Polygamy
Polygamy, or
more correctly polygany, as practiced among the early members
of the Mormon church, has
long
been a controversial subject. It still ranks high among online searches for
Mormons and what they believe. So why not embrace that
interest?
Our critics have
capitalized on the interest and so will I. Besides, it
is a fascinating and legitimate doctrine and practice to
study, even if it is neither taught nor practiced in the
official LDS curriculum today. Nevertheless, it is still
a doctrine found in our scripture.
I think we do ourselves a
disservice if we do not have some sort of official online
source to which we can send our new members and honest
investigators to read. It is best to read the story as
it really happened and not try to hide it or avoid
it in any way.
Links to a few of my essays
on the subject of Polygamy:
The
Plural Wives of Joseph Smith - Why not start right at
the most controversial point and address the subject where it
started - with Joseph Smith? This essay
does
that.
The
Practice of Plural Marriage - I tried to write this one in
a straightforward and factual manner. I tried
to write to the new member or investigator reading
it for the first time.
No
Such Thing as Mormon Fundamentalism - I was suprised to
the reaction when I first published this. It came out
when Mitt Romney was first running for President.
Teachings
of the Presidents: Joseph Smith - A look at the
church course of study for 2008-2009 showed only passing
reference to Plural Marriage. I wondered why.
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