Introduction: Are Mormons Polygamous?. Mormonism, also known as the Latter-day Saint (LDS) movement, has a complex and intriguing relationship with polygamy. The topic spans multiple phases of Mormon history, from its origins to the practice of polygamy to its eventual discontinuation.
While not all Mormons practice polygamy today, it was a notable aspect of the faith’s early years. On September 24, 1890, facing the destruction of their Church and way of life, religious leaders reluctantly issued the “Mormon Manifesto,” ordering all Latter-day Saints to uphold the nation’s polygamy laws.
Leaders were given little option: if they did not renounce polygamy, they faced federal seizure of their holy temples and the revocation of basic civil rights for all church fellows. To fully understand this topic, let’s delve into the various phases of Mormon history and the role of polygamy within the movement.
Origins of Mormonism:
Joseph Smith Jr. established the Mormon faith in the early 19th century. Smith claimed to have obtained revelations from God, which he recorded in the Book of Mormon. The original doctrines of Mormonism, as outlined in the Book of Mormon, did not explicitly endorse polygamy. However, some scholars argue that Smith’s early teachings contained elements that laid the groundwork for later practice.
Disciples of the Church of Lord Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have practiced the philosophy of “plural marriage” since the 1840s. The best available evidence suggests that Church founder Joseph Smith began taking extra wives in 1841, and historians estimate that he eventually married more than 50 women.
The practice was kept secret for a time, although rumors of widespread polygamy inspired initial hatred and violence against Latter-day Saints in Illinois. After founding their new theocratic state centered in Salt Lake City, church elders publicly declared polygamy was a central LDS belief in 1852
. The Edmonds Tucker Act of 1887 was the final straw for mainstream Mormons. The US Congress renewed its attack on polygamy by disbanding the Church and confiscating its assets.
Introduction of Polygamy:
Polygamy was introduced into Mormonism during the 1830s and 1840s. Joseph Smith began to teach the doctrine privately, claiming that it restored the practice of ancient prophets. The exact number of wives Smith had is a historical debate, with estimates ranging from over 30 to as many as 40. Polygamy was kept relatively secret during Smith’s lifetime due to societal opposition and the legal consequences it could entail.
LDS women could not have more than one husband. Nor could an LDS man participate. Only those who demonstrated exceptionally high spiritual and economic ability were allowed to practice polygamy, and the Church also required that the first wife give her consent.
As a result of these constraints, relatively few men had multiple wives. Best estimations suggest that men with two or more wives make up only 5 to 15 percent of the residents of most LDS communities.
Although only a small minority of Latter-day Saints practiced polygamy, many church leaders were reluctant to abandon it, arguing that doing so would destroy the LDS way of life. Ironically, the Mormon Manifesto’s call to end polygamy paved the way for more Mormon-Gentile cooperation and may have helped ensure the religion’s enduring power.
Migration and the Utah Period:
Following Joseph Smith’s death in 1844, the leadership of the LDS movement passed to Brigham Young. Under Young’s leadership, polygamy became more organized and openly acknowledged.
This period also saw the Mormons migrate en masse to Utah, seeking refuge from persecution and aiming to establish a community where they could practice their faith, including polygamy, without interference.
Public Perception and Conflict:
The practice of polygamy brought the Mormons into conflict with the United States government and mainstream society. As the Mormons settled in Utah and sought territorial status and later statehood, the federal government increasingly pressured the LDS Church to abandon polygamy.
Polygamy was seen as conflicting with American values, morality, and monogamous marriage norms. This tension resulted in legal battles, raids, and social ostracism.
1890 Manifesto and the Official End of Polygamy:
In 1890, under immense pressure and to secure Utah’s statehood, LDS Church President Wilford Woodruff issued the “Manifesto,” which officially disavowed the practice of polygamy. This marked a significant turning point in Mormon history, as the mainstream LDS Church publicly announced its intention to cease practicing polygamy and adhere to monogamy.
However, it’s important to note that while the manifesto marked the end of the public practice of polygamy, some individuals and splinter groups continued to engage in the practice secretly.
Contemporary Mormonism:
In modern times, the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, led by President Russell M. Nelson, strictly prohibits the practice of polygamy. The Church emphasizes its commitment to monogamy and adhering to the laws of the land. Those who engage in polygamy are subject to excommunication from the Church. The official stance of the LDS Church on polygamy is clear: it is not a sanctioned practice.
Despite the official stance, splinter groups and factions continue to practice polygamy in defiance of the mainstream LDS Church’s teachings. These groups are often referred to as “fundamentalist Mormons.” They typically see themselves adhering more closely to the original teachings of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, and they view the disavowal of polygamy as a departure from the true teachings of the faith.
Conclusion: Are Mormons Polygamous?
In conclusion, whether Mormons are polygamous is complex and requires understanding the movement’s history and evolution. While early Mormons practiced polygamy under the leadership of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, it was officially disavowed by the mainstream LDS Church in 1890.
The practice of polygamy has a nuanced and multifaceted history within Mormonism, with its origins, development, conflicts, and eventual discontinuation all contributing to the narrative of the faith. None of the Mormon doctrines has generated as much controversy as polygamy, known within the Church as plural or heavenly marriage.
It divided the Prophet Joseph Smith’s household, split his Church, and fueled the wrath of many Americans toward Mormons for decades to come. Today, fundamentalists who resume practicing polygamy call themselves Mormons and justify their current practice by citing President Taylor’s position, even though official church policy prohibits polygamy.
Also read: Is polygamy legal in the UK?; What is Polygamy; Adultery vs Bigamy
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