Polygamy and Marriage in the LDS Church: Dispelling Misconceptions

Recently, a thought-provoking question emerged in a discussion: should a Mormon woman approve if her husband decides to take on additional concubines, a practice supposedly enforced in heaven according to some misunderstanding of the LDS Church's doctrine? This question is a prime example of what some refer to as 'mormon-baiting', a phrase often used to describe provocative, often misleading statements designed to provoke a reaction. However, the premise of this question is fundamentally flawed and based on a false assumption. Let's delve into the facts and dispel these misconceptions.

Polygamy in the Old Testament

Firstly, it is crucial to understand that polygamy has been a part of the world's religious and cultural practices since ancient times. The Old Testament alone contains numerous examples of polygamy. From the Book of Genesis, we see examples of patriarchs like Abraham, Jacob, and others having multiple wives. Similarly, kings like Solomon, David, and Moses are also known to have taken more than one wife. This practice was not unique to one religion or culture; it was seen in many of the people of God's chosen people through the ages.

Practiced by Prophets and Leaders. Many prominent religious figures in the Bible practiced polygamy, including Joseph Smith, the founder and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Joseph Smith received a revelation in 1843, which allowed for and promoted the practice of plural marriage, or polygamy, among the members of his church. This practice was part of the doctrine of the LDS Church, officially documented in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 132.

The End of Plural Marriage in the LDS Church

However, the practice of plural marriage ended within the LDS Church. In 1890, Wilford Woodruff, the then president of the LDS Church, issued a manifesto that officially ended the practice. This was articulated in Official Declaration 1, which declared that the practice of plural marriage was no longer a part of the Church's doctrine and was to be discontinued. This declaration led to the excommunication of those who continued to practice plural marriage.

Current LDS Church Stance. Today, the LDS Church does not endorse or support the practice of plural marriage. In fact, those who engage in plural marriage are not welcome in the Church, as it contradicts the current official teachings of the Church. The Church's official stance is that marriage is defined as one man and one woman. Thus, individuals who engage in additional sexual relationships outside of this definition may face disciplinary actions.

Temple Weddings and Polygamy in Heaven

Despite the modern stance, it is important to understand the concept of polygamy in heaven from an LDS perspective. In the celestial way of thinking, a person who enters heaven can be sealed, or married, to more than one spouse, and this has been a part of their doctrine since its origin. This means that in the celestial kingdom, a person could indeed be married to more than one spouse.

For Non-members. It is important to note that while a person can be sealed to multiple spouses in heaven, on earth, one can be married only to one living spouse at a time. This concept is a fundamental part of the LDS Church's doctrine on marriage. The Church teaches that individuals can be sealed to different people in different temples, and these unions can be both physical and spiritual, but on earth, only one marriage is recognized.

Concubines and the Bible. In the Old Testament, the term concubine is often used to describe a secondary wife. The confusion often arises from the modern interpretation of the word, which is not consistent with how it was used in biblical times. Joseph Smith’s use of the term in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 132 referred to a wife, not a concubine as it is understood today.

Summary. In conclusion, while many historical examples and revelations have allowed for and promoted the practice of plural marriage, the LDS Church has officially disbanded this practice. The current stance of the Church is clear: marriage is defined as one man and one woman. However, in the celestial kingdom, a person can be sealed to more than one spouse as part of their eternal marriage, in accordance with the Church's ancient doctrine.

Key Takeaways

Polygamy has been a part of the Bible and the history of religions. The LDS Church officially ended the practice of plural marriage in 1890. In heaven, one can be sealed to more than one spouse. On earth, one can only be married to one spouse at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current stance of the LDS Church on polygamy?

Today, the LDS Church does not endorse or support the practice of plural marriage. Those who engage in additional sexual relationships outside of the defined marriage are not welcome in the Church.

Can people be sealed to multiple spouses in heaven?

Yes, in the celestial kingdom, a person can be sealed to multiple spouses as part of their eternal marriage.

What is the difference between a wife and a concubine in the Old Testament?

A concubine in the Old Testament often referred to a secondary wife, while the term in modern usage has a different meaning. Joseph Smith’s use of the term in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 132 referred to a wife, not a concubine as understood today.