The Church and Polygamy

Recently, a colleague at work asked about the Church and polygamy. What is the LDS Church's stance on plural marriage? It is a valid question that deserves a thoughtful answer.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized in 1830 in western New York. Because of persecution, members of the Church ("Saints" or "Mormons") were forced to settle in Ohio, then Missouri, and finally in Illinois. During this difficult time, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation from the Lord commanding some of the Saints to practice plural marriage. Following the Prophet's assassination in 1844 in Carthage, Illinois, the Saints continued practicing polygamy as they moved west to Utah with Brigham Young as the next president of the Church. It was an extremely difficult commandment to follow for the Saints, and one that was a significant trial of faith. It required constant personal revelation and divine help from the Lord.

Plural marriage was continued in the Church until 1890 when the President of the Church, Wilford Woodruff, announced the end of the practice. Today, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that marriage is between one man and one woman. Anyone advocating or living a different standard is excommunicated from the Church.

Many ask why the Lord commanded the early Saints to engage in plural marriage. One reason given by the Lord for plural marriage is mentioned in the Book of Mormon: “If I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall [have only one wife]” (Jacob 2:30; see also v. 27). Like Abraham, Jacob, and other servants of God in the Bible, early leaders of the LDS Church were commanded by the Lord to take multiple wives. I am grateful for the sacrifices of these early Saints in keeping God's commandments and even MORE grateful that the commandment is no longer in force.

I do not understand all the dealings of God with His children. As the Lord told His children in the Old Testament, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." (Isaiah 55:8). Certainly, God has a purpose for all His commandments. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that he did what the Lord commanded him to do.

Some of the material of this post can be attributed to the Church's website. To read more about the Church's stance on marriage, plural marriage, and Mormons' early practice of polygamy, click here.