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|answer=This is true. Subsequent questions, however, demonstrate that the author seems determined to paint a simplistic portrait of plural marriage: one that draws heavily on anti-Mormon sources and interpretations. | |answer=This is true. Subsequent questions, however, demonstrate that the author seems determined to paint a simplistic portrait of plural marriage: one that draws heavily on anti-Mormon sources and interpretations. | ||
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+ | Joseph's polygamy is well-attested in Church books and periodicals, and is discussed in {{s||D&C|132|}} and even the ''History of the Church''. Any implication that this was a sudden discovery which the Church tried to hide is unfair. | ||
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+ | {{:Joseph_Smith/Polygamy}} | ||
=="some as young as 14 years old"== | =="some as young as 14 years old"== | ||
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|answer=There were two wives aged fourteen. We can say nothing about one marriage, due to a lack of evidence. The other marriage was instigated by the bride's parents, and there is considerable evidence that the marriage was not consummated. Many of Joseph's marriages were concerned about sealing families together. | |answer=There were two wives aged fourteen. We can say nothing about one marriage, due to a lack of evidence. The other marriage was instigated by the bride's parents, and there is considerable evidence that the marriage was not consummated. Many of Joseph's marriages were concerned about sealing families together. | ||
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=="many of whom were married to other men at the time he married them"== | =="many of whom were married to other men at the time he married them"== | ||
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|answer=Again, the author gives no context or nuance to his critical picture. In all the cases of polyandry, there is little evidence that the relationships were consummated. In many cases, we know the husbands (some of them non-members) knew of the marriages and did not object. Emma never objected to the polyandrous marriages. No husband attacked Joseph or reproached him for violation of his marital rights or wife's honor. Many of Joseph's marriages—including these—seem to have been intended to seal families together. | |answer=Again, the author gives no context or nuance to his critical picture. In all the cases of polyandry, there is little evidence that the relationships were consummated. In many cases, we know the husbands (some of them non-members) knew of the marriages and did not object. Emma never objected to the polyandrous marriages. No husband attacked Joseph or reproached him for violation of his marital rights or wife's honor. Many of Joseph's marriages—including these—seem to have been intended to seal families together. | ||
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+ | {{:Joseph_Smith/Polygamy/Polyandry}} | ||
=="Joseph Smith would frequently approach other men’s wives about being his own plural wives — often while the men were away"== | =="Joseph Smith would frequently approach other men’s wives about being his own plural wives — often while the men were away"== | ||
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# Joseph was often charged with a type and form of polygamy that he did not practice. Most of his denials were targeted at these accusations, and were technically true. | # Joseph was often charged with a type and form of polygamy that he did not practice. Most of his denials were targeted at these accusations, and were technically true. | ||
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+ | {{:Joseph_Smith/Polygamy/Hiding_the_truth}} | ||
=="Joseph Smith...lied to his own wife (Emma) about the practice"== | =="Joseph Smith...lied to his own wife (Emma) about the practice"== | ||
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|answer=We know very little about what Joseph told Emma, and when he told her. Emma would always insist Joseph never practiced plural marriage, though she knew differently. We should be cautious, then, in being too dogmatic about Joseph's treatment of Emma. Once again, there is far more nuance than the author seems willing to admit, or is even aware of. | |answer=We know very little about what Joseph told Emma, and when he told her. Emma would always insist Joseph never practiced plural marriage, though she knew differently. We should be cautious, then, in being too dogmatic about Joseph's treatment of Emma. Once again, there is far more nuance than the author seems willing to admit, or is even aware of. | ||
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+ | {{:Joseph_Smith/Polygamy/Hiding_the_truth/Did_Emma_know}} | ||
=="Joseph publicly slandered both Jane and William Law, including publicly calling Jane Law a 'whore'"== | =="Joseph publicly slandered both Jane and William Law, including publicly calling Jane Law a 'whore'"== |
First Vision | A FAIR Analysis of: John Dehlin's "Questions and Answers" A work by author: John Dehlin
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Treasure digging |
"Joseph Smith married over 30 women"
This is true. Subsequent questions, however, demonstrate that the author seems determined to paint a simplistic portrait of plural marriage: one that draws heavily on anti-Mormon sources and interpretations.
Joseph's polygamy is well-attested in Church books and periodicals, and is discussed in D&C 132 and even the History of the Church. Any implication that this was a sudden discovery which the Church tried to hide is unfair.
Summary: Plural marriage—or one man marrying multiple women—has been practiced since ancient times (see Genesis 16:1–3; Doctrine and Covenants 132:34–39). It was practiced among the Latter-day Saints as commanded by God (see Doctrine and Covenants 132:32–34, 40), until God directed that the Saints discontinue it (see Official Declaration 1).
Joseph Smith is frequently criticized for his introduction and practice of plural marriage (often called polygamy).
From a Christian perspective, these attacks usually focus on arguing that polygamy is unchristian or unbiblical, and that Joseph hid the truth from the world.
From a secular perspective, it is asserted that the practice of polygamy sprung from Joseph's carnal desires to marry young women. Of particular interest is the fact that Joseph was sealed to women who were already married to other men (polyandry).
To view articles about plural marriage, click "Expand" in the blue bar:
Video from FAIR Conference.
Video from Church History Department.
Critical sources |
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Notes
"some as young as 14 years old"
There were two wives aged fourteen. We can say nothing about one marriage, due to a lack of evidence. The other marriage was instigated by the bride's parents, and there is considerable evidence that the marriage was not consummated. Many of Joseph's marriages were concerned about sealing families together.
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"many of whom were married to other men at the time he married them"
Again, the author gives no context or nuance to his critical picture. In all the cases of polyandry, there is little evidence that the relationships were consummated. In many cases, we know the husbands (some of them non-members) knew of the marriages and did not object. Emma never objected to the polyandrous marriages. No husband attacked Joseph or reproached him for violation of his marital rights or wife's honor. Many of Joseph's marriages—including these—seem to have been intended to seal families together.
"Joseph Smith would frequently approach other men’s wives about being his own plural wives — often while the men were away"
This claim is false. There is only one recorded case of Joseph approaching a potential plural wife while her husband was on a mission. This case occurred at least two years after her husband's departure. The husband ratified the sealing upon his return. This claim too derives from discredited anti-Mormon sources.
"Joseph Smith publicly lied about his practice of polygamy"
The author ignores three vital facts:
"Joseph Smith...lied to his own wife (Emma) about the practice"
We know very little about what Joseph told Emma, and when he told her. Emma would always insist Joseph never practiced plural marriage, though she knew differently. We should be cautious, then, in being too dogmatic about Joseph's treatment of Emma. Once again, there is far more nuance than the author seems willing to admit, or is even aware of.
"Joseph publicly slandered both Jane and William Law, including publicly calling Jane Law a 'whore'"
"Joseph ordered the destruction of the printing press, which was both a violation of the 1st Amendment"
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