Polygamy in the book of mormon

What the book of mormon says about polygamy jacob 1. George, the perspectives of two prominent mormon plural wives eliza r. Portraits of a utah town and other acclaimed works, including mormon polygamy. A twohundredyear era of peace followed that visit of christ. Van wagoner is a clinical audiologist and lehi city historian, author of lehi. If you see the episode of southpark on the origins of the mormon church you will get a much edgier satire of the dubious aspect. A portrait of religious excess winner of best book awards from the mormon history association and john whitmer historical association. Sep 04, 2018 the book is a robust and honest version of early church history and while it doesnt dwell on polygamy, its notable that it provides the history of plural marriages in a straight forward way, said patrick mason, a professor of religion at claremont graduate university in california who is the chair of mormon studies at the college. Sep 04, 2018 mormon church founder joseph smith insisted on introducing polygamy in the early 1800s despite knowing the societal risks and getting pushback from other leaders and his first wife, recounts a new. Foster is perhaps the single best volume on the issue of mormon polygamy i have thus far encountered. Theres rape culture, and then theres polygamy culture. The mormon church has been releasing essays that acknowledge that their. These are a few examples of what polygamy culture looks like.

Behold, david and solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the lord. Polygamy plural marriage lds church perspective on. On june 22, 2018, hannah stoddard joined greg jarrard on latterday radio to discuss the ces letter, joseph smiths polygamy, the translation of the book of mormon and more. In 1830, he completed an english translation of these plates called the book of mormon and formed the church. Jun 01, 2016 by the time of his death in 1844, joseph smith is believed to have married at least 33 women, with some as young as 14 years old. Drawing from jacob 2, apostle orson pratt, in an 1859 sermon, taught that polygamy was positively forbidden to be practiced by the ancient nephites except as otherwise commanded by god. The book of mormon makes it clear that the lord may, under some circumstances, command the practice of plural marriage.

He has presented at numerous meetings and symposia and published articles in the journal of mormon history, mormon historical studies, and dialogue, as well the persistence of polygamy series. The doctrine and covenants, by contrast, wishes to explain how and when polygamy can be acceptable to god. However, smith began to practice polygyny in the 1830s and secretly told his inner circle that he had received a revelation. Plural marriage in the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. Additionally, many polygamous families were happy, warm, and loving see plural marriage and families in early utah, topicspluralmarriageandfamiliesinearlyutah. Critics of the church like to cite a section of the book of jacob in the book of mormon. For example, the book of mormon teaches that men should have only one wife. Smith, nephew of the founding prophet and his family. Nov 11, 2014 aspects of early mormon history have been discussed and debated, but never officially by the church itself until now. Polygamy culture life outside the book of mormon belt. It suffered great persecution for this practice, and mormons continue to be associated with polygamy to this day, despite ending the practice more than one hundred years ago. In this essay, we attempt to piece together as accurate as possible of a picture of why and how polygamy was established all those years ago in nauvoo. Most people understand that rape culture is a term that identifies ways a society blames female victims for the inappropriate and often criminal behavior of men. This new book by foster and watson on the history of mormon fundamentalist polygamy is a very enjoyable, insightful volume.

The essay on plural marriage in the early days of the mormon. After the death of joseph smith, the church he founded split into several organizations. Joseph smith and the origins of mormon polygamy bringhurst, newell g. The mormon polygamists who believe missouri is the promised.

Mormon church founder joseph smith insisted on introducing polygamy in the early 1800s despite knowing the societal risks and getting pushback from other leaders and his first wife, recounts a new. Is polygamy mentioned in the book of mormon answers. Mar 28, 2016 in the case of plural marriage, the bible and the book of mormon teach that monogamy is gods standard for marriage unless he declares otherwise official declaration 1 heading, or, in jacobs language, if i will, saith the lord of hosts, raise up seed unto me, i will command my people to practice plural marriage. It divided prophet joseph smiths own household, caused a schism in. He describes the complete history of mormon polygamy from its origins in the 1830s to the current day fundamentalists. Polygamy called plural marriage by mormons in the 19th century or the principle by modern fundamentalist practitioners of polygamy was practiced by leaders of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds church for more than half of the 19th century, and practiced publicly from 1852 to 1890 by between 20 and 30 percent of latterday saint families. In getting there, smith had to have done something pretty big, which for all intents and purposes was publishing the book of mormon, a religious text smith translated from gilded plates and which describes the history of hebrews who came to north america thousands.

For example, the book of mormon teaches that men should have only one wife see jacob 2. By the time of his death in 1844, joseph smith is believed to have married at least 33 women, with some as young as 14 years old. Mormonism and polygamy main article mormonism and polygamy background origin of latter day saint polygamy latter day saint polygamy in the late19th century 1890 manifesto second manifesto council of friends woolley 1886 revelation current state current state of polygamy in the latter day saint movement mormon fundamentalism. Polygamy culture and temple rites life outside the book. Explaining polygamy and its history in the mormon church. Nevertheless, early mormons who practiced polygamy believed that they were following a commandment from god and believed they would be blessed for their obedience. How saints and jacobs teachings can help contextualize. The law of plural marriage, often called mormon polygamy, is that it is right only when the lord orders his children to keep the law, usually to raise up a righteous generation of offspring unto the lord, or to provide for a large population of women. While the bible is the record of israelites in the holy land, the book of mormon is an account written by israelite prophets among a branch of israel that dwelt anciently in the americas. Smiths death in 1918, the last chapter in the story of approved polygamy came to a close. New mormon narrative history book includes polygamous roots. Concerning this record, the prophet joseph smith, who translated it by the gift and power of god, said, i told the brethren that the book of mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to god by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book see the introduction at the. From 1830 to 1876, lds scripture was consistent in prohibited polygamy. Hardys book, on the other hand, deals almost exclusively with the postmanifesto era polygamy between 1890 and 1910.

For instance, a full, welldocumented account of the mormon churchs changing doctrines and teachings regarding the subject of polygamy can be found in chapter 9 of the online book, the changing world of mormonism this fascinating book documents the many changes and additions to various mormon doctrines, teachings and revelations throughout its. Too many mormon women are abused by polygamy culture. Jan 07, 2019 but here, the polygamists worship not only with each other, but also with the mormon church, also known as the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, which officially abandoned polygamy in. By the 1880s, an estimated 2030 percent of mormon families practiced polygamy. Outsiders sometimes ask mormons often in jest, occasionally in concern whether they practice polygamy. The mormon handbook is a reference to the church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds, headquartered in salt lake city, utah. It is not to be confused with the lds church handbook of instructions. Mormons believe that god commanded early latterday saints to practice polygamy for a time.

December 23, 1805 june 27, 1844 was an american religious leader and founder of mormonism and the latter day saint movement. In the case of plural marriage, the bible and the book of mormon teach that monogamy is gods standard for marriage unless he declares otherwise official declaration 1 heading, or, in jacobs language, if i will, saith the lord of hosts, raise up seed unto me, i will command my people to practice plural marriage. In 1831 joseph smith made a prayerful inquiry to the lord regarding the ancient old. Mormon church grapples with origins and polygamy youtube. Apr 18, 2018 in polygamy culture, the woman is either seen as unrighteous for not giving consent or not seen at all. Moroni, the last of the nephite prophethistorians, sealed up the abridged records of these people and hid them in about a. The book of mormon itself does not contain specific information about polygamy. The book of mormon was translated and published in 1830.

In april 1844, joseph smith referred to polygamy as john c. This book discusses the issue in a frank and honest manner without taking sides in the difficult matter of lds polygamy. During this time the church publicly taught against polygamy and denied practicing it, while church authorities were privately taking plural wives. While reading, i thought it was a very fair overview of the origins of polygamy and then later, the origins, developments, and internalexternal debates amongst the various fundamentalist groups. Bennetts spiritual wife system and warned if any man writes to you, or preaches to you, doctrines contrary to the bible, the book of mormon, or the book of doctrine and covenants, set him down as an imposter. We are accused here of polygamy, and actions the most indelicate, obscene, and disgusting, such that none but a corrupt and depraved heart could have contrived. Mormons have developed a strong sense of commonality that stems from their doctrine and history. The mormon church practiced polygamy for just under fifty years. Hales is the author of seven books dealing with mormon polygamy.

Mormon apostle john taylor the third mormon prophet publicly denies polygamy while at the time married to 712 wives. Members of the lds church or mormons have not practiced polygamy for over. Aug 17, 2017 explaining polygamy and its history in the mormon church. Nov 14, 2014 mormon church publishes essay on founder joseph smiths polygamy the mormon churchs founder was married to as many as 40 women in the years before his murder in 1844, the church acknowledged in. For if i will, saith the lord of hosts, raise up seed. Mormons change references to blacks, polygamy the changes are the first since 1981, and deal specifically with the churchs original ban on black priesthood ordination and polygamy. Mar 23, 2017 as for the offshoots of the mormon church which continue to practice polygamy, it is important to make distinctions between them. Mcconkie, in his book mormon doctrine, looked forward to the time when the holy practice of polygamy would be practiced once again. Lds historian todd compton, in his book in sacred loneliness, described various instances where some wives in polygamous marriages. Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the lord. Neither can this investigator say when the practice ended.

Some call these groups fundamentalist mormons, because they think of themselves as practicing an older and truer form of mormonism, but none of them practice polygamy as it was taught by joseph smith or brigham young. Alexander although the occasion of many of the sermons i have given in church gatherings has faded into oblivion, the evening i reported my mission in the ogden twentyninth ward is indelibly impressed on my mind. The book of mormon does not condemn the practice of polygamy. The book of mormon, along with his revelations, then became fundamental tenets of the mormon church. Why was polygamy prohibited in the book of mormon but. One of these tenets was polygamy, which his contemporaries said came as a result of smith having been commanded by an angel to marry.

After months and months of questions about our religion and christian beliefs, we felt it. The beginnings of mormon polygamy joseph smiths polygamy. Is the doctrine of polygamy taught in that revelation. The mormon response is usually to roll the eyes and recite for the thousandth time that the latterday saints havent practiced polygamy for over a century and that anyone who practices it today is excommunicated, yada yada yada. The practice began during the lifetime of founder and prophet joseph smith but became publicly and widely known during the time of 2nd prophet, brigham young. According to hugh nibley, the father of contemporary mormon scriptural and theological scholarship, the book of mormon can and should be tested. Mormons believe in the bible, as well as other books of scripture, such as the book of mormon.

Harem or polygamy fiction, polygamist cults, male lead with multiple lover, space opera erotic romance, polygamy, erotic harem polygamy fan. Below is an alphabetized combined index for the bound and unbound documents collections. Doctrine and covenants, section 101 removed in 1876. Best book at the time on mormon polygamy has still stood the test of time as an indispensable resource decades later. If any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another,and the first. While latterday saints today do not know all the reasons for gods command, they do understand some reasons why god would command the practice of polygamy. In getting there, smith had to have done something pretty big, which for all intents and purposes was publishing the book of mormon, a religious text smith translated from gilded plates and which describes the history of hebrews who came to north america. Mormons believe that returning to god requires following the example of jesus christ, and accepting his atonement through ordinances such as baptism. The bible and the book of mormon teach that the marriage of one man to one woman is gods standard, except at specific periods when he has declared otherwise. Polygamy plural marriage lds church perspective on polygamy. A biblical scholar looks at the book of mormon mormons. The classic example is the man who asserts a woman was asking for it by wearing that short skirt. Of all the mormon doctrines, none caused as much controversy as polygamy, called plural or celestial marriage within the church.

Another testament of jesus christ is similar to and complimentary to the holy bible. For instructions and downloading option for indexes to the contents of this website, click here. About mormon polygamy the principle of polygamy, the practice of more than one woman being married to the same man, has likely caused the most controversy in the history of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, also known as the lds church or the mormon church. The book of mormon records the visit of jesus christ to people in the americas following his resurrection. Although the lds church banned the practice of polygamy in 1890. Van wagoners work gives essentially equal balance to the mormon practice of polygamy from the early 1830s until the present day. Mormon church publishes essay on founder joseph smiths polygamy.

The book of mormon identifies one reason for god to command it. This volume features articles on the churchs legal confrontation with government over polygamy, various aspects of plural marriage in st. It is a thorough volume that is scholarly, and eludicates many important issues that, unfortunately, are often distorted in more polemical works. Polygamy documents master index how to search fundamentalist documents about check these out joseph smiths polygamy website questions about polyandry dan vogel spins the evidence joseph smith was a polygamist dialogues discussing polygamy controversies website modern polygamy and mormon fundamentalism 2017 visit to the flds yearning for zion ranch in texas is john c.

The musical the book of mormon did much to duck controversy and rein in giving excessive offense to the mormon church. This book, edited by two notable lds historians newell bringhurst and craig l. They have a unique view of cosmology and believe that all people are spiritchildren of god. Carmon hardy wrote a book about postmanifesto polygamy and he said he didnt know.

For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife. Why didnt the book of mormon musical make fun of polygamy. Mar 10, 2020 the second chapter of the book of jacob in the book of mormon contains the only explicit teaching about polygamy in the nephite record. This would be consistent with the book of mormon prohibition on polygamy except in the case where god commands it to raise up seed. In my previous discussions of polygamy culture, i mentioned that the 19th century practice of mormon polygamy has had a lasting impact on the emotional health of contemporary lds women, but i shied away from a detailed discussion of how the stillpresent practice of sealing multiple women to one man negatively impacts lds women.

Following young, mormon theologians heralded polygamy as a core doctrine and as evidence of patriarchal manliness. This spotlight on polygamy is likely to make the majority of mormons who are nonfundamentalist uncomfortable. Although the early membership of the mormon church briefly practiced polygamy, the mormon church has not practiced this for well over a 100 years. The book of mormon account is basing its statements on an interpretation of mosaic law to defend a new to them negative position on polygamy.

The same book of mormon and the same article that commanded the nephites that they should not marry more than one wife, made an exception. When he was 24, smith published the book of mormon. During the 19th century, mormon converts tended to gather to a central geographic location, and between 1852 and 1890 a minority of mormons openly practiced plural marriage, a form of religious polygamy. Mormon polygamy, however, was an important part of the teachings of the church for fifty years. Wellwritten and concisely summarized, it is one of the first books you should read if you want to track the principles history throughout mormonism.