Are Mormons Allowed Multiple Wives?
The question of whether Mormons are allowed multiple wives has been a topic of much debate and misunderstanding over the years. It is essential to understand the historical context and current beliefs of the Mormon faith to provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
Historically, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which is the largest denomination of Mormons, did practice plural marriage, or polygamy, from its founding in 1830 until 1890. During this time, the church’s leaders, including Joseph Smith, the church’s founder, and Brigham Young, his successor, advocated for and practiced plural marriage. This practice was based on their interpretation of the Bible and their belief that it was a commandment from God.
However, the practice of plural marriage came under significant scrutiny and legal pressure from the United States government. In 1882, Congress passed the Edmunds Act, which made polygamy a federal crime. This led to a series of legal battles and the arrest of many Mormons, including church leaders. In response, the LDS Church officially abandoned the practice of plural marriage in 1890, when President Wilford Woodruff issued the Manifesto, which renounced the practice and called on Mormons to comply with the law.
Today, Mormons are not allowed to practice plural marriage. The LDS Church teaches that plural marriage is no longer a commandment from God and that it is a violation of United States law. The church has also made efforts to distance itself from its past practice of polygamy, emphasizing its commitment to monogamy and the sanctity of marriage.
It is important to note that while the LDS Church does not condone or practice plural marriage, there are still small groups of Mormons who continue to practice it independently of the main church. These groups, often referred to as “fundamentalist Mormons,” believe that plural marriage is a commandment from God and continue to practice it despite the legal and religious consequences.
In conclusion, Mormons are not allowed to practice multiple wives within the LDS Church. The church has renounced the practice and emphasizes its commitment to monogamy and the sanctity of marriage. However, there are still groups within the Mormon community that continue to practice plural marriage independently of the main church. Understanding the historical context and current beliefs of the Mormon faith is crucial in addressing the question of whether Mormons are allowed multiple wives.
