{"id":6427,"date":"2026-02-06T18:08:48","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T01:08:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novus2.com\/righteouscause\/?p=6427"},"modified":"2026-02-26T21:52:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T04:52:28","slug":"joseph-smith-failed-polygamist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novus2.com\/righteouscause\/2026\/02\/06\/joseph-smith-failed-polygamist\/","title":{"rendered":"Joseph Smith: Failed Polygamist."},"content":{"rendered":"

Plural Marriage in Mormon Doctrine: A Critical Theological and Historical Analysis<\/i><\/p>\n

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I. Introduction: The Origins and Motivations Behind Mormon Plural Marriage<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The introduction of plural marriage into Mormon doctrine represents one of the most controversial and consequential developments in American religious history. While faithful Latter-day Saint (LDS) narratives have traditionally portrayed this practice as a divine commandment revealed to Joseph Smith through angelic visitation, a careful examination of the historical record, primary sources, and theological framework reveals a markedly different picture\u2014one in which personal desire, opportunistic theology, and the consolidation of ecclesiastical authority played determining roles in the establishment and perpetuation of this practice.<\/p>\n

This analysis begins from a premise that many believing members find difficult to accept: the introduction of plural marriage in Mormon doctrine came initially from an inability to control Joseph Smith’s sexual appetites, with the same pattern applying to subsequent leaders of the LDS movement. This assertion is not made lightly or without substantial historical documentation. Rather, it emerges from a synthesis of contemporary accounts, the prophet’s own recorded statements and actions, documentary evidence of his relationships, and\u2014most significantly\u2014the conspicuous absence of the primary theological justification for the practice: offspring from these unions.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Historical Context and Key Figures<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Joseph Smith Jr. (1805-1844), founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and self-proclaimed prophet, translator, and revelator, stands at the center of this examination. The historical record demonstrates that between approximately 1833 and his death in 1844, Smith entered into plural marriage relationships with between 30 and 40 women, depending on which historical sources one accepts as authoritative. These relationships included marriages to women as young as fourteen years old (Helen Mar Kimball and Nancy Winchester), as well as eleven polyandrous marriages to women who were already legally married to other living men\u2014eight of whom were married to faithful, active members of the church, including church leaders.<\/p>\n

Brigham Young (1801-1877), Smith’s successor as president of the church, not only continued but dramatically expanded the practice of plural marriage. Young is documented to have had 55 wives and fathered 57 children through these relationships. Under his leadership in Utah Territory, plural marriage transformed from a secretive practice known only to a select group of church elders into an openly defended and widely practiced doctrine that became inseparable from Mormon identity for nearly half a century.<\/p>\n

Other significant figures in this history include Hyrum Smith (Joseph’s brother), who initially opposed plural marriage before becoming convinced of its divine origin and who requested that Joseph produce the written revelation now known as Doctrine and Covenants Section 132; Emma Hale Smith, Joseph’s first wife, whose documented opposition, grief, and ultimate resistance to plural marriage provides crucial insight into the practice’s implementation; and William Clayton, Joseph’s scribe, whose detailed journals and records give some of the most reliable contemporary documentation of events.<\/p>\n

Key Journal Entries<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Clayton’s journals from 1842\u20131845 detail plural marriage sealings and discussions:<\/p>\n