Church History Matters

013 Joseph Smith’s Trial and Error Approach to Plural Marriage

May 30, 2023

Discover the intricate world of Joseph Smith's trial and error approach to plural marriage, including sealings with married women and a 14-year-old. Explore the impact on his relationships with Emma and Oliver Cowdery. Delve into his creative use of sealing power and his struggles with the concept of polygamy.

59:05

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Quick takeaways

Joseph Smith's trial and error approach showcased innovative uses of the sealing power to fulfill what he believed to be God's command.

Section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants outlines four key reasons for plural marriage, highlighting the doctrinal framework guiding Joseph Smith's actions.

Joseph Smith's practice of plural marriage extended beyond traditional unions to include adoptive sealings and family connections, emphasizing his effort to unite families for eternity.

Deep dives

Joseph Smith's Journey with Plural Marriage

Despite facing challenges, Joseph Smith obediently explores plural marriage, aiming to connect families and fulfill what he believes to be God's command. The practice, including eternity-only sealings and dynastic connections, showcases a nuanced approach amidst societal norms, with a focus on faith and connection.

Intro

3min

Exploring the Reasons and History of Plural Marriage in the Church

3min

Joseph Smith's Early Attempts at Plural Marriage

8min

Joseph Smith's Complex Relationships and Marriage Practices

19min

Exploring Plural Marriage in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

20min

Putting Joseph Smith's Polygamy in Context

3min

Exploring the Complexity of Plural Marriage in Joseph Smith's Life

3min

Did you know that Joseph Smith’s first attempt to obey the Lord’s command to him to practice plural marriage ended quite badly and ended up straining his relationships both with his first wife Emma and with his close friend Oliver Cowdery? And have you ever heard that Joseph was sealed to several women who already had living husbands? Was this a scandalous practice, or was something else going on? And have you heard that Joseph was also sealed to Helen Kimball, who was only 14 years old at the time? You might be both surprised and relieved to learn the reason behind this. And have you ever wondered if Joseph had any children with any of his other 35 wives besides Emma?

In this episode of Church History Matters we do a deep dive into all of these topics and more as we trace Joseph Smith’s creative trial and error approach to personally living the practice of plural marriage, including some innovative uses of the sealing power to accomplish God’s will the best he understood it.

For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/

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Church History Matters

013 Joseph Smith’s Trial and Error Approach to Plural Marriage

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Joseph Smith's Journey with Plural Marriage

Four Canonical Reasons for Plural Marriage

Initiation of Plural Marriage

Struggles Over Plural Marriage Practice

Diverse Applications of Sealing Power

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts