Join Brian Hales, a noted author specializing in early Latter-day Saints' polygamy, as he navigates the intricate world of Joseph Smith's controversial marriages. He shares his scholarly journey into church history and tackles the complexities surrounding key figures like Fanny Alger, Smith's first plural wife. Hales emphasizes the spiritual motivations behind Smith's polygamous practices, dispels common misconceptions, and delves into the ethical dilemmas that have intrigued and puzzled followers for generations.
Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy was viewed as a divine command, aligning with biblical precedent rather than driven by mere lust.
Emma Smith's complex journey with polygamy reflected both personal challenges and community dynamics surrounding Joseph's plural marriages.
Criticism of Joseph Smith's polygamy often misinterprets historical context, particularly regarding the societal norms surrounding marriage ages at that time.
Deep dives
Understanding Joseph Smith's Polygamy
Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy is deeply intertwined with his role as a prophet, focusing on its religious significance rather than just sexuality. While it's recorded that he had between 33 to 38 wives, a significant number of these marriages were believed to be non-sexual and for eternity only. Notably, Joseph’s first plural wife, Fanny Alger, sparked disputes regarding her age at the time of marriage; however, she was around 18 years old. Joseph's approach to polygamy sought to align with biblical precedent, recognizing it as a divine command rather than solely an expression of lust.
The Complexity of Polyandry
The concept of polyandry, where a woman has multiple husbands, is nuanced within the context of Joseph Smith’s plural marriages. Many of the so-called polyandrous relationships were actually eternity sealings, meaning these women were married for eternity to Joseph but had legal husbands on earth. Historic context plays a crucial role, as women in these arrangements often believed they were participating in a divinely appointed order. The criticism of polyandry largely stems from misconceptions and the absence of contemporaneous complaints from those who were privy to the arrangements, suggesting a broader acceptance of Joseph's practices at the time.
Emma Smith's Role and Reactions
Emma Smith, Joseph's legal wife, had a complex relationship with his practice of polygamy, characterized by initial rejection and later reluctant acceptance. Despite being initially unaware of some of Joseph's sealed marriages, evidence suggests she became aware of eternity-only sealings, practiced with other married women, which she struggled to accept. Tensions arose between them, especially when Emma discovered Joseph's relationships with single women, yet she participated in sealing ceremonies when she ultimately accepted the principle of polygamy. Embracing her covenants and her standing as Joseph’s legal wife, Emma's journey reflects both the personal and communal challenges posed by the practice of polygamy in their lives.
The Debate on Age and Young Wives
Concerns regarding the ages of Joseph Smith's wives often ignite debates on morality and context in historical practices of polygamy. The accusations that Joseph married very young girls frequently overlook the societal norms of the time, where marrying at a young age was not uncommon. While the youngest wives were recorded to be around 14 or 16 years old, most marriages were conducted with open family involvement and consent. Furthermore, the absence of evidence showing sexual relations with these young wives lends credence to the interpretation that many of these unions were spiritual rather than physical.
Addressing Misconceptions About Polygamy
The public perception of Joseph Smith’s practice of polygamy is often marred by modern interpretations which label it as an act driven by carnal desires. It is essential to understand that to Joseph, polygamy was a restoration of Old Testament practices, not simply a means for personal gratification. In addressing the inevitable questions on the topic, members are encouraged to frame responses that highlight Joseph's prophetic role and the religious foundations of plural marriage. By emphasizing the belief that Joseph was following divine instructions rather than personal whims, a more accurate representation of his actions within the community can be conveyed.
Welcome to the CES Letters, where we respond to the questions and concerns posed in the CES Letter. Today Brian C. Hales and Eastin M. Hartzell discuss polygamy and polyandry.SUPPLEMENTARY RESPONSE:Read here: https://www.cesletters.org/post/the-ces-letter-and-joseph-smith-s-polygamySHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPT:Read here: https://www.cesletters.org/post/the-ces-letter-and-joseph-smith-s-polygamy-with-brian-c-hales-show-notesWEBSITE:https://www.cesletters.orgSOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cesletters/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceslettersYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@CESLetters
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