Unraveling the Complexities of Joseph Smith's Relationships

This chapter delves into the complex relationships of Joseph Smith with women, highlighting Fanny Alger's case and the broader implications of polygamy within the early church. The speakers analyze the discrepancies between church narratives and historical evidence while considering women's testimonies from that era.

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Many have asked the question: Did Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith have sex with his polygamous wives? During his lifetime, Joseph Smith engaged in polygamy (which was illegal in the state of Illinois) and his wives consisted of women who were underage, women who were single, women who were widowed, and women who were already legally married. What is the evidence for his sexual relations with them? Additionally a number of the brethren were also commanded to live polygamy, what is the evidence for sexual relations in those unions? Were any children born in polygamy during the prophet’s life? Join us for a unique LDS Discussions episode where we explore these topics and answer these questions.

Show Notes

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00:10:50 The purpose of polygamy from the scriptures - Book of Mormon Jacob 2:27-30

00:14:05 List of all 35 of Joseph Smith’s wives

00:19:45 Color coded list of the wives and sexual relations with Joseph Smith

00:26:55 Fanny Alger was Joseph Smith’s first “polygamous” wife

00:32:45 Lucinda Pendleton Harris was the first polyandrous wife

00:38:20 Zina Huntington was already married and was seven months pregnant

00:45:30 Presendia Buell didn’t know if her son was Joseph’s son

00:49:42 Levirate Marriage with Agnes Smith, Joseph Smith’s sister-in-law

00:58:44 Sylvia Sessions Lyon thought her daughter was actually Joseph Smith’s

01:01:15 How can the Mormon polygamy deniers explain this away?