This is not a flame question.
Can somebody please tell me who represents the teaching of Joseph Smith most closely - FLDS or LDS? Smith had, according to some accounts that I’ve read, 33 wives through both real and “spiritual” marriages.
If that’s true, aren’t the FLDS merely following their prophet and isn’t LDS the real breakaway sect?
I think you’ve summarized it pretty well.
FLDS.Among other things, in Doctrine & Covenants Section 132, Joseph revealed polygamy as a "new and everlasting covenant." Smith went on to proclaim those who failed to practice polygamy would not be permitted to enter into God's glory.
In 1890, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints buckled under intense pressure from the Federal Government (who had ordered the church shut down and their property seized) and officially outlawed polygamy.
Another major difference lies in the Mormon Temple Ceremony. Although Joseph Smith plagiarized the Masonic Rites when he concocted the Mormon Temple work, he did make several significant changes. Among other things, Smith called Christian Pastors "dimwitted hirelings of Satan," and had initiates chant "Oh Marvelous Lucifer" in Hebrew.
When word of these abominations leaked out, the Utah LDS Church gave in to pressure caused by bad publicity and altered the ritual -- despite Smith's specific instruction the Ceremony was to never change. On the other hand, many of their fundamentalist cousins stubbornly stick to Smith's original revelation.
Re. If thats true, arent the FLDS merely following their prophet and isnt LDS the real breakaway sect?
In the eyes of many who have studied Mormonism, YES.
Re. What became of the Mormon group that didnt go to Utah? I believe they were/are called The Reorganized Church of J.C. of Latter Day Saints...?
There have been over 300 breakaway sects. Many of them came before 1847 (when Brigham and the Saints headed west) and did not make the trek to Utah. With roughly 250,000 members, the Reorganized LDS Church is the largest. To their credit, they have never practices polygamy or observed the temple ceremonies. They are headquartered in Independence, Missouri. A few years ago, they changed their name to The Community of Christ.
You are 100% correct, sir!