Controversies of Polygamy and Authority in Mormonism

This chapter explores the contentious relationship between Joseph Smith and John C. Bennett, focusing on allegations of polygamous practices and the ethical implications surrounding them. The discussion dives into the complexities of spiritual wifery, church authority, and the treatment of dissenters, alongside the challenges of historical narratives. It critically examines Smith's actions, including the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor, and addresses the troubling aspects of his polygamous relationships and the surrounding societal pressures.