Maiden Mother Matriarch with Louise Perry The Hidden History of Mormonism - Michelle Stone | Maiden Mother Matriarch Episode 144
Jun 1, 2025
Michelle Stone, host of "132 Problems: Revisiting Mormon Polygamy" and mother of 13, shares her captivating insights into the complex world of Mormonism. She discusses the spiritual motivations behind large families and the challenges of motherhood within this unique community. The conversation touches on the historical evolution from polygamy to monogamy and the tensions surrounding fundamentalist practices. Stone also explores the enduring legacy of polygamy and the vital voices of women advocating for change in these traditions.
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Episode notes
Origins of Mormon Polygamy
- Polygamy likely came into Mormonism unofficially influenced by ideas like "spiritual wifery" from England.
- Joseph Smith and his wife Emma opposed polygamy, contradicting official church narratives.
Social Dynamics in Polygamy
- Polygamy often commoditizes women and empowers elite men while marginalizing other men.
- This causes shame, judgment, and competition among men in polygamist cultures.
Policing Polygamy in 19th Century America
- U.S. federal government opposed polygamy strongly, equating it with slavery as a "relic of barbarism".
- Laws and pressures led the LDS church to officially end polygamy in 1890 though it continued covertly for years.
