CES Letter — Polygamy

Polygamy in Mormonism: A Legacy Revisited

Polygamy, once a cornerstone of Mormon practice, continues to captivate and conflict. It is a topic that Jeremy Runnells highlights in his widely read "CES Letter," a document exploring his doubts about the LDS Church. His inquiries resonate with many who are starting to reconsider narratives once accepted without question. Why does polygamy evoke such interest and scrutiny? Simply put, it challenges the foundations of faith and history within the context of modern beliefs. For both believers and critics, looking at the historical roots of polygamy provides essential insights into larger questions about Mormonism.

Polygamy's Foundations and Historical Context

Polygamy within the Mormon faith officially began under the leadership of Joseph Smith, the Church’s founder, in the early 1830s. Smith's introduction of this practice was initially shrouded in secrecy, a reality starkly at odds with today's expectation of openness. As Runnells elaborates, Smith introduced the practice through what he claimed were divine revelations, with the aim of restoring what was portrayed as a Biblical tradition. This claim attracted scrutiny not only from within the Church but also from the outside world, setting the stage for internal strife and external conflict.

Key leaders such as Brigham Young later carried the mantle of polygamy, making it an open and defining feature of Mormon life in 19th-century Utah. This period saw significant social experimentation, with plural marriage shaping both societal structures and individual lives. Yet, the practice was met with fierce resistance from broader American society, culminating in legal battles and substantial pressure that would eventually lead the LDS Church to officially discontinue polygamy in 1890.

Evidence and Claims Voicing Doubt