Living in fear of Mormon polygamy

The Unsettling Fear of Mormon Polygamy

For many Mormon women, the haunting specter of polygamy looms large, threatening their sense of security and even tranquility. This concern, though seemingly relegated to the past, remains a persistent source of anxiety. It emerges from a doctrinal practice where husbands, under church authority, may be sealed to a new wife without the consent of the deceased first wife. This alarming possibility strikes at the heart of marital fidelity and autonomy, leaving numerous women in the church feeling overshadowed by a legacy they neither chose nor condone. As reported by Mormon Stories Podcast, this fear has engrained itself in the lived experiences of many faithful women.

Historical Roots of Mormon Polygamy

Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, introduced polygamy in the early 19th century as a divine mandate. He claimed that plural marriage was a restored ancient practice, essential for achieving the highest celestial glory. This practice continued under Brigham Young's leadership and became deeply entwined with church doctrine. Although the church officially discontinued polygamy in 1890 due to external pressures, notably from the U.S. government, the doctrine of eternal plural marriage persists.

Core Concerns Among Mormon Women

The psychological weight of potential eternal polygamy stems from several doctrinal beliefs: Eternal Sealing: In the event of a woman's death, her living husband can be sealed in the temple to another woman. This is seen as an eternal commitment, raising the fear that she will share her husband in the afterlife. Lack of Consent: The doctrine does not require the deceased spouse's prior consent for the husband’s subsequent sealing, stripping her of agency over her eternal fate. Historical Precedent: Women's concerns are validated by historical accounts where men practiced plural marriage without the first wife's approval.