gizzy2000 said:
darth_ender said:
gizzy2000 said:
Something I'm curious about, and I hope I don't offend you because this is a genuine question, but how is the history of polygamy in the church (and with Joseph Smith specifically) viewed by mormons today?
I know that mormons don't practice this now, and I'm not accusing anyone of that, but I'm curious about how it is viewed by the church. Like, does the church say that it's wrong now but it wasn't back then, or do they condemn it altogether, even in the case of Joseph Smith? etc. etc.
No offense taken. We certainly acknowledge it as a practice. We believe it was divinely inspired for a temporary period of time, but that most of the time it is contrary to the commandments of God. We now oppose it, and any practitioner today is swiftly excommunicated.
EDIT: Oh, I should add that some have a hard time coming to grips with it. My wife, for instance, really doesn't like the idea that it was ever practiced. But historical record is clear: it was.
Also, it is worth noting that for a long time, the Community of Christ, formerly called the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (second largest, though substantially smaller, branch in the LDS movement) spent years denying it was ever practiced. I am not sure if they still do, but if they have changed their tune, it would only be a recent thing. But they honestly are pretty prone to gloss over our common movement's history while we are more willing to embrace it, the good and the bad and the ugly.
Thanks for the answer. I believe that for a time polygamy/bigamy was permitted, specifically during the times of the Old Testament, but I think that once the Christian Church was established marriage was restored to being between one man and one woman, and I'd be happy to go into more detail on that if anyone is interested. One thing I asked though was what the view of Joseph Smith specifically is. In 1 Timothy 3:2 it says that a Church leader (or "overseer") should be the husband of one wife, amongst other requirements. Joseph Smith had several wives, which is why I'm skeptical of his teachings about the Church. By the way, I'm sorry to keep bombarding you with a bunch of my own thoughts and beliefs, but I'm genuinely interested in theological subjects, and enjoy these discussions because I think we can learn a lot by hearing about each others beliefs. As I said before I have no intent to be rude, and want this to just be friendly discussion :)
I appreciate your sincerity and your interest, and your efforts not to offend. Understand, I created this thread with the awareness that people might be blunt, so I try not to get offended easily. It's happened a few times, and believe me, you haven't even come close to offending me.
The Book of Mormon also speaks against polygamy, more forcefully than the Bible. The Book of Mormon predates any actual polygamy on the part of Joseph Smith anyhow. Start with verse 23. But you'll notice in verse 30 that there is an exception. I'll let you read it yourself. It was for a limited time, served its purpose, and is now ended.
Again, thanks for your thoughtfulness :)