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Brigham Young's statements regarding plural marriage/Boasted could have more wives
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Criticism
Critics tell us that Brigham Young "boasted" about his ability to get more wives even though he was married to 50-60 women.
Sources of the criticism
- Jerald and Sandra Tanner, The Changing World of Mormonism (Moody Press, 1979), 233.( Index of claims )
Response
The Tanners cite multiple sources for this claim. They are examined below.
JD 5:210
Misrepresentation of source: Brigham is here discussing Thomas B. Marsh's return to the Church, and it is inaccurate to describe him as "boasting." See Quote mining—Journal of Discourses 5:210 to see how this quote was mined.
JD 8:178
Citation error: This reference says nothing at all about plural marriage. See Quote mining—Journal of Discourses 8:178 to see how this quote was mined.
Conclusion
As is often the case, the references do not support the critics claims, and the worst possible interpretation is placed on what are likely innocent remarks, or remarks intended to teach a spiritual point.