Brigham Young Embraces Nauvoo Polygamy - The Brigham Young Podcast Pt. 3 | Ep. 2198

In this episode, we continue examining Brigham Young’s life and his increasingly central role in the development of early Mormon polygamy.

Join us as we discuss John Turner’s book “Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet” with John Turner himself. Today we are discussing the chapter “The New and Everlasting Covenant.”

After returning from his mission to Britain, Brigham Young encounters a Mormon movement undergoing dramatic changes. Joseph Smith is deeply involved in plural marriage, John C. Bennett’s scandal begins to expose the complicated sexual and religious world developing in Nauvoo, and Brigham himself moves from uncertainty to becoming one of polygamy’s most prominent advocates.

We examine the controversial story of Martha Brothertone, Brigham Young’s plural marriages and polyandrous relationships, his relationship with Joseph Smith, and the dynastic ambitions that connected plural marriage to Mormonism’s highest leaders. We also look at Brigham’s role in introducing Hyrum Smith to plural marriage and the enormous power differential created when these relationships were presented as commands from God.

Finally, we turn to the death of Joseph Smith and the question of succession. Who would have succeeded Joseph if both Joseph and Hyrum had survived? Why wasn’t Brigham Young immediately recognized as Joseph’s successor? And how did the events surrounding Joseph’s death set the stage for the eventual rise of Brigham Young?

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