Polygamy in Early Mormonism: Theology and Westward Migration
Explore the theological underpinnings of plural marriage in the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its critical role in the Saints' move to the American West.
- Polygamy, or "plural marriage," was a divinely revealed principle for early Latter-day Saints, seen as essential for exaltation.
- Practiced openly from 1852 to 1890, it led to significant societal conflict and persecution.
- Federal anti-polygamy laws intensified opposition, making Utah an unlikely haven for the practice.
- The desire to practice plural marriage freely, away from government interference, was a primary driver for the Saints' westward migration.
"Plural marriage," a practice where a man has more than one living wife, was a central doctrine and practice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for several decades in the 19th century. Believed to be a divine commandment revealed to Joseph Smith, it was understood as a means to raise righteous families, build the Kingdom of God, and prepare individuals for the highest levels of salvation, known as "exaltation."
Theological Foundations of Plural Marriage
The theological basis for plural marriage stemmed from a revelation received by Joseph Smith in the early 1840s, later canonized as Doctrine and Covenants Section 132. This revelation taught that plural marriage was a restoration of ancient biblical practices (e.g., Abraham, Jacob) and was necessary for certain individuals to achieve the highest degree of glory in the afterlife. It was also seen as a way to hasten the growth of God's kingdom on Earth by multiplying righteous offspring and to "seal" families together for eternity, not just for this life.
Practice and Public Announcement
While practiced privately by a limited number of early Church leaders and members beginning in the 1840s, the doctrine of plural marriage was publicly announced in 1852, after the Saints had settled in Utah. This open declaration, made under the leadership of Brigham Young, solidified the practice as a distinctive feature of the Latter-day Saint faith. It was never intended for everyone; only a minority of Church members, both men and women, actually entered into plural marriages, and the decision was considered a sacred, often difficult, commitment.
Why Plural Marriage Triggered Westward Migration
The practice of plural marriage became a profound point of contention between the Church and mainstream American society, generating intense criticism, misunderstanding, and eventually, federal persecution. The prevailing societal norms of 19th-century America viewed polygamy as immoral and a threat to traditional family structures. As the United States government began enacting anti-polygamy laws, such as the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act of 1862 and the Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1887, the Saints faced increasing pressure, fines, imprisonment, and disenfranchisement. The desire to establish a place where they could freely practice their religious beliefs, including plural marriage, without government interference or societal persecution, was a primary and powerful motivator for the arduous westward migration to the remote valleys of what is now Utah. They sought refuge and the autonomy to build their society according to their divine understanding.
- **Early 1840s:** Revelation received by Joseph Smith; private practice begins.
- **1852:** Public announcement of plural marriage by Brigham Young in Utah.
- **1862-1887:** Federal anti-polygamy legislation enacted, increasing persecution.
- **1890:** First Manifesto issued, officially discontinuing the practice of new plural marriages.
- **1904:** Second Manifesto reinforces the 1890 policy and excommunicates those entering new plural marriages.
Sources
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gospel Topics Essays: "Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo" and "Plural Marriage and Families in Early Utah".
- Doctrine and Covenants Section 132.
