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Polygamy book/John C. Bennett
FAIR Answers Wiki Table of Contents
John C. Bennett
| Polyandry | Polygamy book, a work by author: Gregory L. Smith
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John C. Bennett Prior to Nauvoo |
John C. Bennett
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- John C. Bennett Prior to Nauvoo
- Was there a brothel in Nauvoo near the temple?
- Rise and Fall of John C. Bennett
- John C. Bennett and Sarah Pratt
- Bennett and Prostitution
- Nancy Rigdon and Plural Marriage
- Sidney Rigdon and Bennett's charges
John C. Bennett Prior to Nauvoo
Summary: Bennett's early behavior can teach us much about how to interpret his behavior and claims from the Nauvoo period.
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Was there a brothel in Nauvoo near the temple?
Summary: Bennett had a brothel, and some have claimed that the Mormons' tolerance of it illustrates their moral depravity. In fact, the Saints destroyed the brothel and ultimately excommunicated Bennett for this and related acts.
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Rise and Fall of John C. Bennett
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John C. Bennett and Sarah Pratt
Summary: John C. Bennett and Joseph Smith exchanged charges, each claiming that the other had attempted the seduction of Sarah Pratt, wife of apostle Orson Pratt. Learn about this complex period of LDS history here.
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Bennett and Prostitution
Summary: Bennett was charged with procuring women for purposes of prostitution, and teaching others in Nauvoo how to religiously manipulate women into sexual intercourse. These events eventually led to Bennett's excommunication. Individuals drawn into Bennett's schemes would later play a role in the events that led to Joseph's incarceration and murder in Carthage.
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Nancy Rigdon and Plural Marriage
Summary: Even more complex than the Sarah Pratt episode, Sidney Rigdon's daughter Nancy was approached by Joseph Smith regarding plural marriage.
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Sidney Rigdon and Bennett's charges
Summary: In part due to Bennett's determination to disgrace Joseph, the Nancy Rigdon episode almost led to a rupture between Joseph and his long-time friend and counselor in the First Presidency. A miraculous series of events convinced Sidney to continue to support Joseph, though the Prophet's confidence in his counselor was never entirely restored.