One Mormon View of Polygamy

Due to the recent events in Texas there has been an outpouring of media attention, articles, and blog posts on the subject of polygamy. It certainly is a blessing to exercise the divine gift of free expression! However, it is unfortunate that many have chosen to do so to stir up anger and promote intolerance.

During this recent outcry, some have become subjected to confusing and inaccurate information regarding the “Mormons” – members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The “Polygamy Question” has always been one I cringe at. It is not a comfortable subject, and certainly not when there are so many other positive and beautiful things about the Church and the world in general to discuss. There are also painful memories of misunderstanding and violent persecution in Mormon church history regarding polygamy and I suppose this triggers a natural “fight or flight” response in us whenever the topic surfaces.

However, as a sincere and concerned member of the church, I feel that it is important to raise my voice on this subject and contribute a Mormon perspective to the conversation. I would like to gently refute the incorrect information flying around. Hopefully I will also be able to provide some clarity and food for thought. These are my own personal views. The church has not endorsed them. I believe I have diligently researched my answers. If I discover an inaccuracy I will promptly correct it. I have included a few “official” church statements here. However, I also thought it might be refreshing for readers to hear my personal feelings. As such, this post is not designed as an “argument” or “rebuttal”, but rather this is one human Mormon’s view:

1. What is Polygamy?

Plural marriage (commonly called “polygamy”), is defined as one man having more than one living wife at the same time.

2. Mormons are not Polygamists

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, nicknamed “Mormons” or “LDS”, do NOT practice Plural Marriage (Polygamy).

3. Polygamy in Heaven?

Some have accused Mormons of being “polygamist at heart” because they have heard we believe there is polygamy in heaven. Ironically I recently read an irate atheist sounding off on this subject. Now, if one does not believe in God, or an afterlife, then it certainly seems odd to me that it should matter to them what another person believes regarding the “other side”! In fact, isn’t it a mute point for any of us to be rattled by “heavenly ideas”? They certainly do not affect us if they are false! This just seems a futile use of precious time and energy getting all worked up over. (Perhaps some yoga or a nice pedicure is in order)

“Outside the Church, Joseph Smith is also known for his introduction of the ancient practice of polygamy through revelation, though this is no longer practiced in the Church and is not often discussed by Church members except in a historical context.” lds newsroom

As far as my research and life-long experience has been, Polygamy after this life is not an official doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You will not find this in any of our manuals, nor taught in Sunday school, nor spoken of over the pulpit. There may have been certain respected LDS religious scholars that have pondered and suggested it. It was likely discussed by early leaders of the church. It is not a shocking mental leap. There are certain scriptures that imply this is a higher law. Biblical and modern scripture certainly demonstrates that it is a practice God reserves the right to institute when He sees fit (Bible scriptures referenced previously, Book of Mormon: Jacob ch. 2, D&C 132) . Although this may make an interesting intellectual/scholarly premise, that is all it should be. Once again, a heavenly Plural Marriage is not something that is taught or generally discussed by Mormons, and we do not live our lives nor base our religious practices upon this idea.

What is paramount regarding this subject: Mormons believe in life after death. I personally have no first-hand knowledge of the specific details of the afterlife. I have read “life after death” accounts, but they only give glimpses, and they are varied and sometimes contradictory. God operates on the “need to know” principle. This is simply not something we need to know right now. We have scriptures and prophetic teachings, which reveal that there is a life to come, we will live together as family units in perfect harmony, and it will be a place of absolute peace and joy. Now what more could anyone hope for? I personally look forward to it. (I hope there is a quiet beach and a hammock waiting for me – or at least a brief vacation during my “adjustment period”…wouldn’t that be nice?). The scriptures mention there will be assignments and work for us to do there (good to know, because humans tend to get bored with paradise pretty quickly). Either way, I think it is very exciting. It is reassuring to believe that there is a whole new adventure with surprises waiting after earth life. I believe that God is our Father in Heaven. Each one of us is His child, created as a masterpiece. He loves us perfectly, and so naturally He has a perfect master plan. As I get older, I am finally learning to trust Him more and let Him take care of things. He knows what He’s doing. I for one think that there are certainly plenty enough issues to occupy my time and concentration right now without stewing over the afterlife details! One life at a time please!

4. Brief History of Mormons and Polygamy:

“In 1831 Joseph Smith was studying the bible and pondering over the many instances of plural marriage practiced throughout the biblical times by God’s chosen prophets. The Bible indicates that Abraham, Jacob, and others of the Lord’s servants had multiple wives (see Genesis 16:1-3; 29:23-30; 30:4, 9; Judges 8:30; 1 Samuel 1:1-2). Joseph Smith asked God why He had permitted this practice and was told that God had commanded it for specific purposes. Later, God revealed the doctrine of plural marriage to Joseph Smith and commanded him to live it. Over a period of years the prophet cautiously taught the doctrine to some close associates.” – from ldschurch.org

Contrary to popular belief, plural marriage throughout the early years of the LDS church was a very limited practice. It was not allowed for just any man in the church to take additional wives. A special calling had to be given directly from the prophet to a chosen priesthood holder and his wife. The first wife always had to give her consent. Each participant entered the marriage covenant as a willing adult. There was no coercion. At no time did the LDS church ever practice “child brides”, nor have they ever tolerated any form of child abuse. I think it is very important to keep the practice of the Mormon plural marriage episode in context with the time period. I have always felt that this was a great blessing from God to send as a temporary command. First, the Lord had established His church on the earth and He wanted it to grow strong and rapidly. Second, There were many widows. Countless women were left without support after losing their husbands to mob violence and illness aggravated by the horrendous illegal and immoral persecution. One must remember that at that time US Law denied women the ability to vote, run a business or to own property. One can imagine the desperate situation this left a single woman. She would rarely have any way, or means to support herself or children without a man in her life. From my research I have found that it was always a great sacrifice financially and emotionally for a man to take an additional wife and subsequent children. This was a very hard and challenging situation for all involved. Members viewed it as a true test of their faith and it was entered with faith and fervent prayer. I want to state very firmly that the practice was never created nor was used as a means to provide a man with multiple sexual outlets as has been proposed elsewhere. It was all about family, love, support and most importantly their sincere desire to be obedient to God’s will.

We all have our own interesting ancestral stories. Plural marriage happens to be part of mine. I feel honored to say that I am the progeny of some remarkable ancestors in the early 1800’s who faithfully and successfully practiced plural marriage. Without them I would not be here.

5. The End:

In 1890 President Wilford Woodruff, 4^th president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had a manifestation from God that Polygamy was to end. President Woodruff then made an official declaration against polygamy. This was later coined “The Manifesto”. On 24 September 1890, the First Presidency and the Quorum of Twelve Apostles sustained the Manifesto. In the October 1890 general conference all Latter-day Saints sustained this declaration. Today this document is included in the Doctrine and Covenants of the Church as Official Declaration 1 Since discontinuation well over 110 years ago, plural marriage has been forbidden by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As far as Mormon’s are concerned, God has removed this practice from the earth and any person practicing it is in violation of God’s law. Any member of the Church who adopts this practice will be excommunicated immediately. End of story.

6. Polygamy Today:

The Fundamental LDS (“FLDS”) and any other similar groups throughout the world are NOT affiliated in any way with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are not Mormons. Most if not all have never been Mormons. They do not share our fundamental beliefs. They do not dress, act, nor worship the same. However, we do not hold ill will toward these people, because they are children of God. We feel Christian charity towards them. I believe that there are many well meaning, good people involved with these groups. The members of our church have been reaching out to these persons with love and compassion for years and we offer our help wherever possible when they want to leave that life and matriculate into society. We are all deeply concerned about the welfare of any victims of abuse, especially the innocent children.

7. Mormons are law abiding citizens:

Members of the LDS church believe in upholding and sustaining all of the Laws of the Land, in whatever country of the world that they may reside. This is found in the 12^th Article of Faith. Any who do not keep the laws of the land must and should be subject to the consequences.

8. Mormons follow a Christian lifestyle:

Those who take a few minutes to meet the Latter-day Saint people will see that we are certainly not a closed community, secretive nor radical. Rather, we are over 13 million strong worldwide citizens who are actively involved in our communities. We give generously to humanitarian efforts. We live moral values and strive to find ways to improve the places we live. We are good neighbors. We are not perfect. Individually we make human mistakes. But collectively Mormons make this world a beautiful and better place.

9. Final thought:

I am disheartened to read so many messages of hatred and pure vitriol being posted on the Internet. These comments are directed upon all sorts of subjects and towards all types of ethnic, cultural and religious groups & people. This has not just been an issue regarding the Mormons or polygamist sects, but a tidal wave of intolerance and grave disrespect. Perhaps all of us need to look into the past for a few moments. The greatest atrocities, horror and sorrows endured and perpetrated throughout the history of our earth up to the present moment have begun with words that stir up confusion, distrust, fear, & hatred which ultimately leads to violent acts. (ex: Holocaust, Genocide, War, Segregation, Internment Camps, Terrorism, and so forth…)

I would like to urge that we each make a personal choice to engage in intelligent, calm and respectful conversation on the world wide web. We can agree to disagree. We can state our disagreements and opposing views with an open mind and in a respectful manner. Each voice of reason helps to “quiet the storm” out there.

This life is so very short. There is little time in which to “play our individual melodies”. I hope each of us will choose to live in harmony here – (it will be good practice for our next life!)

Thank you for reading. May God’s Blessings be with each of you, always.

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Check out this fun video from “The Mormon Next Door”