Denying Joseph Smith’s Polygamy is Conspiracy Theory Thinking | Ep. 2003

The Myth of Joseph Smith's Monogamy: Unpacking a Historical Denial

When it comes to the founding figures of religions, the line between myth and documented history can sometimes blur. Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy is a contentious issue within Mormonism, where some factions staunchly deny his involvement with multiple wives. Denying this aspect of his life, however, veers into conspiracy theory thinking, clashing with documented historical evidence and promoting a skewed narrative of Mormon origins.

The importance of confronting this subject head-on cannot be understated. Head-in-the-sand approaches serve only to hinder understanding and honest dialogue about the complexities of religious history. The denial of Joseph Smith's polygamy is not just a matter of historical revisionism; it reflects a larger tendency in society to reject evidence-based narratives in favor of comforting myths.

Historical Context: Joseph Smith’s Polygamy

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is historically documented to have practiced polygamy. Though some modern adherents and factions, like the Community of Christ, have taken opposing stances, an array of historical evidence, including first-hand testimonies and church records, affirm his plural marriages. Critics suggest that denying these facts fits the mold of disinformation addiction, a term coined by thinkers like John Dehlin of the Mormon Stories Podcast, highlighting how alluring misinformation can become.

This phenomenon of denial is not unique to Mormonism. Throughout history, controversial practices by religious leaders have been either downplayed or outright denied as communities strive to present their founders in an unblemished light. However, in the case of Joseph Smith, denying his polygamy dismisses the wealth of scholarly work and historical records that attest to his numerous marriages.