Understanding the complex history of Joseph Smith Polygamy is essential to grasp the roots of Mormonism and its evolution over time. As the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), Joseph Smith’s practice of plural marriage remains one of the most debated and misunderstood aspects of his legacy. This comprehensive article explores the origins, motivations, controversies, and lasting impact of Smith’s polygamous practices, offering a nuanced perspective grounded in historical facts and scholarly research.
Historical Context of 19th Century America
H3: Popular Attitudes Toward Marriage and Family
H4: The Norms of 19th Century Society
During the 19th century, American society was grappling with changing notions of marriage and family. The predominant view was rooted in monogamous unions, aligned with legal frameworks and social expectations. However, some religious and fringe groups experimented with alternative marriage forms, including polygamy, often facing public suspicion or outright opposition.
H3: Religious Movements and Revivalism
H4: The Second Great Awakening and Religious Diversity
The Second Great Awakening catalyzed a wave of revivalism and new religious movements, including Mormonism. These movements often challenged traditional Christian teachings, introducing doctrines that diverged from mainstream beliefs, such as Joseph Smith Polygamy. Religious fervor and a desire for spiritual revival created fertile ground for such controversial practices.
H3: Legal and Social Pressures Concerning Marriage Practices
H4: Laws and Social Sanctions
While monogamous marriage was legally protected, groups practicing polygamy faced increasing legal scrutiny and social stigmatization. Laws like the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act (1862) sought to curb plural marriages, reflecting a societal pushback against religious exceptions to conventional marriage norms.
Joseph Smith’s Life and Early Marriage Practices
H3: Early Marriage Life of Joseph Smith
H4: Marriages Before Public Practice of Polygamy
Joseph Smith married Emma Hale in 1827, establishing a monogamous union that would come under strain as his religious revelations evolved. Early on, Smith’s marriage to Emma was characterized by traditional Christian practices, yet hints of complex relationships began to emerge.
H3: Overview of His First Marriage to Emma Hale Smith
H4: The Foundation of His Personal Life
Emma Hale was deeply committed to Smith, but as Smith received revelations about polygamy, tensions arose. Their relationship exemplifies the contrast between Smith’s conventional marriage and his later secret practices, which were often kept hidden from Emma and the public.
H3: Early Indications of Complex Marriage Practices
H4: Private Revelations and Relationship Dynamics
Evidence suggests that Joseph Smith’s early practice of Joseph Smith Polygamy was initially secret and driven by divine visions. These revelations introduced the possibility of plural marriage as a divine commandment, a doctrine that would fundamentally shape Mormon history.
Introduction to Polygamy in Mormonism
H3: Definition of Polygamy (Plural Marriage)
H4: Clarifying the Practice
Polygamy, or plural marriage, involves one individual having multiple spouses simultaneously. In the context of Mormonism, it was viewed as a divine institution necessary for exaltation and eternal progression.
H3: Origins and Early Experimental Practices Among Mormon Pioneers
H4: From Revelation to Practice
Early Mormon pioneers experimented with polygamy after Joseph Smith’s revelations, particularly from the 1830s onward. These early practices were often clandestine, as public opinion and legal constraints made open endorsement dangerous.
H3: Public vs. Private Teachings of Joseph Smith Regarding Polygamy
H4: Secrecy and Revelation
Joseph Smith publicly condemned polygamy in some contexts, while privately he engaged in and promoted the practice as a divine commandment. This duality contributed to ongoing controversy and confusion about his true teachings.
The Practice of Polygamy by Joseph Smith
H3>Timeline of Polygamous Marriages
H4: From Fanny Alger to Key Marriages
| Year | Marriage Partner | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1833 | Fanny Alger | Considered the first documented plural marriage. Occurred in Kirtland, Ohio. |
| 1841 | Emmeline B. Wells | Later became a prominent Mormon leader. |
| 1842 | Lucy Walker | Publicly acknowledged marriage. |
| 1843 | Others (including women already married) | Multiple marriages known through historical records. |
H4: Motivations and Religious Justifications
Smith’s Joseph Smith Polygamy was justified through revelations, notably the doctrine of eternal marriage and exaltation. He claimed that God commanded him to practice plural marriage to restore lost biblical practices and prepare his followers for salvation.
H4: The Role of Revelations and Doctrinal Teachings
The Articles of Faith and sections of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants articulate the theological basis for plural marriage, emphasizing divine commandments and the promise of exaltation for faithful practitioners.
H4: Secrecy and Controversy
Early Joseph Smith Polygamy was kept secret, leading to rumors and suspicion. Its clandestine nature caused tension within the Mormon community and attracted criticism from outsiders, impacting Smith’s reputation.
Key Figures in Smith’s Polygamous Practices
H3: Emma Hale Smith
H4: Wife and Initial Opposition
Emma Hale was Smith’s first wife and initially unaware of his secret practices. She opposed plural marriage, which led to personal conflicts and complicated Smith’s relationships.
H3: Women Involved
H4: Biographies and Roles
Women involved ranged from early companions like Fanny Alger to later wives such as Lucy Walker. Their involvement was often grounded in religious conviction and the belief in divine command.
H3: Mormon Leaders Supporting or Opposing
H4: Internal Dynamics
Support for Joseph Smith Polygamy varied among early Mormon leaders. Some embraced the practice as divine, while others, like Emma, opposed it. These tensions influenced the community’s development and policies.
Polygamy and Smith’s Religious Revelations
H3: Visions and Sermons on Plural Marriage
H4: Scriptural and Mystical Sources
Revelations received by Smith, especially those later compiled into Doctrine and Covenants Section 132, emphasized that polygamy was commanded by God as part of the divine plan for exaltation.
H3: Connection to Restorationist Doctrine
H4: Restoring Lost Practices
Smith believed that practicing polygamy was necessary to restore ancient biblical traditions and to prepare saints for the higher kingdom, linking the practice directly to the broader restorationist movement.
Public Perception and Controversy
H3: Early Criticism
H4: Outsiders and Government
Media reports and government investigations painted Joseph Smith Polygamy in a negative light, portraying it as immoral or deceptive. These criticisms fueled tension between Mormon communities and the wider society.
H3: Internal Conflicts and Support
H4: Mormon Internal Debates
Within the Mormon community, debates raged over the legitimacy and morality of plural marriage. Supporters saw it as divine, while opponents, including Emma, viewed it as a betrayal.
Decline and Official Adoption of Polygamy
H3: After Joseph Smith’s Death
H4: Brigham Young’s Leadership
Following Smith’s murder, Brigham Young formally embraced polygamy as a doctrinal cornerstone, leading to the official institutionalization of plural marriage within Mormonism.
H3: Changes Over Time
H4: Legality and Public Policy
As the practice became public, legal efforts such as the Edmunds Act (1882) were enacted to suppress Mormon plural marriage, marking a period of intense legal and social conflict.
Legal and Social Challenges
H3: Laws Against Plural Marriage
H4: Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act and Beyond
The Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act (1862) and subsequent laws aimed to outlaw Joseph Smith Polygamy. These laws led to arrests, property seizures, and increased social stigma.
H3: Mormon Community’s Response
H4: Adaptations and Underground Practices
The Mormon community responded through legal challenges, underground marriages, and later, a shift away from public endorsement of plural marriage, eventually leading to the official stance of the LDS Church today.
Modern Perspectives and Legacy
H3: Disclosure and Acknowledgment
H4: Mormon History and Transparency
In recent decades, The LDS Church has openly acknowledged Joseph Smith Polygamy as part of its history, fostering greater transparency and scholarly interest.
H3: Impact on Mormon Doctrine and Culture
H4: Cultural Identity and Fundamentalist Groups
While mainstream Mormons distance themselves from plural marriage, fundamentalist groups continue practicing it, viewing Smith’s actions as divinely inspired.
H3: Ongoing Debates and Historical Memory
H4: Religious Freedom Versus Social Norms
Debates persist regarding the balance between religious freedom and societal laws, with Joseph Smith Polygamy remaining central to discussions of religious rights and historical accountability.
Conclusion
In sum, Joseph Smith Polygamy played a pivotal role in shaping the early Mormon movement, reflecting complex religious, social, and legal dynamics. While controversial, its practice underscores profound questions about divine authority, religious freedom, and societal change. Recognizing this history enriches our understanding of Mormonism’s roots and its ongoing journey through modern society.
FAQs about Joseph Smith Polygamy
- Was Joseph Smith married to many women? Yes, historical records indicate that Smith had multiple wives, with estimates ranging from 30 to over 40 women.
- Did Emma Hale Smith approve of Joseph’s polygamous marriages? No, Emma opposed plural marriage, leading to personal and doctrinal tensions.
- Were Joseph Smith’s polygamous marriages secret? Initially, yes. Smith kept these marriages confidential, which caused controversy once they became public knowledge.
- Did Joseph Smith believe polygamy was a sin? No, he believed it was a divine commandment necessary for exaltation.
- How did the LDS Church officially view polygamy after Smith’s death? The church distanced itself from plural marriage in 1890 with the Manifesto, though fundamentalist groups continue the practice.
- Is Joseph Smith’s practice of polygamy accepted today by mainstream Mormonism? No, the current LDS Church officially prohibits and disavows the practice, emphasizing monogamous marriage.
- What are some primary sources related to Joseph Smith Polygamy? Revelations, personal letters, and church archives offer valuable insights. The Church History Library provides extensive resources.
- How does the practice of Joseph Smith Polygamy influence modern debates on religious freedom? It highlights ongoing conflicts between individual religious rights and societal laws, shaping legal and cultural discussions today.
Key Points Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Practice | First documented in 1833 with Fanny Alger; secretive at first |
| Theological Justification | Revelations, especially Doctrine and Covenants Section 132 |
| Public Perception | Initially secret, later critics denounced it, leading to legal action |
| Impact on Mormon Community | Led to internal conflicts, shifts in doctrine, and legal challenges |
| Modern Stance | Mainstream LDS disavows polygamy; fundamentalist groups continue |
By understanding Joseph Smith Polygamy in its full historical context—from divine revelation to social controversy—we gain insight not only into early Mormonism but also into broader themes of religious expression and societal norms. To explore the topic further, consult authoritative sources such as the Religious Studies Center at BYU or the Church History Library.