FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Topical Guide/Doctrinal issues/Marriage and Sexuality/Polygamy
FAIR Answers Wiki Table of Contents
TOPICS
RESOURCES
The Church and plural marriage (or polygamy)
Summary: Plural marriage was an integral part of the Church in the pioneer era.
Second video published by the Church History Department.
Jump to Subtopic:
- Polygamy in Latter-day Saint scripture
- Polygamy in the 19th Century
- The attitude of the modern Church toward polygamy
- Polygamy as practiced anciently
- Joseph Smith and polygamy
- The First Manifesto
- Polygamy Book draft chapters written by Gregory L. Smith
- Gospel Topics, "Plural Marriage and Families in Early Utah"
- Valerie Hudson, "A Reconciliation of Polygamy"
Joseph Smith and Plural Marriage (Polygamy)
Summary: Joseph Smith is frequently criticized for his introduction and practice of plural marriage (often called polygamy). From a Christian perspective, these attacks usually focus on arguing that polygamy is unchristian or unbiblical, and that Joseph hid the truth from the world. From a secular perspective, it is asserted that the practice of polygamy sprung from Joseph's carnal desires to marry young women. Of particular interest is the fact that Joseph was sealed to women who were already married to other men (polyandry).
Video published by the Church History Department.
Jump to Subtopic:
- Plural wives of Joseph Smith, Jr.
- Implementation of plural marriage
- Doctrinal issues related to plural marriage
- Critics' claimed motivations for Joseph's implementation of plural marriage
- Keeping plural marriage a secret
- Entering into plural marriage
- Joseph Smith and polyandry
- Emma Smith and polygamy
- Children of Joseph Smith by polygamous marriages
- Mormonism and divorce in the nineteenth century