Crying in the Wilderness
Since the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith on June 27, 1844, many have worked tirelessly to uphold the integrity of his name and sacred mission. Despite the dedicated efforts of his wife, Emma Smith, his sons—led by his eldest, Joseph Smith III—and numerous others, the narrative of Joseph Smith as a polygamist has become widely accepted in mainstream history. However, a growing number of individuals are actively engaged in efforts to clear his name. Below is a summary of resources that present an alternative narrative, one that is supported by rigorous research.
These individuals and their work are not associated with Joseph Smith Monogamy. Links to their work are provided as a courtesy to those exploring these issues. The views expressed by Joseph Smith Monogamy are not necessarily shared by those individuals conducting similar work and linked below.
Joseph Smith Fought Polygamy (external link)
Richard and Pamela Price
Joseph Smith Fought Polygamy was written by Richard and Pamela Price to prove that Joseph Smith Jr. was innocent of polygamy. With their forty-five years of careful research and extensive documentation, the three volumes of this book bring startling new evidence that, instead of being a polygamist, Joseph Smith actually fought against the dogma. You can purchase all three volumes online, by telephone, or in person at the Restoration Bookstore in either paper or ebook format. Pamela Price is continuing to write Volume 4, which will also be published available for purchase in the future.
In Defense of Joseph
JSDefender
In Defense of Joseph is a blog that ran from 2008 to 2015 outlining defenses against common accusations leveled against the Prophet.
Joseph Smith’s Monogamy
Leo Ebbert
This 2015 paper is a critical study into the lack of evidence surrounding Joseph’s involvement in polygamy and his consistent teachings against the practice. The paper includes a breakdown of the fact that Joseph fathered no children with any woman besides Emma, that the vast majority of evidence is contradictory and not contemporary, proof of collusion to frame Joseph Smith with the practice of plural marriage, revisionist history of the LDS church, the dubious origin of Doctrine and Covenants section 132, the meaning of words: “sealing” vs. “marriage”, William Clayton’s journal, and the problems with assumptions and biases of historians researching this information.
Rob Fotheringham (external link)
Rob created a series of videos that outline key areas of interest with regard to Joseph Smith’s alleged involvement in plural marriage.
The Secret Chamber (external link)
Val Brinkerhoff
Val is a retired BYU photography instructor. His work led him to the study of sacred architecture. As he continued his studies, he immersed himself in the things of God – especially the scriptures. This led to his early retirement in 2015 and he joined the ranks of those declaring Joseph’s innocence in 2019, when he authored The Secret Chamber.
Joseph Smith Revealed: A Faithful Telling – Exploring an Alternate Polygamy Narrative (external link)
Whitney Horning and Vernon Horning
Whitney was raised in the LDS faith. She attended BYU, graduating with a degree in home and family science. She authored this book about Joseph with support from her husband, Vern. The book lays out a historical case for Joseph not practicing polygamy.
Hyrum Smith: A Prophet Unsung (external link)
Whitney Horning
Whitney continued her exploration into the early history of the faith with her work on Hyrum Smith. She brings to light inspiring insights into a man who is often overlooked by those in faiths tracing back to Joseph Smith and the restoration.
Hemlock Knots (external link)
Mark Curtis
Mark has not reached a conclusion about Joseph Smith’s involvement in polygamy. He has always had a fascination with history. In 2017, his stepson came to him after reading the CES letter with many questions. He then began to study these items to help his stepson explore the topics in the CES letter. When his studies turned to polygamy he expected he would need to explain how the concept fits into the gospel. However, he realized the sources supporting the practice being divinely sanctioned lacked reliability. Firsthand sources actually support Joseph’s denunciation of the practice. Friends routinely asked him for notes from his research. In order to be more efficient, he created Hemlock Knots. The site has expanded with a number of videos, including debates on the topic of polygamy.
132 Problems
Michelle Stone
Michelle is leading the charge in the defense of Joseph. Her efforts began with an exploration into the morality of polygamy and the historicity of Doctrine and Covenants section 132. For years she had believed that the principle of polygamy was divinely instituted. She came to realize the practice was not consistent with the scriptures. She then began her work on 132 Problems. Her studies evolved as she researched the topic. She became convinced of Joseph’s innocence of the practice. She provides weekly episodes on her YouTube channel grounded in a tremendous amount of study and research.
An Enemy Hath Done This
Gwendolyn Wyne
Gwendolyn Stevens Wyne is a former librarian who now writes about women’s opportunities and responsibilities in theology and culture. A native of Los Angeles, Gwendolyn graduated with an English major and Business minor from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah and later received her Master of Library and Information Science degree (MLIS) from UCLA. She was a Reference Librarian for the Santa Monica Public Library and a Young Adult Librarian for the County of Los Angeles Public Library before choosing to become a full time mother. Gwendolyn and her husband are raising their 5 young children to joyfully grow and serve together in their home, church, and community.
Gwendolyn has authored an extraordinary piece outlining the scriptural history of the practice. This led to videos expanding her views and insights.
Woe Unto You, Scribes: The Hidden History of Polygamy (external link)
Karen Hyatt
Karen studied this issue for a year and a half and felt the need to share her conclusions and sources.
Her main purpose is to increase faith and understanding among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and those of other faiths by sharing information about Joseph Smith and his alleged practice of polygamy. In her documentary, she sets out to share correct information and dispel erroneous ideas.
Still Mormon (external link)
Jeremy Hoop
Jeremy is a veteran working actor and musician who strongly believed polygamy was a divine practice. After the loss of a child, Jeremy dug into the scriptures and the history of polygamy. Through his studies, he became passionate about the topic of Joseph’s innocence of the practice of polygamy.
Still Mormon is a high quality, professional production that is exploring the history of polygamy from the foundation up as Jeremy attempts to lay out the actual historical narrative and in the process, demonstrate Joseph’s innocence of the practice.
Sunday Musings (external link)
Connor Boyack
Connor is an author, public speaker, podcaster, and thought leader. He hosts Sunday Musings, a podcast which explores interesting topics pertaining to the LDS faith.
He has explored the topic of polygamy a number of times and is unconvinced that Joseph was involved in the practice.