The Ghost of Eternal Polygamy - Carol Lynn Pearson | Ep. 2122 (Re-Broadcast)

The Ghost of Eternal Polygamy: A Continuing Debate in Mormonism

Polygamy haunts Mormon history like a ghost that refuses to be exorcised. For many, the question is not just about the past but also its implications for the present and future of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Ghost of Eternal Polygamy, as discussed by Carol Lynn Pearson on the Mormon Stories Podcast, serves as a poignant exploration of this enduring issue. Her insights shed light on why this practice, though officially banned in the church since 1890, still evokes strong feelings among members and scholars alike.

Understanding the Complex History of Polygamy in the LDS Church

The practice of polygamy was introduced by Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the LDS Church, in the 1830s. While Smith presented it as a divine revelation, the practice wasn't publicly acknowledged until 1852 and quickly became a contentious point both within and outside the church. For decades, polygamy was defended as a divine mandate until the church officially discontinued the practice in 1890 under significant governmental pressure. Despite its cessation, discussions around eternal polygamy continue to surface, exacerbated by doctrinal teachings that suggest eternal marriages could allow for multiple spouses in the afterlife.

Key Claims and Documented Evidence from Carol Lynn Pearson

Carol Lynn Pearson is a significant figure in Mormon literature, known for her candid yet compassionate critiques of LDS practices. In her book, The Ghost of Eternal Polygamy, she gathers stories and testimonies that illustrate how the specter of polygamy impacts the lived experiences of Latter-day Saints today. Pearson argues that the mere notion of an eternally sanctioned practice of polygamy undermines the concept of marriage as a partnership. She highlights stories of women who remain concerned about their eternal prospects when faced with the idea that their deceased husbands could be sealed to additional wives in perpetuity. One poignant example reveals a woman’s fear that her late husband might already have taken another wife in the afterlife, raising questions about her eternal role as his spouse.