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The CES Letters
Joseph Smith's Polygamy with Brian Hales
Jul 23, 2024
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.
59:38
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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.
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