Was Joseph Smith actually a polygamist?? | with Brian Hales
Nov 24, 2023
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Brian Hales, LDS scholar and friend of Saints Unscripted, addresses the controversy around Joseph Smith's polygamy. He discusses accounts of polygamy, different scholars' approaches to history, and specific claims against Joseph Smith. The podcast explores polygamy deniers, Joseph Smith's revelation on eternal marriage, contemporaneous evidence of the revelation, arguments against Joseph Smith's polygamy, and the involvement of John C. Bennett in spiritual wifery.
Transparency and examining all available evidence is crucial in accurately understanding Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy.
Refuting arguments made by polygamy deniers, such as the absence of children and alleged denials, helps establish that Joseph Smith did practice polygamy.
Deep dives
Joseph Smith's Polygamy: Addressing Deniers
In this podcast episode, the speaker addresses the claims made by polygamy deniers that Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, did not practice polygamy. The speaker emphasizes the importance of transparency and looking at all the available evidence to come to an accurate historical reconstruction. They refute the arguments made by deniers, such as the lack of children from polygamous relationships and Emma Smith's alleged denials. The speaker clarifies that John C. Bennett's spiritual wifery was not the same as the plural marriage practiced by Joseph, and that the terms "polygamy" and "plural marriage" are used interchangeably. They conclude by highlighting that Joseph Smith, while not perfect, was always worthy and that his practice of polygamy was authorized and in accordance with God's will.
Polygamy Deniers and the Importance of Transparency
In this episode, the podcast addresses the arguments put forth by polygamy deniers who claim that Joseph Smith did not engage in polygamy. The speaker emphasizes the importance of transparency and examining all the available evidence. They debunk the deniers' claims, such as the absence of children from Joseph's polygamous relationships and alleged denials by Emma Smith. The speaker also points out the distinction between John C. Bennett's spiritual wifery and the plural marriage practiced by Joseph. Ultimately, they affirm that Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy was authorized and a principle aligned with God's will.
The Significance of Polygamy and Plural Marriage
This podcast episode explores the controversy surrounding Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy. The speaker addresses the arguments made by deniers who claim that Joseph did not engage in polygamy. They emphasize the importance of transparency in examining historical evidence. The speaker refutes the deniers' arguments, providing insights into the distinction between John C. Bennett's spiritual wifery and Joseph Smith's plural marriage. They also discuss the significance of terms like polygamy and plural marriage, highlighting that they are used interchangeably in the context of Joseph Smith's practice. Ultimately, the speaker upholds the view that Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy was authorized and in alignment with divine principles.
Understanding the Historical Context of Polygamy
In this podcast episode, the speaker delves into the controversial topic of Joseph Smith's polygamy. They specifically address the arguments made by polygamy deniers. The speaker underscores the importance of thorough research and transparency in analyzing historical evidence. By refuting the deniers' claims, such as the absence of children from Joseph's polygamous relationships, the speaker provides a nuanced view of the practice of polygamy. They also explain the difference between John C. Bennett's spiritual wifery and Joseph Smith's plural marriage. Ultimately, the speaker affirms that Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy was authorized and rooted in divine principles.
For many decades, there has been speculation that Joseph Smith (first prophet of the LDS Church) did not practice polygamy. The speculation has ebbed and flowed over the years, though the conspiracy has picked up steam more recently.
LDS scholar and friend of Saints Unscripted, Brian Hales, agreed to address the controversy on today’s episode. Brian addresses accounts of polygamy, how different types of scholars navigate history, and how to address specific claims made against Joseph Smith’s polygamy.
While the subject of polygamy is uncomfortable and might be happily dismissed altogether, the truth is that Joseph Smith practiced polygamy. We aren’t defending the practice but rather acknowledging true historical events.
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