I didn't know about polygamy as a Mormon

Unveiling the Untold History of Polygamy in Mormonism

Imagine devoting countless hours to study, faith, and a sincere commitment to a religious belief system, only to discover later that a fundamental piece of your religious history was never revealed to you. For many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this is not hypothetical. Knowledge about Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy, involving approximately 30 wives, was not always part of the regular teaching or common Sunday discourse. This revelation has left many Mormons feeling shocked and betrayed, leading to complex feelings about their faith and its history.

The History of Polygamy in the LDS Church

The roots of polygamy in Mormonism trace back to its founding prophet, Joseph Smith, who is revered for bringing forth new scripture and establishing a religious community. Known for his 1820 vision of God and Jesus in the Sacred Grove, Smith's narratives are the cornerstone of Mormon belief. Yet, the full scope of his life involves many dimensions including his polygamous marriages, which have often been underemphasized or omitted in official church teachings.

This practice, later sanctioned by church doctrine, became a publicly acknowledged part of LDS history with subsequent leader Brigham Young taking a more open stance. It wasn't until 1890 when the practice was officially discontinued by the church under intense legal pressure and societal criticism. The Mormon Stories Podcast has explored these complexities, revealing details that many lifelong members discover only outside traditional church settings.

Key Claims and Historical Records