Joseph Smith/Polygamy

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Articles about Joseph Smith


Joseph Smith and Plural Marriage (Polygamy)

Summary: Joseph Smith is frequently criticized for his introduction and practice of plural marriage (often called polygamy). From a Christian perspective, these attacks usually focus on arguing that polygamy is unchristian or unbiblical, and that Joseph hid the truth from the world. From a secular perspective, it is asserted that the practice of polygamy sprung from Joseph's carnal desires to marry young women. Of particular interest is the fact that Joseph was sealed to women who were already married to other men (polyandry).

Video published by the Church History Department.

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Plural wives of Joseph Smith, Jr.

Summary: This collection of articles lists a number of known plural wives, with responses to critical claims related to specific plural wives of Joseph Smith, Jr.


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Implementation of plural marriage


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Initiation of the practice of plural marriage


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The "Cochranites" and their potential influence on Mormon plural marriage

Summary: Did another religious group from the 1830s--the "Cochranites"--act as the source for plural marriage in the LDS faith?


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Lorenzo Snow's statements about polygamy during the Temple Lot case


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William Marks claimed Joseph intended to abandon plural marriage


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Doctrinal issues related to plural marriage


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Critics' claimed motivations for Joseph's implementation of plural marriage


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Keeping plural marriage a secret


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Entering into plural marriage


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Polyandry: Women married to more than one husband


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Emma Smith and polygamy


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Children of Joseph Smith by polygamous marriages


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Latter-day Saints and divorce in the nineteenth century


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