Understanding Plural Marriage in Early Latter-day Saint History
An overview of plural marriage, a complex practice central to the early history and theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Plural marriage, or polygamy, was practiced by early Latter-day Saints from the 1840s, primarily by men marrying multiple wives.
- It was introduced as a divinely commanded principle, seen as a restoration of biblical practices and a means to build God's kingdom.
- The practice led to significant social, legal, and theological challenges, profoundly shaping early Latter-day Saint communities.
- The mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially discontinued plural marriage in 1890, leading to its eventual cessation within the church.
Plural marriage, often referred to as polygamy, was a practice in early Latter-day Saint history where one man was married to multiple women. It was introduced by Joseph Smith Jr. and became a significant, though not universal, aspect of the faith for several decades, distinct from other forms of polygamy like polyandry.
How It Worked: Divine Command and Community Building
Latter-day Saints understood plural marriage to be a divine commandment, revealed to Joseph Smith Jr. in the 1830s and publicly announced in 1852. Proponents believed it was a restoration of ancient biblical practices, such as those of Abraham and Jacob, and a means to raise up a righteous generation, expand God's kingdom on earth, and fulfill specific theological purposes related to exaltation and eternal families.
The practice involved a sealing ordinance, often performed in temples or by authorized leaders, which was considered to bind families together not just for this life but for eternity. While the ideal often involved the first wife's consent and a commitment to care for all wives and children, the realities were complex, bringing both spiritual conviction and significant personal, emotional, and financial challenges to those involved.
Why and When It Mattered
Plural marriage profoundly shaped the social structure, economic practices, and theological understanding of early Latter-day Saint communities, particularly during their migration west and settlement in Utah. It became a central point of contention with the United States government, leading to decades of legal battles, federal anti-polygamy legislation, and widespread societal ostracism against the Latter-day Saints. The practice was officially discontinued by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with the 1890 Manifesto, issued by President Wilford Woodruff, which initiated a gradual but definitive end to new plural marriages within the mainstream church, reinforced by a second manifesto in 1904. Its legacy continues to influence historical interpretations and public perception of the faith.
- Plural marriage was primarily polygyny (one man, multiple wives), not polyandry (one woman, multiple husbands).
- It was practiced by a significant minority, not every single member, especially in its early stages.
- The mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not practiced plural marriage for over a century; groups practicing it today are separate from the church.
