There have always been questions regarding polygamy within the Mormon Church. Here are the top questions that get asked quite frequently.
What was the reason for polygamy between 1840 and 1890?
There has been much speculation as to why but the best answer is probably, “Because God commanded It.”
Plural Marriage in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Why Did Joseph Smith Institute the Practice of Polygamy?
Tough Questions About Polygamy – Brian and Laura Hales (9:10-10:58)
Who was Fanny Alger?
It was reported that Fanny Alger was Joseph Smith’s 1st plural wife.
Did Joseph marry a 14 year old?
Helen Mar Kimball was 14 years old when she was sealed to Joseph Smith, Jr.
5 Things You Should Know About Joseph Smith’s 14-Year-Old Bride
Tough Questions About Mormon Polygamy – Brian and Laura Hales (16:55-18:45) (19:45-23:45)
Will there be polygamy in heaven?
It has never been taught that polygamy is a requirement for exaltation.
Is Polygamy Required in Heaven?
Do we have to practice polygamy in the next life?
Tough Questions About Mormon Polygamy – Brian and Laura Hales (12:55-15:35)
Did Joseph Smith live with any of his wives?
He lived in the same house as a few of them in 1842 and 1843.
DNA Evidence and Joseph Smith’s Plural Wives
Could any man practice polygamy during Joseph’s time?
The simple answer is no.
I Don’t Know Why Polygamy Happened, but I do Know This
Polygamy as an Abrahamic Sacrifice
Did Joseph have children with any of his wives?
There has been no evidence of Joseph fathering children with any wife other than Emma.
Tough Questions About Mormon Polygamy – Brian and Laura Hales (11:16-11:39)
DNA Evidence and Joseph Smith’s Plural Marriages
Did the Mormon Church try to hide this part of their history?
In the past it was something that wasn’t taught much or even spoken about. Yet it was never hidden. The Mormon Church is now trying to be more transparent regarding this subject. There has been a curriculum created to teach about this part of the Church’s history. This is also one of the topics added to the Gospel Topic Essays.
Plural Marriage in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
New Seminary Curriculum Tackles Polygamy
Praise to the Man Even With 40 Wives and Teenage Brides
Why didn’t Joseph Smith tell his wife Emma about the plural marriages at first? How do you reconcile that?
We don’t know why Emma didn’t know about Joseph’s plural marriages until 1843.
Tough Questions About Mormon Polygamy – Brian and Laura Hales (25:30-27:35)
Is it true that Joseph Smith stole other men’s wives?
We do know that he was sealed for eternity only to 14 women who had husbands.
Tough Questions About Mormon Polygamy – Brian and Laura Hales (30:51-33:40)
Did Joseph Smith use his status as prophet to pressure women into accepting proposals?
John C. Bennett (who was excommunicated) made an accusation against Joseph that he said he would ruin the reputation of anyone that turned him down. We do know 5 women did turn down his proposal.
