Did Joseph Smith Practice Polygamy?

LDS Perspective

Yes, Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, practiced polygamy, a principle also referred to as plural marriage. This practice was introduced in the early 1840s and involved Smith being sealed to multiple women, with estimates suggesting he may have had as many as 34 wives. The practice of polygamy was formalized through revelations Joseph Smith received, particularly noted in a section of the Doctrine and Covenants (Section 132), which outlines the principles regarding plural marriage. According to this revelation, plural marriage was presented as a commandment from God aimed at raising up a righteous posterity and restoring ancient practices mentioned in the Old Testament. Smith described that he was commanded by an angel, who appeared with a sword

Historical Perspective

The question of whether Joseph Smith practiced polygamy is a complex and contentious issue within the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Historical evidence indicates that Joseph Smith did, in fact, practice polygamy during his lifetime. This practice was formally introduced under the doctrine known as the "New and Everlasting Covenant," which was first revealed in Section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants, a key text in LDS theology. Research by numerous scholars, including primary accounts and historical documentation, supports the conclusion that Smith was involved in polygamous relationships. For instance, affidavits published in the Nauvoo Expositor on June 7, 1844, detail a document that resembles the contents of Doctrine and Covenants 132, whic