A Summary of Joseph Smith and Polygamy

Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), is a central figure in the history of polygamy within the LDS movement. His practice and teachings on plural marriage have been the subject of much debate, controversy, and historical investigation. This Joseph Smith polygamy summary explores the origins, practices, and implications of polygamy as it relates to Joseph Smith.

Origins of Polygamy in the LDS Church

Polygamy, or plural marriage, was introduced by Joseph Smith in the early 1830s. The exact timing and nature of the revelation are somewhat unclear, but it is generally believed that Smith received a divine command to practice polygamy around 1831. This revelation was formally recorded in 1843 as Section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants, a book of scripture in the LDS Church.

The revelation justified polygamy on several grounds, including the idea that it was a restoration of ancient biblical practices. It cited Old Testament patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and Solomon, who had multiple wives. Smith taught that plural marriage was a way to raise up righteous seed and ensure the continuity of the faith.

Joseph Smith’s Practice of Polygamy

Joseph Smith’s practice of polygamy was complex and often conducted in secret. Historical records indicate that Smith married at least 30 women in addition to his first wife, Emma Hale Smith. These marriages included women who were already married to other men, as well as teenagers as young as 14 years old.

The secrecy surrounding these marriages was partly due to the societal and legal norms of the time, which did not accept or condone polygamy. Additionally, many of Smith’s followers were unaware of the practice until after his death. The secret nature of these marriages has led to much speculation and controversy regarding Smith’s motives and the exact nature of Smith’s relationships with Joseph Smith’s plural wives.

Reactions and Opposition

Polygamy was met with significant opposition both within and outside the LDS Church. Emma Smith, Joseph’s first wife, had a particularly difficult time accepting the practice. She was initially unaware of many of Joseph’s plural marriages and struggled with feelings of betrayal and jealousy. Her opposition and the strain it placed on their marriage are well-documented in historical accounts.

Outside the church, polygamy was a source of intense criticism and legal persecution. In 1838, Joseph Smith and other church leaders were arrested and charged with various crimes, including adultery and fornication, largely stemming from their practice of polygamy. The practice also contributed to broader tensions between the LDS community and their non-Mormon neighbors, leading to violent conflicts such as the Missouri Mormon War and the expulsion of Mormons from Illinois.

Polygamy After Joseph Smith’s Death

After Joseph Smith’s assassination in 1844, the practice of polygamy continued under the leadership of Brigham Young, who led the main body of the church to Utah. In Utah, polygamy became more openly practiced and was an integral part of the church’s social and religious life.

However, polygamy continued to attract legal and governmental challenges. The U.S. government passed several laws aimed at curbing the practice, including the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act (1862) and the Edmunds-Tucker Act (1887). These laws led to increased persecution and imprisonment of polygamous Mormons.

In response to these pressures, the LDS Church officially discontinued the practice of polygamy in 1890 with the issuance of the Manifesto by church president Wilford Woodruff. This declaration, known as the First Manifesto, was a turning point that allowed Utah to gain statehood and the church to gradually integrate more fully into American society. A Second Manifesto was issued in 1904 to reinforce the church’s stance against polygamy and to excommunicate those who continued the practice.

Legacy and Continuing Controversy

Joseph Smith’s polygamy left a lasting legacy on the LDS Church and its offshoots. While the mainstream LDS Church no longer practices polygamy, several fundamentalist groups broke away to continue the practice, believing that the original revelation on plural marriage is still valid.

The history of polygamy remains a contentious and sensitive topic within the church. Modern church leaders have taken steps to address this history more openly, acknowledging the challenges and complexities of Smith’s polygamy. In recent years, the church has published essays and articles that provide more context and transparency about this aspect of its history.

Critics of Joseph Smith and the LDS Church often cite polygamy as evidence of moral and ethical failings, while defenders argue that it was a divinely inspired practice misunderstood by contemporary and modern perspectives. Regardless of one’s viewpoint, the practice of polygamy under Joseph Smith is an integral part of Mormon history that continues to shape discussions about faith, leadership, and the nature of religious revelation.

Conclusion

Joseph Smith’s involvement in polygamy is a multifaceted subject that encompasses theological, social, and historical dimensions. From its secretive beginnings to its public renouncement, polygamy under Smith’s leadership played a crucial role in the development and challenges faced by the LDS Church. Understanding this aspect of Mormon history provides valuable insights into the complexities of religious practice, leadership, and community dynamics within the LDS faith.

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Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.

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