Keep Sweet: FLDS, cults, and love bombing

The world is rapt watching Keep Sweet. The Netflix docu-series details life in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints through the rise and (sort of) fall of Warren Jeffs. But it's really a study in cults and a man exhibiting all the signs of an abuser.

Calling FLDS a cult isn't hyperbolic. They fit squarely with the definition, a group characterized by an unusual religious or spiritual belief often organized around a particular personality. Watching, it's obvious Jeffs is that leader and the belief is polygamy.

The FLDS spun out of the mainstream religion in the late-1800s when the mainstream Mormon church banned polygamy. So even its founding has hallmarks of cults since typical followers are 'countercultural, politically rebellious types who felt the “powers that be” had failed them.'

By 2002, the group was ripe for an abuser like Jeffs. Textbook signs of domestic abuse include strict gender roles, controlling clothing and communication channels, projecting more success than they have, unpredictability, forced sex, controlling finances and public humiliation.

Warren Jeffs showed his stripes even before his father's death and his rise. First it was rules about hair and clothing. Then suddenly most outside media was banned. Like typical abusers he was stripping autonomy as basic as dressing and isolating the group members.

He cemented his status following the funeral. Since his father was supposed to have been the last prophet ever, he claimed he was the incarnation of his father and took his father's wives for himself. This coup cast him in a heavenly sent light, more important than any other.

Jeffs, known for being a stickler and harsh disciplinarian, made life on the compound unpredictable. In a way, he love bombed. Those in good graces were showered with wives and praise. Those opposed or threatening were denounced and stripped of everything. Even their families.

As his power was reaching its height, Jeffs quashed any descent with a single meeting. He called everyone to him. All of the most powerful men second only to him were told to stand. And he claimed God told him they were evil. They were banished immediately. A public culling.

But as happens with many abusers, he became emboldened until he revealed himself. As Warren consolidated power, he got reckless. He performed forced marriages--and sex--of younger and younger girls, eventually drawing authorities. He was hunted down and convicted of many crimes.

More has since come out, including evidence he abused his own young relatives. These revelations were enough to convince some to leave. But as happens in many cases of abuse, many in his control refuse to believe his guilt and he is still running his FLDS cult from jail.