Why Did the Latter-day Saints (Mormons) Decide to Practice Polygamy?

The practice of polygamy among the Latter-day Saints, often referred to as Mormons, has been a subject of significant debate and historical intrigue. This article delves into the reasons behind the adoption and continuation of polygamy within the early Mormon Church, exploring both the historical context and the motivations of its leaders.

The Historical Context

The transition from monogamy to polygamy among the Latter-day Saints in the 19th century was a deeply complex and controversial period. The decision by the early leaders of the Mormon Church to practice polygamy was rooted in a mix of religious doctrine, cultural circumstances, and personal motivations. This practice was both a means to fulfill religious visions and a way to consolidate their power and influence.

Leaders such as Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, introduced polygamy in the 1830s, initially under the guise of scriptural inspiration. The practice was further enhanced and codified through a series of revelations and manifesto, most notably the Doctrine and Covenants volume 132, which detailed a celestial order of marriage.

The Reasons for Polygamy

Advocates for polygamy among the Latter-day Saints often cite scriptural justification, particularly the Bible, which at times mentions polygamy. However, the real motivations were often more earthly than heavenly. Joseph Smith, in particular, is said to have been motivated by a desire to gain more wives and fulfill a personal inclination towards multiple partners. This aligns with historical accounts that suggest Smith saw polygamy as a means to assert his leadership and expand his influence.

Historically, polygamy allowed leaders to consolidate their power and create a hierarchical structure within the church. By controlling multiple households and families, they could exert significant influence over large numbers of individuals. This was particularly evident in the case of Joseph Smith, who married numerous women and acquired a significant family network.

The Legal and Social Backlash

By the late 19th century, the practice of polygamy became illegal under U.S. federal law. This led to significant societal backlash and legal challenges against the Mormon Church. However, even after the legality of polygamy was questioned and eventually prohibited, the Church continued to believe that it was an inspired and necessary practice to achieve religious fulfillment in the afterlife.

Today, the Mormon Church officially discourages polygamy, though it acknowledges that it was once practiced. Members of the Church who have been married in temple ceremonies can still believe that they will have their plural wives in heaven. This belief forms part of a broader theological framework that includes the idea of a celestial kingdom, where faithful members can achieve greater spiritual and physical blessings.

It is important to note that the practice of polygamy within the early Mormon Church was not uniformly embraced by all members. There were significant disagreements and conflicts, particularly within the Smith family, where Emma, Joseph Smith’s wife, was highly vocal in her opposition to the practice.

Theological and Historical Perspectives

The debate over polygamy in the Mormon Church is multifaceted and involves both theological and historical perspectives. On one hand, there are those who view Joseph Smith as a visionary and humanitarian, combating societal injustices and offering women new opportunities through the practice of polygamy. On the other hand, there are those who see polygamy as a cynical manipulation of religious doctrine and personal desires.

Historical accounts suggest that Smith was motivated by a desire to consolidate his power and expand his influence. Additionally, the belief in the “divinity” of polygamy was often used to explain and justify the actions of its leaders, even in the face of widespread opposition and legal challenges.

The legacy of polygamy in the Mormon Church continues to be a subject of scholarly and religious debate. Understanding its complexities requires an exploration of both the religious motivations and the personal desires that motivated its leaders to introduce and maintain this practice.

Conclusion

The practice of polygamy among the Latter-day Saints was a deeply ingrained and controversial aspect of their history. Its development and continuation were influenced by both scriptural interpretations and personal motivations. The legacy of polygamy in the Mormon Church continues to shape its beliefs and practices, and its study provides valuable insights into the history and theology of the faith.