Why do some people think Joseph Smith did not practice polygamy?

The question of whether Joseph Smith practiced polygamy has been a subject of debate and controversy, among members and non-members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). While historical evidence strongly supports the view that Joseph Smith practiced polygamy, there are several reasons why people dispute this, but most relate to the historical complexity and lack of contemporary sources.

Sources

The first issue is that during Joseph Smith’s lifetime, there was limited public documentation of his polygamous marriages. Joseph Smith never wrote about his polygamous marriages, as the practice was only limited to a small group of church leaders in Nauvoo. Therefore, much of the evidence for Joseph Smith’s practice of polygamy comes from later testimonies, affidavits, and recollections, which can be seen as less reliable by some critics.

Critics of the view that Joseph Smith practiced polygamy often question the reliability of witnesses who testified to his polygamous marriages. They may argue that these testimonies were influenced by bias, coercion, or the passage of time, which can affect the accuracy of memories.

Another factor limiting sources of plural marriage was the fact that plural marriage was practiced in secret because of its controversial nature and the potential for legal and social repercussions. Joseph Smith and his close associates often denied the practice publicly to protect themselves and their followers from persecution, which has led to confusion and skepticism about the historical record. 

Joseph Smith’s denials have been analyzed by scholars attempting to reconcile the large amount of evidence that confirms Joseph Smith practiced polygamy with his denials. There are various conclusions, first that he lied. Some view this as evidence of Joseph Smith’s lack of character while others equate Joseph Smith’s lie with the story of Abraham lying about Sarah being his wife in order to protect his life. Second, Joseph Smith’s answers were carefully worded, denying accusations of adultery, but not plural marriage. Others believe that Joseph Smtih told the truth and did not practice plural marriage.

Contextually, it is important to know that a man named John C. Bennett, who had been an assistant to the First Presidency for a time, had been practicing something he called “spiritual wifery.” Bennett had secretly approached women in Nauvoo and manipulated them into having sex with him. Bennett was excommunicated for his adultery. To the leaders of the church “spiritual wifery” was distinct from plural marriage, as “spiritual wifery” was manipulative and adulterous, while plural marriage was commanded by God and accompanied by both the man and woman being willing to make a covenant with each other and God.

Differing Interpretations

The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, now known as the Community of Christ, historically denied that Smith practiced polygamy. This belief was rooted in Joseph Smith III’s interpretation of his father’s teachings and a desire to distance the RLDS Church from the controversial practice. Joseph Smith III was also likely influenced by his mother, Emma. After Joseph Smith’s martyrdom, Emma denied that her husband, Joseph Smith, ever practiced polygamy, although other sources state that she knew about the practice and vacillated between acceptance and renunciation of plural marriage. 

Some other individuals within the LDS tradition or other related movements might reject the notion of Smith’s polygamy based on their personal beliefs or faith commitments. They may find it difficult to reconcile the practice with their image of Smith as a prophet and spiritual leader. Others believe that later LDS leaders may have promoted or even fabricated the narrative of Smith’s polygamy to justify their own polygamous practices, which became more openly practiced under Brigham Young. This view holds that the accounts of Joseph Smith’s polygamy were exaggerated or invented to provide a historical precedent.

The LDS Church today acknowledges Joseph Smith’s practice of polygamy, supported by extensive historical research and documentation. However, this acknowledgment has come gradually, and earlier generations of members might have been unaware of or resistant to this aspect of Smith’s history.

Modern LDS historians and scholars have provided substantial evidence of Joseph Smith’s polygamy through research, including diaries, letters, and testimonies from Joseph Smith’s wives and close associates. This body of evidence has helped to solidify the mainstream historical view within the LDS Church, although dissenting opinions still exist.

Conclusion

The question of Joseph Smith’s practice of polygamy is complex, involving historical documentation, interpretive differences, and the evolution of church teachings. While historical evidence supports that Smith practiced polygamy, various factors—such as the secrecy of the practice, differing religious beliefs, and historical revisionism—contribute to why some people continue to dispute this aspect of his life. The LDS Church’s gradual acknowledgment and ongoing scholarship continue to clarify this historical issue, yet it remains a point of contention for some individuals and groups.

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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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