FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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Plural marriage: Difference between revisions
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It is claimed that "Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism, was the first Mormon prophet to practice polygamy. He took as many as 48 wives. Many were teenagers, as young as 13 years old. Many were already married to other men and continued in polyandry: having more than one husband. He married pairs of sisters, and even took a mother and her daughter for wives." | |||
{{CriticalSources}} | {{CriticalSources}} | ||
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|link=Mormonism and polygamy/Deseret News 7 Nov 1855 - Polygamy never go away | |link=Mormonism and polygamy/Deseret News 7 Nov 1855 - Polygamy never go away | ||
|subject=Deseret News 7 Nov 1855 - Polygamy never to go away | |subject=Deseret News 7 Nov 1855 - Polygamy never to go away | ||
|summary= | |summary=It is claimed that some Church leaders taught that plural marriage was a practice that would persist forever. Jerald and Sandra Tanner wrote that "Brigham Young" said that polygamy would never go away in Deseret News of 7 November 1855. | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{SummaryItem | {{SummaryItem | ||
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|link=Mormonism and polygamy/Did early Church leaders speak of plural marriage difficulties | |link=Mormonism and polygamy/Did early Church leaders speak of plural marriage difficulties | ||
|subject=Did early Church leaders speak of plural marriage difficulties? | |subject=Did early Church leaders speak of plural marriage difficulties? | ||
|summary= | |summary=It is claimed that early Church leaders "admitted" that there were many difficulties with plural marriage that caused "problems" and "great sorrow." | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{SummaryItem | {{SummaryItem | ||
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|link=Mormonism and polygamy/Lamanites to become "white and delightsome" through polygamous marriage | |link=Mormonism and polygamy/Lamanites to become "white and delightsome" through polygamous marriage | ||
|subject=Lamanites to become "white and delightsome" through polygamous marriage | |subject=Lamanites to become "white and delightsome" through polygamous marriage | ||
|summary= | |summary=It is claimed that the Church “suppressed” a revelation given to Joseph Smith in 1831 which encouraged the implementation of polygamy by intermarriage with the Indians in order to make them a “white and delightsome” people. | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{SummaryItem | {{SummaryItem | ||
|link=Mormonism and polygamy/Practiced after the Manifesto | |link=Mormonism and polygamy/Practiced after the Manifesto | ||
|subject=Practiced after the Manifesto | |subject=Practiced after the Manifesto | ||
|summary= limited number of plural marriages were solemnized after Wilford Woodruff's Manifesto of 1890 (Official Declaration 1). Some of these marriages were apparently sanctioned by some in positions of Church leadership. | |summary= limited number of plural marriages were solemnized after Wilford Woodruff's Manifesto of 1890 (Official Declaration 1). Some of these marriages were apparently sanctioned by some in positions of Church leadership. It is claimed that this demonstrates that the Manifesto was merely a political tactic, and that the "revelation" of the Manifesto was merely a cynical ploy. They also claim that Post-Manifesto marriages demonstrate the LDS Church's contempt for the civil law of the land. | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{SummaryItem | {{SummaryItem | ||
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|link=Mormonism and polygamy/Requirement for exaltation | |link=Mormonism and polygamy/Requirement for exaltation | ||
|subject=Requirement for exaltation | |subject=Requirement for exaltation | ||
|summary=Some Church leaders taught that plural marriage was a requirement for those wishing to enter the highest degree of the celestial kingdom. Because the Church does not currently practice plural marriage, | |summary=Some Church leaders taught that plural marriage was a requirement for those wishing to enter the highest degree of the celestial kingdom. Because the Church does not currently practice plural marriage, some claim this means that either the leaders were wrong, or that current members are not destined for exaltation. | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{SummaryItem | {{SummaryItem | ||
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|link=Mormonism and polygamy/Parley P. Pratt's marriage and murder | |link=Mormonism and polygamy/Parley P. Pratt's marriage and murder | ||
|subject=Parley P. Pratt's marriage and murder | |subject=Parley P. Pratt's marriage and murder | ||
|summary= | |summary=It is claimed that Parley P. Pratt's practice of polygamy was responsible for his murder, partly because he married a woman who hadn't been divorced from her first husband. What can you tell me about this? | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{SummaryItem | {{SummaryItem | ||
|link=Mormonism and polygamy/Leaders worried missionaries take best plural wives | |link=Mormonism and polygamy/Leaders worried missionaries take best plural wives | ||
|subject=Leaders worried missionaries take best plural wives | |subject=Leaders worried missionaries take best plural wives | ||
|summary= | |summary=It is claimed that nineteenth century Church leaders worried that missionaries would "take all the best" convert women as plural wives before they got to Salt Lake. | ||
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 04:55, 2 December 2013
Mormonism and polygamy
Important introductory material on plural marriage available here
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Questions
It is claimed that "Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism, was the first Mormon prophet to practice polygamy. He took as many as 48 wives. Many were teenagers, as young as 13 years old. Many were already married to other men and continued in polyandry: having more than one husband. He married pairs of sisters, and even took a mother and her daughter for wives."
To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]
Gospel Topics, "Polygamy (Plural Marriage)"
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gospel Topics, (2010)The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. At certain times and for His specific purposes, God, through His prophets, has directed the practice of plural marriage (sometimes called polygamy), which means one man having more than one living wife at the same time. In obedience to direction from God, Latter-day Saints followed this practice for about 50 years during the 1800s but officially ceased the practice of such marriages after the Manifesto was issued by President Woodruff in 1890. Since that time, plural marriage has not been approved by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and any member adopting this practice is subject to losing his or her membership in the Church.
Click here to view the complete article
Valerie Hudson, "A Reconciliation of Polygamy"
Valerie Hudson, Proceedings of the 2011 FAIR Conference, (August 2011)During the period of time when the restored Church was commanded by the Lord to practice polygamy, some practiced it without any discernible hardship and still others with great pain. Contemporary Church members may look back upon that period with acceptance, or indifference, or discomfort, and I would like to say at the outset that I don’t see that diversity of feelings is harmful that people differ in their reactions to polygamy I don’t think is the issue. Rather, since the New and everlasting covenant of marriage is at the heart of the work of eternal life and godhood; confusion about the nature and form of lawful marriage ordained by God is harmful.
Click here to view the complete article
Topics
Polygamy in Latter-day Saint scripture
1835 Doctrine and Covenants denies polygamy
Summary: The 1835 edition of the D&C contained a statement of marriage which denied the practice of polygamy. Since this was published during Joseph Smith's lifetime, why might the prophet have allowed it to be published if he was actually practicing polygamy at that time?Book of Mormon condemns the practice
Summary: Critics of Mormonism use the Book of Jacob to show that the Book of Mormon condemns the practice of polygamy. Critics go on to claim that Joseph Smith ignored this restriction by introducing the doctrine of plural marriage.Polygamy in the 19th Century
Deseret News 7 Nov 1855 - Polygamy never to go away
Summary: It is claimed that some Church leaders taught that plural marriage was a practice that would persist forever. Jerald and Sandra Tanner wrote that "Brigham Young" said that polygamy would never go away in Deseret News of 7 November 1855.Divorce in the 19th century
Summary: Some members of the Church remarried without obtaining a formal legal divorce. Critics of the Church try to make this seem dishonest and adulterous, when it was in fact the norm for the period, especially on the frontier and among the poor. Critics are not honest about the legal realities faced by nineteenth century Americans.Did early Church leaders speak of plural marriage difficulties?
Summary: It is claimed that early Church leaders "admitted" that there were many difficulties with plural marriage that caused "problems" and "great sorrow."Divine manifestations to plural wives, their families, and other members
Summary: Did those who entered into plural marriage do so simply because Joseph Smith (or another Church leader) "told them to"? Is this an example of "blind obedience"? No, they bore witness that only powerful revelatory experiences convinced them that the command was from God.Lamanites to become "white and delightsome" through polygamous marriage
Summary: It is claimed that the Church “suppressed” a revelation given to Joseph Smith in 1831 which encouraged the implementation of polygamy by intermarriage with the Indians in order to make them a “white and delightsome” people.Practiced after the Manifesto
Summary: limited number of plural marriages were solemnized after Wilford Woodruff's Manifesto of 1890 (Official Declaration 1). Some of these marriages were apparently sanctioned by some in positions of Church leadership. It is claimed that this demonstrates that the Manifesto was merely a political tactic, and that the "revelation" of the Manifesto was merely a cynical ploy. They also claim that Post-Manifesto marriages demonstrate the LDS Church's contempt for the civil law of the land.Prevalence of in Utah
Summary: What was the prevalence of polygamy in Utah? How many wives did most polygamist males have?Purpose of plural marriage
Summary: Why would the Lord have commanded the 19th century Saints to implement plural marriage? What purpose(s) did polygamy accomplish?Requirement for exaltation
Summary: Some Church leaders taught that plural marriage was a requirement for those wishing to enter the highest degree of the celestial kingdom. Because the Church does not currently practice plural marriage, some claim this means that either the leaders were wrong, or that current members are not destined for exaltation.The Law of Adoption
Summary: Critics point to the early practice of sealing men and women as children to prominent LDS leaders as an example of changes in LDS belief.Brigham Young and polygamy
Brigham Young said that the only men who become gods are those that practice polygamy
Summary: Since Brigham Young said "The only men who become Gods, even the sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy" (Journal of Discourses 11:269), does this mean plural marriage is required for exaltation?Remarrying without civil divorce
Summary: Some critics like to emphasize that some LDS members did not receive civil divorces before remarrying—either monogamously or polygamously. They either state or imply that this shows the Saints' cavalier attitude toward the law.Parley P. Pratt's marriage and murder
Summary: It is claimed that Parley P. Pratt's practice of polygamy was responsible for his murder, partly because he married a woman who hadn't been divorced from her first husband. What can you tell me about this?Leaders worried missionaries take best plural wives
Summary: It is claimed that nineteenth century Church leaders worried that missionaries would "take all the best" convert women as plural wives before they got to Salt Lake.Polygamy in the 20th Century
Relationship to the modern Church
Summary: Critics or ill-informed commentators often try to make it appear as if modern polygamist groups continue to have Church connections. Some often call upon the Church to "stop" the polygamist activities of such groups.Polygamy as practiced anciently
Early Christians on plural marriage
Summary: There is extensive, unequivocal evidence that polygamous relationships were condoned under various circumstances by biblical prophets, despite how uncomfortable this might make a modern Christian. Elder Orson Pratt was widely viewed as the victor in a three-day debate on this very point with Reverend John P. Newman, Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, in 1870.
Polygamy in Latter-day Saint scripture
1835 Doctrine and Covenants denies polygamy
Summary: The 1835 edition of the D&C contained a statement of marriage which denied the practice of polygamy. Since this was published during Joseph Smith's lifetime, why might the prophet have allowed it to be published if he was actually practicing polygamy at that time?Book of Mormon condemns the practice
Summary: Critics of Mormonism use the Book of Jacob to show that the Book of Mormon condemns the practice of polygamy. Critics go on to claim that Joseph Smith ignored this restriction by introducing the doctrine of plural marriage.Polygamy in the 19th Century
Deseret News 7 Nov 1855 - Polygamy never to go away
Summary: It is claimed that some Church leaders taught that plural marriage was a practice that would persist forever. Jerald and Sandra Tanner wrote that "Brigham Young" said that polygamy would never go away in Deseret News of 7 November 1855.Divorce in the 19th century
Summary: Some members of the Church remarried without obtaining a formal legal divorce. Critics of the Church try to make this seem dishonest and adulterous, when it was in fact the norm for the period, especially on the frontier and among the poor. Critics are not honest about the legal realities faced by nineteenth century Americans.Did early Church leaders speak of plural marriage difficulties?
Summary: It is claimed that early Church leaders "admitted" that there were many difficulties with plural marriage that caused "problems" and "great sorrow."Divine manifestations to plural wives, their families, and other members
Summary: Did those who entered into plural marriage do so simply because Joseph Smith (or another Church leader) "told them to"? Is this an example of "blind obedience"? No, they bore witness that only powerful revelatory experiences convinced them that the command was from God.Lamanites to become "white and delightsome" through polygamous marriage
Summary: It is claimed that the Church “suppressed” a revelation given to Joseph Smith in 1831 which encouraged the implementation of polygamy by intermarriage with the Indians in order to make them a “white and delightsome” people.Practiced after the Manifesto
Summary: limited number of plural marriages were solemnized after Wilford Woodruff's Manifesto of 1890 (Official Declaration 1). Some of these marriages were apparently sanctioned by some in positions of Church leadership. It is claimed that this demonstrates that the Manifesto was merely a political tactic, and that the "revelation" of the Manifesto was merely a cynical ploy. They also claim that Post-Manifesto marriages demonstrate the LDS Church's contempt for the civil law of the land.Prevalence of in Utah
Summary: What was the prevalence of polygamy in Utah? How many wives did most polygamist males have?Purpose of plural marriage
Summary: Why would the Lord have commanded the 19th century Saints to implement plural marriage? What purpose(s) did polygamy accomplish?Requirement for exaltation
Summary: Some Church leaders taught that plural marriage was a requirement for those wishing to enter the highest degree of the celestial kingdom. Because the Church does not currently practice plural marriage, some claim this means that either the leaders were wrong, or that current members are not destined for exaltation.The Law of Adoption
Summary: Critics point to the early practice of sealing men and women as children to prominent LDS leaders as an example of changes in LDS belief.Brigham Young and polygamy
Brigham Young said that the only men who become gods are those that practice polygamy
Summary: Since Brigham Young said "The only men who become Gods, even the sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy" (Journal of Discourses 11:269), does this mean plural marriage is required for exaltation?Remarrying without civil divorce
Summary: Some critics like to emphasize that some LDS members did not receive civil divorces before remarrying—either monogamously or polygamously. They either state or imply that this shows the Saints' cavalier attitude toward the law.Parley P. Pratt's marriage and murder
Summary: It is claimed that Parley P. Pratt's practice of polygamy was responsible for his murder, partly because he married a woman who hadn't been divorced from her first husband. What can you tell me about this?Leaders worried missionaries take best plural wives
Summary: It is claimed that nineteenth century Church leaders worried that missionaries would "take all the best" convert women as plural wives before they got to Salt Lake.Polygamy in the 20th Century
Relationship to the modern Church
Summary: Critics or ill-informed commentators often try to make it appear as if modern polygamist groups continue to have Church connections. Some often call upon the Church to "stop" the polygamist activities of such groups.Polygamy as practiced anciently
Early Christians on plural marriage
Summary: There is extensive, unequivocal evidence that polygamous relationships were condoned under various circumstances by biblical prophets, despite how uncomfortable this might make a modern Christian. Elder Orson Pratt was widely viewed as the victor in a three-day debate on this very point with Reverend John P. Newman, Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, in 1870.
Essays on various topics in Joseph Smith's plural marriages
| When did plural marriage start? |
Joseph Smith and plural marriage
- Beginnings of plural marriage
- Fanny Alger: Joseph's first plural wife
- Early womanizer?
- Illegal marriages in Ohio?
- Age of wives
- Children of polygamous unions
- Marrying other men's wives?
- Polyandry
- John C. Bennett