Brittany Chapman Nash: Polygamy and the Church’s Past

From the early 1840s to 1890, the principle of plural marriage was practiced within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This aspect of history is one we tend to avoid talking about as Latter-day Saints. Perhaps we feel uncomfortable—or maybe even embarrassed—about the past. But how can we look back with respect for our forebearers while also acknowledging and feeling gratitude that polygamy is no longer something that is asked of us? On today’s episode, we talk with Brittany Chapman Nash about polygamy and what we learn from the people who practiced it.

“I think they had different joys and different sorrows than we do, and maybe richer experiences, and different blessings.”

Show Notes

2:45- Interest in Polygamy 4:56- Family Folklore 8:26- A Part of the Story to Own 13:57- Theology of Plural Marriage 19:31- Historical Context 22:47- Lived Polygamy 25:50- Different Joys and Different Sorrows 29:09- Motivated by Faith 31:11- The Role of Agency in Polygamy and Abuses of the Practice 36:01- Assumptions of Intent 41:01- Acting According To Their Convictions 43:16- What It Means For Us Now 48:42- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Find the full episode transcript at ldsliving.com/allin.

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