The Practice and History of Plural Marriage in the LDS Church

Plural marriage, often referred to as polygamy, has been a significant and often misunderstood aspect of the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the LDS Church. The practice is rooted in a complex history and religious doctrine that intertwines with leadership figures like Brigham Young and Joseph Smith. While the reasons behind the practice are multifaceted, they have often been misunderstood or misrepresented. In this article, we delve into the reasons why prominent figures like Brigham Young embraced polygamy and the impact it had on the religious community.

Religious Doctrine and the Practice of Polygamy

Brigham Young, who became the second president of the LDS Church in 1847, was deeply involved in the practice of plural marriage. This practice was motivated by religious doctrine rather than personal whim. His faith explicitly taught that having sex outside of marriage was a sin. Unlike what some might believe, Young was not a hypocrite but rather a leader acting within a framework of religious teaching.

Christianity generally teaches that marital fidelity is a cornerstone of faith, with the belief that sex outside of marriage is a barrier to a relationship with God, and thus should only occur between a single spouse of the opposite sex. However, this teaching is not derived from the Old Testament, which does not advocate for a singular marriage model. Powerful men like Henry VIII have engaged in serial monogamy, but Christian churches have generally looked unfavorably upon such practices.

History and Controversy

While some leaders like Brigham Young implemented plural marriage to align with religious doctrine, the practice was often met with controversy and hardship. Joseph Smith, the founder of the church, faced numerous challenges in introducing this doctrine. Initially, Smith used a handful of fake marriages to establish the practice, many of which were never consummated. After a series of failed attempts, Smith, with the support of Brigham Young, was denounced, and both he and his wife Emma Hale were implicated in the scandal.

Smith was eventually imprisoned in Carthage, Illinois, with two LDS friends, where masked political enemies attempted to kill him. This episode underscores the dangers and scrutiny faced by early church leaders as they attempted to implement the new doctrine of polygamy.

Religious Texts and Revelation

The practice of polygamy was justified by revelations received by Joseph Smith. During the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon, Smith was commanded to render a translation of the Bible to restore certain parts of the Bible to their original form by revelation. In this process, Smith noted the prevalence of polygamy among biblical prophets, prompting a direct inquiry to God about the reason behind this practice. It was in response to this inquiry that the Doctrine and Covenants revealed that eternal marriage is central to God's plan for his children's eternal destiny.

According to this revelation, when a man and woman enter into this covenant of their own free will and choice, performed by the same authority to bind on earth and in heaven, it is recognized in heaven. The authority for performing this binding came through the Apostles (Matt 18:18: “Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”)

Impact on the LDS Community

The revelations and actions of leaders like Brigham Young and Joseph Smith led to both joy and controversy within the LDS community. While some rejoiced and were married to their current spouse for time and eternity, others were either not married or were in unhappy marriages. In times of significant emotional strain and upheaval, leaders like Joseph Smith practiced plural marriage as a stop-gap measure to keep families together and address emotional needs.

Interestingly, women from plural marriage homes often became leaders and pioneers in various fields. Many of them started businesses, entered politics, fought for suffrage, and held leadership positions. This highlights the resilience and strength of these women, despite the challenges they faced.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Note

While the history of polygamy in the LDS Church is complex and often misunderstood, it is essential to approach the subject with an open and nuanced perspective. Assumptions should be avoided, and one should study the topic with an awareness of the multifaceted issues and historical context surrounding this practice.