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.
Joseph Smith/Polygamy/Keeping plural marriage a secret
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Keeping plural marriage a secret
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Keeping plural marriage a secret
Hiding the truth about polygamy
Summary: It is true that Joseph did not always tell others about plural marriage. He did, however, make some attempt to teach the doctrine to the Saints. It is thus important to realize that the public preaching of polygamy—or announcing it to the general Church membership, thereby informing the public by proxy—was simply not a feasible plan. Critics of Joseph's choice want their audience to ignore the danger to him and the Saints.Hiding the truth about polygamy from Emma
Summary: Joseph Smith did not always disclose his plural marriages to his first wife, Emma. How might we understand his decision?Illegal to practice polygamy?
Summary: Polygamy was certainly declared illegal during the Utah-era anti-polygamy crusade. Under Illinois law in the 1840s, however, Joseph Smith could likely not have been properly prosecuted for his plural marriages. The Illinois legislature would later alter their laws precisely because they feared that their current law would allow Mormon polygamy.Did Joseph write secret "love letters" to any of his polygamous wives?
Summary: Is it true that on 18 August 1842 Joseph Smith wrote a “love letter” to Sarah Ann Whitney requesting a secret rendezvous or "tryst?" Joseph had been sealed to Sarah Ann three weeks prior to this time. What does this letter actually say?Joseph Smith's Polygamy: "“Thou Shalt not Lie” and Denials of Polygamy: FAQ", by Brian C. Hales