Mormon Multiple Marriages: Truth About Mormon Polygamy

Mormon Multiple Marriages: Have you heard about polygamy in some religious groups? The Mormon community is one of them. The story of Mormon polygamy is full of twists and turns. It involves social, cultural, and religious aspects.

As you learn more, you’ll see why Mormons adopted polygamy. You’ll also understand its effects on their community. This article will give you a detailed look at this practice, its history, and today’s situation.

Learning about Mormon multiple marriages can open your eyes to a unique part of religious history. It also shows us the lasting effects it has. [Mormon Multiple Marriages]

The Origins of Plural Marriage in Mormonism

To understand plural marriage in Mormonism, we must look at the 1843 revelation. This 1843 revelation was a key moment in the history of the Latter Day Saint movement. It marked the start of a complex and often debated part of Mormonism.

The 1843 Revelation and Its Documentation

Joseph Smith, Mormonism’s founder, received the 1843 revelation on plural marriage. This revelation was recorded and later added to the Doctrine and Covenants. This collection is seen as scripture by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Early Secretive Implementation

After the 1843 revelation, plural marriage was started secretly in the Mormon community. This secrecy was because of the controversial nature of the practice and the fear of persecution.

Emma Smith, Joseph Smith’s wife, had a complicated relationship with plural marriage. She was initially against it but eventually accepted it, despite personal struggles.

The introduction of plural marriage in Mormonism was a turning point. It led to internal conflicts and external pressures. These shaped the history of the Latter Day Saint movement.

Theological Foundations of Mormon Multiple Marriages

To understand Mormon polygamy, we must look at key scriptures and the celestial kingdom hierarchy. This practice was not new but was deeply rooted in the church’s beliefs. [Mormon Multiple Marriages]

Key Scriptural Passages

Early Mormons used several scriptures to justify polygamy. Isaiah 4:1 and Jacob 2:30 were key. They believed these passages supported the idea of multiple marriages as a divine command.

The Celestial Kingdom Hierarchy

The celestial kingdom hierarchy was key to justifying Mormon polygamy. It was thought that in this kingdom, marriages could last forever. Men could be exalted by having multiple wives, aiming for greater glory in the afterlife.

Biblical Precedents Cited by Early Mormons

Early Mormons looked to the Bible for support. They pointed to figures like Abraham and Jacob, who had multiple wives. They saw these men as examples of righteous men following God’s command for plural marriage.

The foundations of Mormon multiple marriages were built on scriptural interpretations, the celestial kingdom hierarchy, and biblical precedents. Understanding these is key to seeing the role of polygamy in the early LDS Church.

The Practice of Mormon Multiple Marriages in Utah Territory

Utah Territory was a unique place where Mormon culture and frontier lawlessness mixed. This created a special environment for the practice of Mormon polygamy. Both religious beliefs and territorial laws played big roles in this practice. [Mormon Multiple Marriages]

Consent Requirements

For polygamy, the first wife’s consent was needed, but this wasn’t always true. The church pushed men to take more wives, often without thinking about the women’s feelings. Women were supposed to agree to be married, but records show this didn’t always happen.

The Church had a big say in who could have more wives and when. This control was key to keeping the practice alive in the community. The church also kept detailed records of these marriages, showing its strong grip.

As polygamy went on, the church’s role in marriages grew. The church’s influence went beyond spiritual guidance. It also regulated personal lives, especially in marriage and family matters.

The Scope and Scale of Polygamy in Early Mormon Communities

Polygamy in early Mormon communities was complex. It shaped their social and economic lives. Knowing about Mormon multiple marriages is key to understanding this.

Percentage of Polygamous Families

Many Mormon families practiced polygamy in the 19th century. It’s estimated that 20% to 30% of families were polygamous at its peak.

Economic and Social Stratification

Polygamy led to economic and social differences. Men with many wives had bigger families. This could mean more work but also more resources.

These families often had more power in society. Polygamous families held more social and economic power.

The wealth and resources were divided based on the number of wives and children. This shows how complex early Mormon society was.

Learning about polygamy in these communities helps us understand their history. It also shows the challenges people faced.

Notable Polygamists in Mormon History

Mormon history is filled with notable figures who practiced polygamy. This practice shaped the religious and social landscape. Many prominent leaders embraced this doctrine. [Mormon Multiple Marriages]

Family Organization and Household Management

Managing a polygamous family was a big task. Leaders like John Taylor showed the challenges of having multiple wives and children. Taylor, the third president of the LDS Church, had 34 wives and many children.

John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and Lorenzo Snow were key figures in Mormon history. Taylor had a large family and supported polygamy strongly. Wilford Woodruff, who followed Taylor, ended polygamy with the Manifesto. Lorenzo Snow was known for his spiritual leadership and polygamy practice.

These leaders, among others, greatly influenced polygamy in the Mormon community. Their experiences and choices had lasting effects on the church and its members.

Women’s Experiences in Mormon Multiple Marriages

Looking into women’s lives in Mormon multiple marriages shows a mix of ups and downs. You’ll see how women in polygamous families grew and faced challenges. It’s a story of both good and bad times.

Positive and Negative Testimonials

Women’s stories about living in Mormon multiple marriages were very different. Some felt loved and supported by their sister wives. Others felt stressed and had conflicts.

Some women loved the teamwork and friendship that came with having multiple wives. But, others felt jealous, competitive, and struggled with family issues.

Cooperation and Conflict in Shared Households

Working together was key in successful polygamous homes. Many women became close with their sister wives, helping out with household tasks and kids. But, disagreements did happen.

These disagreements often came from different personalities, parenting ways, or values. Below is a table showing some common themes in women’s stories. [Mormon Multiple Marriages]

Women’s lives in Mormon multiple marriages were indeed complex. By understanding their stories, we can appreciate the challenges and chances that polygamous families had.

Federal Opposition and the Anti-Polygamy Crusade

As more Mormons practiced polygamy, the federal government grew more opposed. They saw it as a threat to their power and social norms. This led to laws and court actions against it.

The fight against polygamy got stronger with the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act in 1862. It banned polygamy in U.S. territories. But, it wasn’t enforced well at first. It wasn’t until the Edmunds Act of 1882 and the Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1887 that the government really went after polygamy.

Imprisonment of Polygamists

One big effect of the anti-polygamy push was the imprisonment of those who practiced it. Many Mormon leaders and followers were arrested and convicted. This was very hard for the Mormon community, as it hurt their religious leaders and social structures.

Disenfranchisement and Property Seizure

The laws also took away the rights and property of polygamous communities. The Edmunds-Tucker Act, for example, let the government take church properties and remove voting rights from women who practiced polygamy. This hit hard on the economic and social life of Mormon communities.

The fight against Mormon polygamy had big effects on the community. It led to changes in their social, economic, and religious lives.

The 1890 Manifesto and Official End of Church-Sanctioned Polygamy

Ever wondered about the 1890 Manifesto? It was a turning point in Mormon history, ending church support for polygamy. The reasons behind it were complex and varied. [Mormon Multiple Marriages]

Circumstances Leading to the Manifesto

The LDS Church was under a lot of pressure from the U.S. government. Laws like the Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1887 made things tough. This act took away the church’s assets, making leaders rethink their views on polygamy.

Continued Authorized Plural Marriages

Even after the 1890 Manifesto, some members kept practicing plural marriages. These were often done in secret or with special permission. It wasn’t until the Second Manifesto in 1904 that the church really stopped polygamy.

The 1890 Manifesto was a big change for the LDS Church, marking the end of official support for polygamy. But, it didn’t stop right away. It took more steps to fully end the practice.

The Second Manifesto and Complete Abandonment

Exploring Mormon polygamy history, the Second Manifesto stands out. Issued in 1904, it made the LDS Church officially against plural marriage. [Mormon Multiple Marriages]

The Second Manifesto was a big step towards ending polygamy. It said the LDS Church would no longer support or perform plural marriages. This move helped the church fit in with U.S. laws and social norms.

Enforcement and Church Discipline

The Second Manifesto’s rules were strict. Anyone who kept practicing or entering plural marriages after 1904 faced church discipline. This could mean being kicked out of the church.

Breaking the Second Manifesto’s rules had serious consequences. Those who kept practicing polygamy faced punishment. This strict rule led to fewer plural marriages among LDS Church members.

In summary, the Second Manifesto ended the LDS Church’s support for polygamy. Strict rules and church discipline made sure everyone followed this new rule.

Fundamentalist Mormon Groups and Continuing Polygamy

Some fundamentalist Mormon groups still practice polygamy, causing debates and legal issues. You might know the main LDS Church stopped polygamy. But, some groups kept it going.

The Council of Friends, also known as the “Council of the Prophet,” was key in Mormon fundamentalism’s early days. Early splits within the Mormon community led to groups that kept practicing polygamy.

FLDS, AUB, and Other Active Groups

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) and the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB) are well-known. They’ve faced a lot of attention for their polygamy and other practices.

Legal Challenges in Modern America

Fundamentalist Mormon groups face many legal issues in today’s America, especially about polygamy. They’ve been in big legal fights, leading to serious outcomes for leaders and members.

The issue of polygamy in these groups is still a big problem. It raises questions about religious freedom, legal rights, and social welfare. [Mormon Multiple Marriages]

The Modern LDS Church’s Position on Mormon Multiple Marriages

The LDS Church’s view on polygamy is complex. It has banned polygamy since the late 19th century. Yet, it still recognizes its historical importance. [Mormon Multiple Marriages]

Temple Sealing Policies for Widowers

The church allows temple sealings that might seem like polygamy. For example, a widower can be sealed to another woman if his first wife has died. This is not seen as polygamy but as a way to create eternal families. These sealings are sacred and happen in temples.

In recent years, the LDS Church has worked to be more open about its history and practices, including polygamy. The Gospel Topics Essays on the church’s website offer detailed insights into polygamy’s history and the church’s current views. These essays aim to give a balanced look, covering both the historical context and the challenges of the practice.

The LDS Church’s stance on Mormon multiple marriages shows its ongoing effort to reconcile its past with its present teachings. By understanding the context and nuances of these practices, you can appreciate the complexities involved.

Conclusion: Mormon Multiple Marriages

You’ve looked into the complex history of Mormon multiple marriages. This practice has deeply influenced the LDS Church and its followers. The legacy of Mormon polygamy is rich and complex, touching on both religious beliefs and social realities.

The history of Mormon polygamy shows how religious teachings, cultural norms, and societal pressures interact. Reflecting on those who practiced polygamy, we see many different and moving stories.

Now, the LDS Church officially rejects polygamy, but its legacy still shapes Mormon communities. Learning about Mormon polygamy helps us understand the LDS Church’s growth and its ties to its past. [Mormon Multiple Marriages]

Thinking about Mormon polygamy invites us to ponder faith, identity, and community. This practice reminds us of the dynamic and sometimes challenging nature of religious life. It shows how faith can deeply affect individuals and groups.

See Also: How Many Mormons Are There in the World?

Ramona Pearson

Ramona Pearson is a U.S.-based religious researcher and writer with over 10 years of experience studying Mormon history and beliefs. She is also a practicing Mormon and writes to inform readers with accuracy and balance.