Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey

Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey is a harrowing and thought-provoking true crime documentary series that premiered on Netflix in 2022. The limited series delves into the complex and disturbing world of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), an extreme offshoot of the mainstream Mormon Church (LDS Church) that practices polygamy. At the heart of the series is the story of Warren Jeffs, the self-proclaimed prophet of the FLDS who succeeded his father, Rulon Jeffs, and ultimately led the sect to infamy with his tyrannical and abusive practices.

Over the course of the series, viewers are given an inside look into the secretive and tightly controlled community where followers are expected to live by a strict set of doctrines that include plural marriage – men having multiple wives – and the complete submission to the will of the prophet. Through a combination of in-depth interviews, archival footage, personal stories, and expert commentary, the series paints a vivid picture of life within the FLDS and the horrific impact of Warren Jeffs' leadership.

The title, Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey, is a phrase commonly used within the FLDS that underscores the expectations placed upon members of the congregation, especially women and girls, to conform to the edicts issued by Jeffs, without question or complaint. In the show, survivors and former members of the FLDS speak candidly about their experiences, detailing how the mantra became a means of controlling and manipulating them, and how its implications ranged from enforcing modesty and obedience to justifying underage marriages and systemic sexual abuse.

The series is not only an exposition of the extreme beliefs and practices of the FLDS but also a story of resilience and hope. It follows some of the individuals who managed to escape the cult's grip and have since worked to rebuild their lives while grappling with the lasting trauma of their experiences. The courage of these survivors is at the core of the series, as they recount the difficult and often dangerous process of leaving the community they were born into, challenging the authority of a man who was regarded as a living god, and confronting the complex emotions that come with breaking away from everything they had known.

Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey also navigates the intricate relationship between religion, power, and the law, showcasing the struggle to bring Warren Jeffs to justice. The series includes a detailed account of the legal and law enforcement efforts that were undertaken to investigate and prosecute Jeffs for his crimes, including pedophilia and the arrangement of illegal marriages between his followers. The documentary highlights how insular religious communities like the FLDS can operate under the radar for years, with practices that are at odds with mainstream societal values and the law, creating a shadow society where abuses can be perpetuated with impunity.

The social dynamics and cultural isolation of the FLDS members are also a focal point of the series, providing insights into how such communities become breeding grounds for unchecked power and abuse. It explores the complexities involved in challenging a cult's hierarchy, the fallout for those who dare to question the authority ingrained within their community, and the anguish of families torn apart by the conflicting demands of faith and personal conscience.

Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey is a story of indoctrination, control, and the vicious cycle of abuse, as well as the remarkable strength demonstrated by survivors who take a stand against the sect's practices. The documentary raises important questions regarding religious fanaticism, the protection of women and children, and the responsibility of the broader community to intervene when atrocities are committed under the guise of faith.

Overall, Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey is a compelling and emotionally charged documentary series that provides an unflinching look at one of the most notorious cults in recent history. It's a sobering examination of the impact of corrupt leadership and extremist beliefs on individuals and communities, and a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome even the darkest of circumstances. Viewer discretion is advised, as the content includes themes and discussions that may be disturbing to some audiences due to the nature of the crimes investigated.