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Church History Matters

017 Q&R! Tough Polygamy Questions with Dr. Brian Hales

Jun 27, 2023
Dr. Brian Hales, an expert on polygamy and the history of Joseph Smith's plural marriages, discusses tough polygamy questions. He addresses Joseph Smith's regrets, denial of polygamy, marriage while men were away on missions, refusal of proposals, Emma's relationship to plural marriage, and the reasons behind its existence. The importance of unbiased historical analysis and debunking reductionist statements is emphasized. They also explore Joseph Smith's denials, approach to plural marriage, regrets, and the significance of keeping covenants.
58:35

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Joseph Smith had certain aspects of his approach to plural marriage that he might have done differently, such as marrying other men's wives and not informing Emma of every plural wife, influenced by complexities and beliefs surrounding the practice.
  • There is evidence supporting Joseph Smith's practice of plural marriage, and the denial of this practice is growing among some church members, but it is not supported by the historical record or trained historians.

Deep dives

Joseph Smith's Regrets and Approaches to Plural Marriage

Joseph Smith did not have regrets about plural marriage, but there were certain aspects of his approach that he might have done differently. For example, marrying other men's wives and not informing Emma of every plural wife. However, these choices were influenced by complexities and beliefs surrounding the practice, such as the sealing for eternity-only marriages and the desire for every worthy woman to have the opportunity for sealing. It is important to understand the historical context and Joseph's intentions when considering his approach to plural marriage.

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