reading the National Geographic article, I was surprised to find myself feeling envious of the community they have made for themselves. I was also surprised to learn that aside from the polygamy thing and the patriarchal way the priesthood is set up(again, I know this is a big aside), the women actually had a big say in things. I heard an interview with the female photographer of the piece and she described the community as feeling almost matriarchal.

Over all, I wouldn't want to live at the Yfz ranch. Not only because of polygamy but the patriarchal theocracy alone is enough to be a deal breaker, however, I did find much of their way of life to be admirable.