The Polygamy Conversation We Avoid

After receiving hundreds of your questions and concerns, I sat down with Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat and Dr. Richard LeDuc from The Standard of Truth Podcast to have an honest, thoughtful conversation about one of the most complex topics in Church history: polygamy. This episode doesn’t attempt to answer every question, but the Spirit was strongly present throughout the conversation. It explores how early Saints responded to practicing polygamy, possible reasons God commanded it, and offers a closer look at complex aspects of the history; including Joseph Smith being sealed to a 14-year-old girl and Emma Smith’s experience. It also addresses what this practice could mean for eternity and the challenge of reconciling something that may feel uncomfortable while continuing to hold onto faith.

Resources for further study:

Book Recommendation

https://a.co/d/0ethk4qr

Plural Marriage in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/plural-marriage-in-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints?lang=eng

This overview essay establishes that monogamy is the church’s standing law of marriage but acknowledges God commanded plural marriage in biblical times and again through Joseph Smith. It covers D&C 132, the purposes of plural marriage, and the eventual cessation of the practice.

Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo?lang=eng

Focuses on the origins under Joseph Smith in the 1830s–1840s. Discusses the angel with a drawn sword, Joseph’s multiple wives (including polyandrous marriages to women already married to other men), the secrecy surrounding early practice, and Emma Smith’s reactions.

Plural Marriage and Families in Early Utah

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/plural-marriage-and-families-in-early-utah?lang=eng

Covers the 1847–1890 period. Addresses demographics (20–30% of Latter-day Saint families practiced it), daily life in plural families, financial and interpersonal challenges, women’s agency, and U.S. government anti-polygamy legislation.

The Manifesto and the End of Plural Marriage:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/the-manifesto-and-the-end-of-plural-marriage?lang=eng