Did Mormons Believe in Polygamy?
Polygamy, the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time, has been a topic of significant interest and debate over the years. One group that has been particularly associated with polygamy is the Mormons, a religious denomination that originated in the United States in the early 19th century. The question of whether Mormons believed in polygamy has intrigued many, and this article aims to explore this topic in detail.
Mormons, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), did indeed believe in polygamy at various points in their history. The founder of the Mormon faith, Joseph Smith, is widely recognized as the first person to practice polygamy within the Mormon community. Smith claimed that he received divine revelation from God, which allowed him to practice polygamy as a commandment from God.
The practice of polygamy within the Mormon faith began in the 1830s and continued to be a central tenet of the religion until the late 19th century. During this time, many Mormon leaders and members were polygamists, and the practice was widely accepted within the community. However, the belief in polygamy faced significant opposition from non-Mormons and even some Mormons who believed it was a sin.
In 1852, Brigham Young, the second president of the LDS Church, declared polygamy to be a “principle and order of the priesthood,” further solidifying its place within the Mormon faith. This declaration led to a period of rapid growth in polygamous families, with many Mormon men taking multiple wives. As a result, the Mormon population grew exponentially, and the practice of polygamy became a defining characteristic of the faith.
However, the practice of polygamy faced increasing scrutiny and opposition from the U.S. government and other religious groups. In 1882, Congress passed the Edmunds Act, which made polygamy illegal in the United States. This act led to a significant crackdown on polygamy within the Mormon community, and many Mormon leaders and members were imprisoned or exiled.
In response to the Edmunds Act and the growing pressure from the government, the LDS Church officially renounced polygamy in 1890. This renunciation was a pivotal moment in the history of the Mormon faith, as it marked the end of polygamy as a central tenet of the religion. Since then, the LDS Church has strictly prohibited the practice of polygamy, and those who continue to practice it are expelled from the church.
In conclusion, Mormons did believe in polygamy at various points in their history. The practice of polygamy was a central tenet of the faith for many years, but it ultimately faced significant opposition and was renounced by the LDS Church in 1890. Today, polygamy is no longer a part of the Mormon faith, and the LDS Church strictly prohibits it. The history of polygamy within the Mormon faith serves as a fascinating example of how religious beliefs can evolve and change over time in response to societal pressures and government policies.
