The Truth Behind Polygamy in Mormonism: Joseph Smith and Brigham Young

The practice of polygamy is a contentious topic within Mormonism and has drawn significant scrutiny over the years. This article aims to unravel the complex history surrounding polygamy and its connection to Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, the early leaders of the movement.

Joseph Smith: A Firm Advocate Against Polygamy

Contrary to popular belief, Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, stated that he had no need to justify polygamy because he only had one wife, Emma Hale. In his lifetime, he repeatedly professed his commitment to monogamy. This view has been supported by an increasing body of work, including the research from Rob Fotheringham's YouTube channel and the "132 Problems" channel, which collectively argue that the historical record does not support the claim that Joseph was a polygamist.

The Role of Brigham Young: A Serial Adulterer

Brigham Young, who succeeded Joseph Smith as the leader of the Mormon Church, had a considerably different stance on polygamy. He was not only a serial adulterer but also manipulated the narrative to align with his actions. Young used the practice of polygamy to justify his actions and needed it to have originated from Joseph Smith to legitimize his leadership. Young's methods included making women lie about Smith's impregnation of them, despite subsequent DNA testing proving these claims to be false. Furthermore, he altered the historical record to change statements by Smith that condemned polygamy to those that supported it, and he modified LDS scriptures to remove references that condemned the practice.

Joseph's Public Stance and Personal Behavior

Despite the stringent teachings of Mormonism that sex outside marriage is a sin, Joseph Smith was not a hypocrite. Powerful men often struggle with the same human nature as everyone else, and Christianity generally teaches that sex is an obstacle to a relationship with God and should only be with one member of the opposite sex. However, this view contrasts with the Old Testament, which does not advocate for the same stringent guidelines concerning marriage and sexual relations.

Brigham Young's Deception and Manipulation

Brigham Young's desire for control and power led him to deceive both the members of the church and his Masonic superiors. After being designated by Young as a scapegoat, Smith attempted to act using the support of his wife Emma Hale. A few fake wives became pregnant through artificial insemination, leading to a few unconsummated marriages. Smith had to take action, and after the discovery of his actions, Young entrusted two counselors with the task of pushing him to surrender to a judicial authority. Smith was subsequently imprisoned in Carthage, Illinois, where masked accomplices used revolvers to land him.

The Justification through Schizophrenia and Greed

The justification for such actions, especially in a religious setting, can often be attributed to a distorted sense of reality. Some claim that if God told them to do something, it must be right. However, the reality is more complex. Greed and the manipulation of vulnerable followers were central to the spread of polygamy. Moreover, the practice of polygamy revealed the underlying issue of rampant sexual desire among powerful men, leaving many young men without wives. This led to a need for a more inclusive and acceptable outlet for their desires, which polygamy provided and promoted.

Understanding the historical and personal context of polygamy within Mormonism is crucial for comprehending the complexities of religious governance and practice. While Joseph Smith's stance on monogamy remains a significant facet of Mormon history, the actions of Brigham Young and the consequences of polygamy continue to be debated and analyzed.

Keywords: Joseph Smith, Mormonism, Polygamy

References:

Fotheringham, R. (2023). The 132 Problems YouTube Channel. [YouTube Channel] Rob Fotheringham's YouTube Channel. (2023). [YouTube Channel]