Marriage as a Law of the Church

During Joseph Smith’s lifetime, the official law of The Church of Jesus Christ regarding marriage was monogamy. Section 101 of the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants explicitly states:

“Inasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication, and polygamy: we declare that we believe, that one man should have one wife; and one woman, but one husband, except in case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again.” (1835 Doctrine and Covenants CI:4)[1]

This article of marriage was ratified by a vote of the membership of the church.[2] It was the only law of the church formally recognized by the membership until 1880 when the 1879 version of the Doctrine and Covenants was submitted to the membership for a vote. This version of the Doctrine and Covenants included section 132 and removed the above-referenced article of marriage that was contained in the 1835 and 1844 editions of the Doctrine and Covenants.[3]

By 1846, church practices regarding marriage had changed significantly. Zina Young recalled that after the Saints, led by Brigham Young, left Nauvoo and gathered at Sugar Creek, the practice of polygamy was openly observed.[4]

Polygamy was undeniably present in Nauvoo, as evidenced by the reproach given in Section 101 of the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants, which references accusations of fornication and polygamy. Furthermore, John C. Bennett’s “spiritual wifery” is well documented.[5] Joseph Smith’s journals record his efforts to discipline individuals engaging in such behavior.[6]

While the church’s official position on marriage was clear in 1835 (monogamy), and we know where the practice was in 1846 in Sugar Creek (polygamy), we need to gain a better understanding of what happened between those times to account for the drastic change in just over a decade.  

Succession Crisis

The church splintered into many factions following the succession crisis that ensued following Joseph Smith’s death. The practices and beliefs of these groups may offer valuable insight into the church membership’s marriage beliefs and practices. Each of the factions emerged with unique stances on the practice. Key factions include:

1. Strangites – Led by James Strang, this group initially opposed polygamy, which attracted followers who rejected the practice. However, by 1849, Strange had adopted polygamy influenced by members involved in the practice.[7]
2. Church of Christ (Sydney Rigdon) – This faction adamantly rejected polygamy. Under William Bickerton’s later leadership, the group continued to denounce the practice. Bickerton, who initially followed Brigham Young, left upon learning of polygamy,[8] stating, “If the approval of God were to come to me by accepting the doctrine of polygamy, I prefer the displeasure of God.”[9]
3. Church of Jesus Christ (Alpheus Cutler) – This group’s history with polygamy is ambiguous.  While LDS records suggest Cutler married multiple women, his followers denied these claims. They also taught that Joseph never practiced or approved of polygamy.[10] Biographer Danny L. Jorgensen notes that Cutler may have abandoned plural marriage due to legal concerns.[11] It is unclear where Alpheus may have been introduced to the practice, as he was a close associate of Brigham Young’s after the succession crisis.[12]
4. Church of Christ (Temple Lot) – Led by Granville Hedrick, this faction rejected plural marriage.[13] It should be noted, Hedrick claimed Joseph was a fallen prophet,[14] though he never actually met Joseph Smith and his primary argument was based on Joseph’s creation of the offices of the First Presidency.[15]
5. Congregation of Jehovah’s Presbytery of Zion – Initially following James Strang, this group later led by Charles B. Thompson, opposed polygamy.[16]
6. Church of Christ (Lyman Wight) – Wight was closely aligned with Brigham Young[17] and practiced plural marriage.[18]
7. New Organization – Jason Briggs and Zenos Gurley, disillusioned by Strang’s adoption of polygamy, gathered branches unaffiliated with Brigham Young to form “The New Organization,” a precursor to the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now Community of Christ).[19]  
   

Given the prevalence of polygamy in Nauvoo and the prevalence of the practice in the United States generally,[20] it is not surprising to see some of these splinter groups turned to the practice of polygamy. Joseph Smith’s documented frustration with the practice was shared by some of these splinter organizations.[21]

Bias and Historical Narratives

The historical record surrounding Joseph Smith and polygamy is rife with biases. Despite the scriptures brought forth by Joseph Smith denouncing polygamy,[22] critics of Mormonism have long used accusations of polygamy to discredit Joseph Smith’s character and the church’s legitimacy. Conversely, the LDS Church ties Joseph to the origin of polygamy to affirm Brigham Young’s succession claims. Other factions, whether advocating for or against polygamy, also have vested interests in shaping this narrative.[23]  

The majority of sources claiming Joseph practiced polygamy originate decades after his death.[24] These sources are generally members of the Utah-based church led by Brigham Young.[25] Many of these accounts came from individuals deeply invested in polygamy, such as plural wives of Brigham Young or Heber C. Kimball.

For these individuals, associating the practice of polygamy with Joseph Smith may have been critical to validating their own experiences and expectations of divine approval, potentially becoming subject to a “sunk cost fallacy.”[26]

Questioning Historical Certainty

Although late reminiscences and second- or third-hand accounts undermine or negate the case for Joseph Smith’s involvement in the practice, historians have nevertheless concluded that he played a role in introducing it to the church.  

Historian John Hamer has argued that Joseph Smith’s involvement in polygamy is a “closed case,” further asserting that historians are the “gatekeepers of historical truth.”[27] Such an argument is reasonable. One would expect to say the same for other research-based disciplines.

Physics is a research field that is facing an enormous problem. Despite its innovative potential, physics has stagnated for decades.[28]

Investor and physicist, Eric Weinstein, explains that this stagnation is due in part to structural issues within academia. He describes how academic fields suppress dissenting voices:

“Academics play these games with each other where we try to push each other out of the ring like sumo wrestlers and the way you push somebody out is you say, ‘oh, that guy’s a crack, he’s a grifter, he’s a pseudo scientist. Right, he’s a nutter.’”[29]

The very structures of the discipline has eaten away at physics.

Similar dismissive tactics are frequently employed to marginalize those who question the official narrative of Joseph Smith’s involvement in polygamy.[30] Deliberate efforts are made to silence arguments that challenge this perspective.[31] The credibility of claims supporting Joseph’s practice of polygamy is further undermined by distorted interpretations of posthumous journal edits,[32] reliance on unverified documents,[33] and the use of known forgeries.[34] Assertions that his denials were “carefully worded” often seem more like carefully crafted narratives by historians themselves.

These same historians will assert, with no room for exploration, that LDS Doctrine and Covenants Section 132 is of unquestionable provenance. However, a careful examination of the document reveals the provenance is extremely obscure.[35]

The Importance of the Debate

The origins of polygamy in the LDS church carry significant implications.

1. Moral Evaluation of Polygamy: Polygamy inherently challenges principles of equality,[36] which are central to LDS theology and the concept of Zion.[37] Historically, the practice has been associated with relational inequities and heartache.[38]
2. Scriptural Consistency: Apart from Section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants, polygamy is universally condemned in scripture. The reliability of Section 132 warrants closer scrutiny.[39]^, [40] The Book of Mormon[41] and Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible[42] stand among the strongest scriptural rejections of the practice.
3. Implications for Joseph’s Legacy: While Joseph Smith’s involvement in polygamy does not directly impact individual salvation, attributing sin to the Prophet risks eroding confidence in his teachings. As salvation begins and continues through faith, care must be taken in how history is framed.[43]

Conclusion

The question of whether Joseph Smith practiced polygamy requires further exploration. While dominant narratives assert his involvement, significant flaws in the supporting evidence invite reconsideration.

For those committed to uncovering the truth, it is crucial to examine the historical record with diligence, unencumbered by institutional influence or personal prejudice. Respect for Joseph Smith’s teachings and character calls for a more nuanced and evidence-based research of this contentious issue.

Understanding what Joseph was actually teaching and practicing may give us a better understanding of the doctrines of the Restoration.

Endnotes

[1] (Smith J. J., Cowdery, Rigdon, & Williams, 1835) p. 251, reproduced in (Smith J. J., Cowdery, Rigdon, & Williams, 1971) p. 251, also found in (Jensen, Turley, & Lorimer, 2011) p. 561.

[2] “After the voting by quorums, the entire church membership present, both male and female, voted to accept the book as “the doctrine and covenants of their faith.” After the general assembly accepted the new publication, William W. Phelps read an article on marriage that the assembly approved and added to the volume.” (Doctrine and Covenants, 1835, 2025) Please see (Smith J. J., Cowdery, Rigdon, & Williams, 1835) pp. 255-257 for full detail of the vote.

[3] (Passantino, 2020) p. 22.

[4] (Beecher, 1983) retrieved from https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/040-11-19.pdf on January 4, 2025.

[5] (Hales, n.d.)

[6] (Esplin & Grow, 2015) p. 107 Also, Joseph’s words to William Marks regarding being deceived by the brethren regarding the practice of polygamy: “When the doctrine of polygamy was introduced into the church as a principle of exaltation, I took a decided stand against it; which stand rendered me quite unpopular with many of the leading ones of the church. … Joseph, however, became convinced before his death that he had done wrong; for about three weeks before his death, I met him one morning in the street, and he said to me, “Brother Marks, … we are a ruined people.” I asked, how so? He said: “This doctrine of polygamy, or Spiritual-wife system, that has been taught and practiced among us, will prove our destruction and overthrow. I have been deceived,” said he, “in reference to its practice; it is wrong; it is a curse to mankind, and we shall have to leave the United States soon, unless it can be put down and its practice stopped in the church. Now,’ said he,’ Brother Marks, you have not received this doctrine, and how glad I am. I want you to go into the high council and I will have charges preferred against all who practice this doctrine, and I want you to try them by the laws of the church, and cut them off, if they will not repent and cease the practice of this doctrine.” Retrieved from: https://josephsmithspolygamy.org/history/polygamy-causes-martyrdom/ on January 4, 2025.

[7] (Addams, 2024), pp. 375-377. Retrieved from https://journal.interpreterfoundation.org/aftermath-of-the-martyrdom-aspirants-to-the-mantle-of-the-prophet-joseph-smith/ on January 4, 2025.

[8] Ibid., pp. 359-362, 370-371, 377-380, 395-396

[9] (A History of the Church of Jesus Christ, 2002)

[10] (Blythe) retrieved from https://www.dialoguejournal.com/articles/the-highest-class-of-adulterers-and-whoremongers-plural-marriage-the-church-of-jesus-christ-cutlerite-and-the-construction-of-memory/ on January 5, 2025.

[11] (Jorgensen, 1992)

[12] (Blythe)

[13] (Addams, 2024)

[14] (Splinter Group: Church of Christ (Hedrickites, Temple Lot), n.d.)

[15] (Granville Hedrick and the Crow Creek Branch, n.d.)

[16] (Thompson, n.d.)

[17] (Addams, 2024)

[18] (Johnson, 2006)

[19] (Addams, 2024)

[20] See, for example, the Cochranites https://digitalcommons.hamilton.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1326&context=acsq
and Scotch-Irish in America
https://www.irishfamilyhistorycentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IE0056.pdf, p. 294

[21] (Smith & Evans, 1900) Joseph Smith III in a letter to Joseph Davis of Wales, lamented:

“Nearly all the factions into which the church broke had plural marriage in some form. None in the form instituted by President Young. Sidney Rigdon had one form practiced by but a few, and that spasmodically, as an outburst of religious fervor rather than as a settled practice. William Smith had a sort of Priestess Lodge, in which it was alleged there was licentiousness. This he denied, and I never had actual proof of it. Gladden Bishop taught something like it, but I believe he was himself the only practice [sic]. James J. Strang Had [sic] a system something like Mohamet, four I think, being allowed the king. Lyman Wight had a system but it had no very extended range. President Young’s system you may know of.”  This is not surprising given the prevalence of polygamy among religious groups of the United States, e.g., see: https://benfranklinsworld.com/episode-278-sarah-pearsall-polygamy-an-early-american-history/

[22] We have mentioned Section CI (101) of the 1835 and 1844 editions of the Doctrine and Covenants, but the Book of Mormon is very strongly opposed to the practice of plural marriage – a topic that will be taken up by this website elsewhere.

[23] See episodes 56: Even the RLDS Church Admits that Joseph was a Polygamist! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuyAm4irEqE and 78: RLDS Church History and Defending Joseph w/ Cheryl and Dan Clute https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X904zl5ZliE of the YouTube series, 132 Problems, for a deep dive into the complex history of the former Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now Community of Christ). The organization once adamantly denied Joseph was involved in the practice, but changes in leadership and a complete change in the focus of their faith led them to take no official stance on the issue. This is one of the key contributing factors leading to the splintering of the faith and Restoration Branches Movement of the church.

[24] (Hales, Joseph Smith’s Polygamy Volume 1: History, 2013) pp. 20-21

[25] Ibid.

[26] https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/the-sunk-cost-fallacy

[27] See episode 86: The History is Never Settled w/ John Hamer of the YouTube series, 132 Problems, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt1rySd11ek  

[28] https://scienceandnonduality.com/article/modern-physics-is-stagnating-not-in-crisis/
https://backreaction.blogspot.com/2018/11/the-present-phase-of-stagnation-in.html
https://www.edge.org/response-detail/23857

Fundamental physics is stuck in a conceptual crisis – link

[29] See episode 1945 of the Joe Rogan Experience, on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7CJoGKvx3U&ab_channel=PowerfulJRE (Quote at 1:04:34, discussion around this time further illustrates the issue)

[30] https://nauvooneighbor.org/2024/08/25/dialogue-with-polygamy-truthers/

[31] Lindsay Hansen Park stated that the narrative that Joseph did not practice polygamy “is a dangerous, a dangerous, approach to our heritage and if we continue to allow that sort of thinking to get oxygen it’s going to have real world consequences” on episode 1815 of Mormon Stories Podcast on YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPukJiqc4wE&ab_channel=MormonStoriesPodcast (Quote at 9:07).

[32] Brian C. Hales: “Amateur historians will often make this observation that Joseph Smith’s journal for October 5th, 1843 when it was transcribed into the history of the church was changed. The original journal entry it says ‘I walked’- this is Joseph Smith – ‘walked up and down the street with scribe and gave instructions to try those who were preaching, teaching the doctrine of a plurality of wives. On this law, Joseph forbids it and the practice thereof. No man shall have but one wife.’

“Now if we go to the history of the church it’s volume 6 page 46 we find that this has been expanded. It reads in the history of the church which was published after Joseph’s death and compiled after his death during the tenure of Brigham Young. It reads: ‘walked up and down the street with my scribe. Gave instructions to those persons who were preaching, teaching, or practicing the doctrine of plurality of wives. For according to the law, I hold the keys of this power in the last days. For there is never but one on earth at a time on whom the power and its keys are conferred. I have constantly said no man shall have but one wife at a time unless the Lord directs otherwise.’

“Now the amateur historian will come in and say there have been a lot of additional words that have been added here. They may say these were added by Brigham Young to try to change Joseph Smith’s teachings. This is evidence that polygamy began with Brigham Young.

“They will also do a second thing. They will take these seven words ‘no man shall have but one wife’ and say, ‘Here’s Joseph’s policy. We don’t need to look any further if anybody says Joseph was a polygamist or he advocated polygamy he’s contradicting Joseph’s policy which is plainly stated here.

“The third thing that the amateur historian does is they ignore the words on this law Joseph forbids it. Which is part of the 1843 declaration.

Those three, the amateur historian, are problematic because – first, let’s look at the word law. On this law, what law is Joseph Smith speaking about in his journal entry? He says on this law Joseph forbids it and of course the scribe is here changing from first person to third person which doesn’t really help our understanding any, but apparently there is a law that deals with the plurality of wives. On this law Joseph is forbidding it. It’s not a law from the state of Illinois because they condemned plural marriage, at least spiritual marriage if they were consummated so it must be some other law.

“Is there another law? Well, in fact there is another law and there you can see it highlighted in Joseph Smith’s July 12th, 1843 revelation which is now Section 132. He asks a question about wives and concubines. So he’s asking about a plurality of wives and God is going to answer him, but he’s going to answer him with the law of eternal marriage. It’s the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. It has to do with eternal marriage, not plural marriage specifically.

“How do we know that it has to do with eternal marriage, including eternal monogamous marriage? Well, we go to verse 19. It says that if a man marries a wife – see, Section 132 doesn’t mention polygamy after the first verse until about 30 verses later. God is answering a question about polygamy by talking about eternal marriage and it’s monogamous marriage.

“He says if a man marries a wife, which is monogamy, which is my law – here’s the law again – the marriage shall be a full force when they are out of the world, if they use proper authority and live worthily. We learn about those two parts of the law. In verse 7, we learned that there is one man who is anointed and it says ‘here I have appointed unto my servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days and there never is but one on earth at a time on whom the power and the keys of this priesthood are conferred.’

“Joseph Smith holds the power to perform an eternal marriage and he must authorize every marriage. How do we know this? Well, verse 18 tells us that if a man marry a wife and make a covenant with her for time in all eternity if that Covenant is not through him whom I have anointed and appointed unto this power. Then it is not valid neither of force when they are out of the world…”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMj_lxPZIT0&ab_channel=SaintsUnscripted (starting at 6:30) This argument is confusing and certainly requires Brian to take major liberties with the journal entry to draw this conclusion.

[33] Details can be found in episode 95: More Historical Malpractice – Part 2 with Whitney Horning of the YouTube series, 132 Problems, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-Zk8WbLWtk from roughly 8:30 to 18:30 regarding the cited Oliver Olney document at Yale.

[34] Ibid., D. Michael Quinn cited a Mark Hoffman forgery in his 1994 work. There was later an errata sheet addressing it but when asked why he didn’t fully retract that source, D. Michael Quinn said ~it’s probably accurate and so therefore I can use it; from roughly 18:33 – 23:03.

[35] This topic is too large to address here. This topic will be revisited in another study.

[36] (Strauss)

[37] This is outlined most eloquently in Jacob chapter 5. See especially verses 66, 68, 73-74. LDS scriptures are replete with these concepts.

[38] There are numerous examples, but as some points consider:
1) The words of Brigham Young to the elders of the church: “Elders, never love your wives one hair’s breadth further than they adorn  the Gospel, never love them so but that you can leave them at a moment’s warning without shedding a tear.” Journal of Discourses (JoD) volume 3, page 354.
2) Brigham Young: “My wife, though a most excellent woman, has not seen a happy day since I took my second wife;” “No, not a happy day for a year,” says one; and another has not seen a happy day for five years… Now go your way, my women with the rest, go your way. And my wives have got to do one of two things; either round up their shoulders to endure the afflictions of this world, and live their religion, or they may leave, for I will not have them about me. I will go into heaven alone, rather than have scratching and fighting around me.” JoD volume 4, page 55.
3) Heber C. Kimball referring to some polygamist families (not his own or Brigham Young’s): “There is a great deal of quarrelling in the houses, and contending for power and authority; and the second wife is against the first wife, perhaps, in some instances.” JoD volume 4, page 178.
4) Brigham Young: “A few years ago one of my wives, when talking about wives leaving their husbands said, ‘I wish my husband’s wives would leave him, every soul of them except myself.‘ That is the way they all feel, more or less, at times, both old and young.” JoD volume 9, page 195.
5) Zina Diantha Huntington (a wife of Brigham Young): “It is the duty of a first wife to regard her husband not with a selfish devotion… she must regard her husband with indifference, and with no other feeling than that of reverence, for love we regard as a false sentiment; a feeling which should have no existence in polygamy.” (New York World, November 17, 1869, as cited in The Lion of the Lord, by Stanley P. Hirshon pp.229-30).
6) Brigham Young when asked how many wives he had: “I don’t know myself! I never refuse to marry any respectable woman who asks me, and it is often the case that I separate from the woman at the marriage alter, never to meet her again to know her. My children I keep track of, however. I have fifty-seven now living, and have lost three.” (The Lion of the Lord, by Stanley P. Hirshon pp.188-189).
7) Heber C. Kimball: “Brethren, I want you to understand that it is not to be as it has been heretofore. The brother missionaries have been in the habit of picking out the prettiest women for themselves before they get here, and bringing on the ugly ones for us; hereafter you have to bring them all here before taking any of them, and let us all have a fair shake.” (The Lion of the Lord, by Stanley P. Hirshon pp.129-130).
8) Brigham Young in the October 1861 General Conference of the church: “If a woman can find a man holding the keys of the priesthood with higher power and authority than her husband, and he is disposed to take her, he can do so, otherwise she has got to remain where she is. This is the second way in which a woman can leave her husband to whom she has been sealed for time and all eternity. In either of these ways of separation you can discover there is no need for a bill of divorcement.”

Brigham Young Discourse on Marriage .pdf

[39] For an available discussion of the authorship of Section 132, please see Rob Fotheringham’s Joseph Smith was not the author of D&C 132 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r57oPlOgY6w

[40] Verse 1 of the Section states: “Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Joseph, that inasmuch as you have inquired of my hand to know and understand wherein I, the Lord, justified my servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as also Moses, David and Solomon, my servants, as touching the principle and doctrine of their having many wives and concubines-” This is scripturally inaccurate, as Isaac only had one wife. Joseph Smith was intimately familiar with the Bible. It is extremely unlikely he would make such an oversight, had he been the author of Section 132.

[41] We will explore the so-called “loophole” of Jacob 2 later, please see episode 2: The Loophole (Jacob 2:30) of the YouTube series, 132 Problems https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUb35UBkepw for an available discussion on the “loophole”.

[42] See discussion beginning at roughly 38:00 of Joseph Smith was not the author of D&C 132 YouTube video by Rob Fotheringham. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r57oPlOgY6w&ab_channel=RobFotheringham

[43] Lectures on Faith 7:17  https://lecturesonfaith.com/7/ Also, see in that paragraph: “Who cannot see, then, that salvation is the effect of faith? for as we have previously observed, all the heavenly beings work by this principle; and it is because they are able so to do that they are saved: for nothing but this could save them.”