016 The Rocky End to Plural Marriage in the Church
Jun 20, 2023
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Explore the tumultuous history of plural marriage in the LDS Church, from public announcements to legal battles and eventual decline. Learn about the impact of the Edmunds Tucker Act, the George Reynolds trial, President Woodruff's Manifesto, and the emergence of the FLDS Church. Dive into the complexities, controversies, and societal pressures that led to the end of plural marriage within the Church.
Plural marriage faced relentless challenges and attacks from the United States government and society.
Orson Pratt justified plural marriage using biblical references and societal benefits.
President Wilford Woodruff's Manifesto marked the end of legal battles over plural marriage, emphasizing divine guidance and Church obedience.
Deep dives
History of Plural Marriage in the Church
The practice of plural marriage was publicly announced by church leaders in Utah in 1852, causing widespread challenges and attacks. The history of plural marriage came to a difficult end under the severe legislation and pressure from the United States government. Key events discussed include the George Reynolds trial, President Wilford Woodruff's manifesto, the Reed-Smoot trials, the establishment of the FLDS Church, and the fallout from the practice of plural marriage.
Orson Pratt and Polygamy Justification
Orson Pratt, a significant figure, was chosen to introduce the principle of plural marriage to the public, despite his personal struggles with the doctrine. Pratt eloquently justified plural marriage using biblical references, associating it with promises made to Abraham and linking it to preventing immorality. He defended plural marriage as a means to raise future generations in righteousness, contrasting it with societal norms of the time.
Challenges and Government Intervention
The government, particularly the Republican Party, aimed to eradicate polygamy through increasingly stringent laws like the Edmunds Act in 1882 and the Edmunds-Tucker Act in 1887. The legal battle culminated in the George Reynolds trial, where the Supreme Court ruled against the practice of plural marriage. President Wilford Woodruff's 1890 Manifesto marked the conclusion of legal challenges, with divine guidance leading to the decision to end plural marriage for the temporal salvation of the Church.
Deciding to Halt Plural Marriage
The podcast discusses the principle that the Lord does not require actions that individuals cannot fulfill. Wilford Woodruff's revelation to end plural marriage, issued as the Manifesto, faced initial confusion among members regarding its validity. Woodruff clarified that the Manifesto applied to future marriages and did not compel individuals to abandon existing plural relationships. The revelation highlights the challenging balance between religious obedience and compliance with the law.
Transition Away from Plural Marriage
After the Manifesto, questions arose among church members regarding continuing plural marriages in other countries. The Second Manifesto, initiated by Joseph F. Smith in 1904, firmly prohibited new plural marriages and outlined consequences, including excommunication. The subsequent implementation led to a gradual decline in plural marriage within the Church. The shift marked a significant development in Church doctrine and governance, emphasizing adherence to laws and Church authorities' guidance.
In 1852, only eight years after Joseph Smith’s death, Church leaders in Utah publicly announced to the astonished world what some had suspected—that Latter-day Saints did indeed practice the principle of plural marriage. But now that it was out there in the open, it could be openly challenged and attacked. And it was. Relentlessly. For decades.
In today’s episode of Church History Matters we’ll walk you through the history of how plural marriage came to a rocky end under the draconian legislation and crushing pressure of the United States government. We’ll dive into the George Reynolds trial, President Wilford Woodruff’s Manifesto, the Reed Smoot trials and the Second Manifesto, the resignation of the two members of the Quorum of the Twelve over this, the beginning of the FLDS Church, and more!
