![FairMormon Logo](https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021_fair_logo_primary.png)
FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
(→Question: How could Joseph and Fanny have been married in 1831 if the sealing power had not yet been restored?) |
|||
Line 26: | Line 26: | ||
[[Category:MormonThink]] | [[Category:MormonThink]] | ||
− | |||
− | |||
[[es:Pregunta: ¿Cómo podrían José y Fanny han estado casados en 1831 si el poder para sellar aún no había sido restaurado?]] | [[es:Pregunta: ¿Cómo podrían José y Fanny han estado casados en 1831 si el poder para sellar aún no había sido restaurado?]] | ||
[[pt:Pergunta: Como poderia Joseph e Fanny terem sido casados em 1831 se o poder selador ainda não havia sido restaurado?]] | [[pt:Pergunta: Como poderia Joseph e Fanny terem sido casados em 1831 se o poder selador ainda não havia sido restaurado?]] |
There is historical evidence that Joseph Smith knew as early as 1831 that plural marriage would be restored. Mosiah Hancock (a Mormon) reported a wedding ceremony in Kirtland, Ohio in 1833.
Apostate Mormons Ann Eliza Webb Young and her father Chauncery both referred to Fanny's relationship as a "sealing." Ann Eliza also reported that Fanny's family was very proud of Fanny's relationship with Joseph, which makes little sense if it was simply a tawdry affair. Those closest to them saw the marriage as exactly that—a marriage.
Some have wondered how the first plural marriages (such as the Alger marriage) could have occurred before the 1836 restoration of the sealing keys in the Kirtland temple (see DC 110). This confusion occurs because we tend to conflate several ideas. They were not all initially wrapped together in one doctrine:
Thus, the marriage to Fanny would have occurred under the understanding #1 above. The concept of sealing beyond the grave came later. Therefore, the marriage of Joseph and Fanny would have been a plural marriage, but it would not have been a marriage for eternity.
Notes
FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We are a volunteer organization. We invite you to give back.
Donate Now