Understanding Modern Polygamy in Fundamentalist Mormon Groups
An explainer on the beliefs and practices of contemporary fundamentalist Mormon communities that uphold plural marriage.
- Fundamentalist Mormon groups continue to practice polygamy, or plural marriage, as a central religious tenet.
- They separated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) when the mainstream church abandoned the practice.
- Their theology emphasizes celestial marriage as essential for exaltation and eternal family units.
- These groups often live in insular communities, facing legal and social distinctions from mainstream society.
Fundamentalist Mormon groups are distinct religious communities that separated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) primarily over the mainstream church's abandonment of plural marriage (polygamy) in the early 20th century. These groups believe in continuing to practice plural marriage as a core religious principle, central to their theology and path to salvation, seeing themselves as preserving original doctrines and practices.
The Theological Foundation of Modern Polygamy
For fundamentalist Mormon groups, plural marriage is not merely a social practice but a divine commandment and an essential doctrine for achieving the highest degree of salvation, known as exaltation, in the afterlife. They believe that through plural marriage, individuals can create larger, eternal family units that will continue together in the celestial kingdom. This belief stems from early Latter-day Saint revelations, particularly those received by Joseph Smith, which taught that this form of marriage was necessary for spiritual progression and the multiplication of one's posterity in the eternities. They often emphasize a continuing line of prophetic authority and revelation that validates their practice of plural marriage, even after the mainstream LDS Church disavowed it.
How Plural Marriage is Practiced Today
The practice of plural marriage within these communities varies, but generally involves a man marrying multiple wives. These marriages are typically considered "spiritual" or "celestial" unions, as they are not legally recognized in the United States or Canada. Therefore, only one marriage can be legally registered, while subsequent marriages are recognized within the community as divinely sanctioned. Children born into these families are considered legitimate within the faith. Communities are often insular, fostering a strong sense of shared identity and mutual support, but also facing external scrutiny and legal challenges. Family structures are patriarchal, with the husband often seen as the spiritual head of the household, responsible for the guidance and well-being of his wives and children.
Daily life in these communities often revolves around religious observance, family, and community work. There's a strong emphasis on self-sufficiency, modesty, and traditional gender roles. While some groups are more open, others maintain a high degree of privacy and separation from mainstream society, which can sometimes lead to misconceptions and misunderstandings from outsiders.
The continued existence of fundamentalist Mormon groups highlights the complex interplay between religious freedom, social norms, and legal frameworks. Their commitment to plural marriage, despite legal prohibitions and social stigma, underscores their deeply held theological convictions. Their communities represent a distinct cultural and religious landscape, grappling with questions of identity, tradition, and adaptation in the modern world.
