WhenSister Wivespremiered in 2010, theBrowns identified as fundamentalist Mormons. The polygamous family belonged to the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB), a fundamentalist sect that’s considered to be a branch of mainstream Mormonism. While the LDS Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) bannedpolygamyin 1890, theAUB and several other fundamentalist groups continue the practice, as they believe it’sessential to reach the highest level of exaltationin the afterlife.
Not every member of the AUB is polygamous, as it’s only encouraged but not mandatory. But for the Brown family,polygamy seemed to be a religious duty as much as a lifestyle choice. However,just as their marital statuses have changed, so has the family’s relationship with religion, at least compared to Season 1.
Religion Was Important to the Browns (at First)
Religion was a part of most of the Brown family member’s lives long before reality TV cameras were introduced. It’s possible part of their motivation for going on the TLC show was to promote their religious beliefs and normalize plural marriage.Kody, Meri, and Christine were raised in polygamous households. They likely had positive perceptions and examples of polygamous families, leading them to choose the lifestyle for themselves in adults.
While Janelle wasn’t raised in plural marriage (she grew up practicing mainstream LDS), her mother later converted to polygamy. In fact, she became Kody’s father’s second wife, which technically madeKody and Janelle step siblingsbefore tying the knot to each other.
These 10 Villains Bring the Chaos in ‘Sister Wives’
Chaos reigns in the Brown family.
Robynwas the only wife whodidn’t have a history of polygamybefore joining the Browns. She came in with three kids of her ownafter fleeing an abusive marriageand has said on numerous occasions she wasattracted to the stability plural marriage provided. This makes it sound like she wasjoining for personal and practical reasons, rather than religious ones.
She’s now Kody’s only remaining wife, putting them in an unintentionally monogamous dynamic. While Kody seems fine with his one wife,Robyn has expressed a desire to return to polygamy. But it doesn’t seem to be motivated by religion, but rather by the same stability and community she was originally looking for.
Drama Replaced Religion on Sister Wives
In any case, in early seasons ofSister Wives,thefamily’s religion was featured regularly. They’d attend meetings within their community when they lived in Utah, and regularly discuss their beliefs and practices on camera. But afterfleeing the state due to legal pressure,they relocated to Las Vegas– and it was a majordisruption to their religious community.
Fans online have pointed out how church services have become scarce on the show. At one point,Kody was conducting informal services at their homefor the family and visiting guests. But his sermons felt performative and awkward. Online critics speculated it was less about genuine worship and more about maintaining appearances, especially since Sister Wives’ratings have continued to skyrocket in tandem with their distance from the church.
Nowadays,there’s little evidence the Browns are still attending churchor even actively practicing their religion. None of them are actively practicing polygamy. EvenChristine has gotten remarried, but says she’ll never become part of a sister wives dynamic again. This doesn’t mean her religious values aren’t still important, but it does signal a change.
Why Religion Looks Different for the Browns Now
When you think about it, it makes sense that the Brown’s relationship with religion has changeda lot through the seasons. Being onnational television is going to complicateanyone’s relationship with faith. The family has been subjected to public scrutiny, legal fears, and sensational headlines. This could’ve pushed them to keep their religious practices private despite being so open at one time.
But it’s also likely theinternal family changes have played a part. Christine, Janelle, and Meri have all left Kody in recent years. They’re no longer the unified polygamous family that managed to snag a reality show – which, knowing Kody’s ego, was probably once a huge bragging point for him.
In AUB, divorce is possible but frowned upon, especially when it involves fracturing a polygamous family. Kody’s inability to maintain his marriages could reflect poorly within fundamentalist circles, causing him to distance himself.He can no longer keep up appearancesof a strong patriarch when three of his wivescalled him out on national television. We’ve all seenhow much Kody care about his looks, so this has got to cut even deeper.
Nowadays, religion has almost entirely left the show to be replaced by even more drama than ever. And we’re not complaining. Things in life shift, and the same happens on reality TV, just more dramatic. And let’s be honest, it’s not like viewers ever tuned in to listen to Kody preach.
Sister Wives
A reality TV series explores the life of a polygamous family as they navigate the challenges and complexities of living in a society that largely disapproves of their lifestyle. The family’s dynamic, including the relationships between the husband, his four wives, and their 18 children, offers a unique insight into this unconventional family structure.
