Episode 24

An Introduction to Mormon Polygamy

Original Air Date: 2022-10-13

PolygamyJoseph Smith

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This video serves as an introduction and timeline for a multi-part series by LDS Discussions on the Mormon Stories Podcast, focusing on the history, contradictions, and theological implications of Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy 1. The hosts, John Dehlin and Mike, aim to present evidence-based historical data that goes "below the surface" of standard apologetic arguments, warning that this history is often "disturbing" and "upsetting" for believing members because it challenges the sanitized narrative presented by the Church 2, 3.

The Theological Context and ContradictionsThe video establishes that understanding polygamy is fundamental to understanding Mormonism, influencing everything from temple ceremonies to how the Church handles abuse 4. A central tension highlighted is that The Book of Mormon explicitly condemns polygamy, specifically in Jacob 2, labeling the actions of David and Solomon as "abominable" 5. This creates a scriptural contradiction, as Joseph Smith’s later revelation (D&C 132) claims God justified David and Solomon, meaning Joseph’s revelations eventually contradicted God's prior words 6, 7. Furthermore, the hosts note that the justification of "special divine permission" for sexual access to followers is a pattern seen in many high-demand religious groups and cult leaders, such as David Koresh and Warren Jeffs 8.

The Timeline of PolygamyThe hosts scrutinize the Church’s timeline, arguing that official narratives attempt to "retrofit" history to justify Joseph Smith's actions.

1831 Claims: The Church’s essays suggest Joseph knew of the polygamy principle as early as 1831 to explain later behavior 9. However, the hosts present evidence that the "revelation" from 1831 actually referred to missionaries taking Native American wives to make their posterity "white, delightsome, and just," or involved alleged proposals to a 12-year-old, both of which undermine the faithful narrative 10, 11. Conversely, D&C sections written in 1831 (D&C 42 and 49) explicitly command men to have only one wife 12.

Fanny Alger (1833–1836): The video identifies the relationship with Fanny Alger as the likely beginning of Joseph's practice. The hosts argue this was an extramarital affair rather than a marriage, noting there is no record of a marriage ceremony and it occurred before the "sealing keys" were restored in 1836 13, 14. Oliver Cowdery, the second-in-command, described the relationship as a "dirty nasty filthy affair" rather than a divine commandment 15. The relationship ended when Emma Smith discovered Joseph and Fanny in a barn and expelled Fanny from the house 16, 17.

1835 Denial: In response to rumors about these relationships, the Church added an article to the Doctrine and Covenants in 1835 explicitly denying the practice of polygamy and defining marriage as being between one man and one woman 18.

Polyandry and Sealing TheologyA significant portion of the video addresses polyandry, the practice of Joseph Smith marrying women who were already married to living men.

Scope: Approximately 9 to 11 of Joseph Smith's first 12 plural wives were polyandrous 19, 20.

Apologetics vs. Reality: The hosts dismantle the apologetic argument that these marriages were merely for "dynastic links" to join families. They argue that if this were the goal, Joseph could have used the "Law of Adoption" to seal men to him as sons rather than marrying their wives 21, 22.

Eternal Implications: The doctrine implies that for these polyandrous unions, the children and the women would be sealed to Joseph Smith for eternity rather than to their earthly husbands and fathers, effectively removing the families from faithful men 23, 24.

Joseph Smith’s Methods and D&C 132The video details how Joseph Smith established secrecy and authority to maintain the practice.

The "No Accuser" Doctrine: In 1841, Joseph preached that "if you do not accuse each other God will not accuse you," essentially teaching that secrecy equals sinlessness and that he had the power to take people into heaven as his "backload" if they supported him 25.

Dictation of D&C 132: When Hyrum Smith asked for a written revelation to convince Emma Smith of polygamy in 1843, Joseph dictated the text—over 3,200 words—from memory without using the Urim and Thummim or plates 26, 27. The hosts highlight this as evidence of Joseph’s ability to improvise scripture and speak in the "voice of God" fluently by this point in his life 28.

Implications for TodayThe episode concludes by emphasizing that D&C 132 remains canonized doctrine, meaning polygamy is still the expected order of heaven 29. The hosts argue that believing members must grapple with the reality that their theology promises a future of polygamy in the eternities, where women are "given" to men 30, 31.

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