Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal? The FLDS Parallels Are Impossible to Ignore

| Growing Up in Polygamy | | Episode 1 Reaction|

Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal? tells the story of Gloriavale, a closed religious community in New Zealand that was founded on promises of faith, unity, and a better way of life. As former members of Mormon communities, we couldn’t help but notice some striking similarities to our own experiences growing up in the FLDS and mainstream Mormon culture.

In this reaction and discussion, we explore the origins of Gloriavale, the appeal of religious utopias, and why so many isolated groups seem to develop similar rules, expectations, and power structures over time. We discuss the role of obedience, patriarchal leadership, separation from the outside world, and how sincere beliefs can sometimes create environments where abuse and control are able to flourish.

While Gloriavale, the FLDS, and the LDS Church are very different in many ways, this documentary raises important questions about authority, devotion, loyalty, and what happens when questioning leadership is seen as betrayal. What did you think of Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal? Did you notice similarities to other religious communities or high-demand groups?