Michelle Stone believes that there is more evidence that Joseph Smith was not a polygamist.

Was Joseph Smith Really a Polygamist? Unpacking Michelle Stone's Perspective

The question of whether Joseph Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was a polygamist continues to divide scholars, believers, and critics alike. Michelle Stone, appearing on the Mormon Stories Podcast, has stirred this age-old debate by asserting there is more evidence suggesting Smith was not involved in polygamy. Given the implications of this claim on the historical narrative of Mormonism, it deserves critical examination.

Historical Context of Joseph Smith and Polygamy in Nauvoo

During the 1840s, as Joseph Smith led the Mormon faithful in Nauvoo, Illinois, claims of his participation in polygamy began to surface. These claims were supported by testimonies from several women and church members, many of which became the foundation for the practice of plural marriage in the LDS Church after Smith's death. However, controversy surrounds these accounts, with some arguing that evidence of Smith’s direct involvement is circumstantial at best.

Michelle Stone points out that while polygamy was present among Smith's followers during his lifetime, hard evidence directly linking Smith himself to these practices remains elusive. She suggests that the evidence which has historically been accepted is not only sparse but often conflicted with Smith's own public denials and strong anti-polygamy rhetoric.

Evidence and Arguments Against Smith's Polygamy