Plural marriage in the Church was introduced as a necessary trial and Abrahamic test for Saints.
Joseph Smith initially hesitated and debated practicing plural marriage due to personal repugnance.
Deep dives
Introduction to Plural Marriage in LDS History
Plural Marriage, a form of religious polygamy, was introduced in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over 130 years ago, remaining a challenging and controversial aspect for many. The episode explores the reasons behind its introduction into the Church by Joseph Smith, detailing his initial reluctance and the theological justifications provided in the Doctrine and Covenants.
Initial Reluctance and Struggle of Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith faced internal conflict upon learning about plural marriage, hesitating and debating its practice due to social customs and personal repugnance. Sources reveal a deep struggle within him, even prompting intervention from an angel with a drawn sword to compel his acceptance, highlighting his reluctance and internal wrestle.
Theological Context and Restoration of All Things
Plural marriage was seen as part of the restoration of all things, aligning with biblical references to patriarchal practices. The theological underpinnings emphasize the practice as a necessary trial and an Abrahamic test to challenge the faith of Saints, aligning with ancient principles of marimonial relationships.
Purpose of Plural Marriage for Eternal Families
Section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants outlines plural marriage as a means to provide marriage opportunities for all faithful women, especially those unable to marry in this life. The practice was intended to enable the creation of eternal families and extend blessings to those who may not have conventional marital prospects, aligning with the principle of eternal sealing for exaltation.
Plural marriage—a form of religious polygamy (or polygyny to be technical)—is one of the most controversial and faith-challenging aspects of the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was difficult when it was first introduced in the early Church and, although it was discontinued over 130 years ago, it is still a difficult issue for many both within and outside of the Church to reckon with.
So why was it introduced into the Church in the first place? When did Joseph Smith first learn that this practice would be restored? Why did he delay practicing it? How did he and others who were asked to live it initially respond? And what were the four theological reasons given by the Lord in the Doctrine and Covenants to justify the practice of plural marriage?
In this episode of Church History Matters we explore the best sources to answer these and related questions. And while we know that learning the answers to these questions may not fully remove one’s wrestle with this issue, we believe it can sure help.
