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Daughter of polygamist writes of LDS women
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sb | 10:50 a.m. Oct. 28, 2007
Thank you. I'm interested in what she has to say.
Cheryl Apple | 11:06 a.m. Oct. 28, 2007
I can't wait to read the new book! What an awesome young lady she is, for
going through everything she did and still has a beautiful smile to tell
everyone that no matter what Life brings you there is a rainbow !
Thank you for this story... | 11:12 a.m. Oct. 28, 2007
However, it does not sound like the writer of the book delves enough into the
ideas that cause polygamy. I've researched it for years and I also have
past families that were ruined because of it. I would say that people that are
good inside made it work because of their goodness. But, I also know that the
bad of it overshadowed the good. This needs admitted by the church (any that
did practice it or do practice it) so that they can know the mind-set that
causes it. It is a popular belief that it was practiced because there were not
enough men etc. This is not true (mostly). The reason for the "lost
boys" today is an example of men in power controlling multiple women and
then there ends up not being enough boys/men.
I'm glad that these realizations are coming out now, but I hope that people will start to realize that it was never good in the first place. There may have been/are some good people in polygamy, but polygamy, itself is not good.
I'm glad that these realizations are coming out now, but I hope that people will start to realize that it was never good in the first place. There may have been/are some good people in polygamy, but polygamy, itself is not good.
Comments continue below
Rebecca Stone | 2:55 p.m. Oct. 28, 2007
Eliza Snow was writer. Some of her poems became Mormon hymn lyrics, however it
was Emma Smith who is credited as the hymnal's compiler.
knowledge? | 5:35 p.m. Oct. 28, 2007
I am a decendent of pologamy. At that age and time, it might have made sense. I
was not asked to live in that type of situation. I would not mind a second
sister wife around here - there's a lot of work with the gaggle of kids
we've got, and I could use the help! But, I am not willing to live that
law right now, and thankfully, it has not been given to me to be a sister wife.
I doubt my great great grandfather had 3 wifes just to have more sex. I think
scrapping out the Utah desert for a living, and taking on 2 wives who's
husbands had passed on during the hard journey to Utah, leaving them with
children and no means of support - that might have been the reason. I think sex
was the last thing on great great granddads mind. Taking care of families was
more like it.
L.TAY | 6:55 p.m. Oct. 28, 2007
To E Johnson: I found this production very inspiring. "The sixth
wife" It left me with a greater idea of what life was like for most
American women in the 1800s.
"In this one-woman play, dramatist and historian Joan Oviatt portrays the inspiring story of Emmeline Blanche Woodward Harris Whitney Wells - fifth Relief Society General President of the LDS Church and one of the most influential women of the 19th century. Friend of suffragist Susan B. Anthony, the play shows Emmeline's triumph over solitude, depression, social ridicule, and religious persecution."
"In this one-woman play, dramatist and historian Joan Oviatt portrays the inspiring story of Emmeline Blanche Woodward Harris Whitney Wells - fifth Relief Society General President of the LDS Church and one of the most influential women of the 19th century. Friend of suffragist Susan B. Anthony, the play shows Emmeline's triumph over solitude, depression, social ridicule, and religious persecution."
Anonymous | 9:13 p.m. Oct. 28, 2007
Polygamy has never been endorsed by God. In those rare instances in the Old
Testament (which is the only place it is found in "real" canonized
scripture), it is recognized as a SIN. God works with sinful people, but he does
not command them to sin.
There is no New Testament basis for polygamy whatsoever.
There is no New Testament basis for polygamy whatsoever.
To Anonymous | 9:37 p.m. Oct. 28, 2007
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the great patriarchs of Genesis all had more than one
wife. Were they sinful men? You obviously don't know your Old Testament.
Juan | 10:52 p.m. Oct. 28, 2007
I alway find it amazing how many ethno-centric people there are in Utah and
elsewhere who rail against polygamy and do not separate this cultural practice
from "Plural Marriage" which was a distinctly religious practice.
A (virulently anti-Mormon) anthropology professor I had pointed out that in reality polygamy has been a cultural norm in nearly every society throughout history: Chinese, Japanese, Middle Easterners, Polynesians, American Indians, Pre-Roman Europeans, etc. Ironically monogamy & celibacy (Vestals, etc.)was actually the practice of the pagan Romans who imposed this ideology on the Roman Christian world; today's Catholics and Protestants have all clung to this pagan practice.
Early LDS leaders distinguished worldwide polygamy from Plural Marriage. Plural Marriage was a calling and a solemn responsibility only for those considered worthy to provide a Christian home and "to raise up a righteous generation" of God fearing youth.
As a 21st Century LDS, I do not endorse polygamy nor Plural Marriage, but have a sense of its historic roots. Throughout the Old Testament, not just with the Patriarchs such as Abraham, but in Chronicles and elsewhere it is easy to find reference to Plural Marriage. The Romanized New Testament has had these edited out.
A (virulently anti-Mormon) anthropology professor I had pointed out that in reality polygamy has been a cultural norm in nearly every society throughout history: Chinese, Japanese, Middle Easterners, Polynesians, American Indians, Pre-Roman Europeans, etc. Ironically monogamy & celibacy (Vestals, etc.)was actually the practice of the pagan Romans who imposed this ideology on the Roman Christian world; today's Catholics and Protestants have all clung to this pagan practice.
Early LDS leaders distinguished worldwide polygamy from Plural Marriage. Plural Marriage was a calling and a solemn responsibility only for those considered worthy to provide a Christian home and "to raise up a righteous generation" of God fearing youth.
As a 21st Century LDS, I do not endorse polygamy nor Plural Marriage, but have a sense of its historic roots. Throughout the Old Testament, not just with the Patriarchs such as Abraham, but in Chronicles and elsewhere it is easy to find reference to Plural Marriage. The Romanized New Testament has had these edited out.
Brian Gardner | 10:55 p.m. Oct. 28, 2007
What needs to be understood is that Jeffs and other "fundamentalists"
would not exist were it not for Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, and
the teaching (at the time) that polygamy was the means by which to attain the
highest degree of heaven (and not merely temple marriage, as is presently taught
by the Church today).
Though I am not a Bible scholar, I can say that though the Patriarchs of old were polygamists, I am yet to find any reference of:
A. God commanding it
B. God sanctioning it
C. Anything that mentions its rightness or wrongness
But I do know that the Book of Mormon forcefully condemns it (Jacob 2:23-35). The chapter summary says that the condemnation refers to "the unauthorized practice of plural marriage" but there is nothing in the chapter (or the entire Book of Mormon, for that matter) that supports the idea of "authorized" and "unauthorized" polygamy. It's a shame that the book Joseph Smith called "the most correct of any book on the earth" has not "spoken plainly so that [we] cannot err" (2 Nephi 25:20) on this subject that still divides the followers of Smith to this day.
Though I am not a Bible scholar, I can say that though the Patriarchs of old were polygamists, I am yet to find any reference of:
A. God commanding it
B. God sanctioning it
C. Anything that mentions its rightness or wrongness
But I do know that the Book of Mormon forcefully condemns it (Jacob 2:23-35). The chapter summary says that the condemnation refers to "the unauthorized practice of plural marriage" but there is nothing in the chapter (or the entire Book of Mormon, for that matter) that supports the idea of "authorized" and "unauthorized" polygamy. It's a shame that the book Joseph Smith called "the most correct of any book on the earth" has not "spoken plainly so that [we] cannot err" (2 Nephi 25:20) on this subject that still divides the followers of Smith to this day.
whaddayaknow | 10:55 p.m. Oct. 28, 2007
To Anonymous - just because Abraham or any other old testament prophet slept
with his servant doesn't mean she was his wife. If she bore a child, it
would elevate her status in the household, but she was NOT on the same footing
as a wife.
and to CHS isthe BEST - you are the stupid one. scarecrowfromoz is correct in quoting the Utah census records that the men did outnumber the women during the time of polygamy. And also, if the people were so worried about the widows.... one needn't marry them to care for them. Polygamy has never been a good thing! I'm just sorry the people were told they would be damned if they didn't do it.
and to CHS isthe BEST - you are the stupid one. scarecrowfromoz is correct in quoting the Utah census records that the men did outnumber the women during the time of polygamy. And also, if the people were so worried about the widows.... one needn't marry them to care for them. Polygamy has never been a good thing! I'm just sorry the people were told they would be damned if they didn't do it.
so-called | 10:58 p.m. Oct. 28, 2007
The article states, "a breakaway sect of so-called Mormon Fundamentalists
in Utah..." It's very disresepctful. That's like saying the LDS
members are "so-called Christians."
Anonymous | 11:31 p.m. Oct. 28, 2007
'To Anonymous'
Yes, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the great patriarchs of Genesis were sinful men. Should we be shocked? God did not tell Abraham to take a second wife? Sarah did? and she did it because she did not believe she would have a child...and Abraham listened to her.
I believe what God intended in 'the beginning' when God said, "it was good." One man; one woman, that was the ratio. Jesus re-states that in the N.T.
Then sin came into the world...what happened? A prideful 'Lamech took two wives' Gen 4:23,24 Read how he talks to them and listen to his boost in killing. See anything righteous about the introduction of polygamy in the Bible? In fact, find me one incident in the O.T. where polygamy was a blessing...where there was no hate, anger, jealousy between wives and jealousy among the children. Acts of incest, desertion and favoritism of one wife over another. The whole practise of polygamy wreaked of sin.
Yes, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the great patriarchs of Genesis were sinful men. Should we be shocked? God did not tell Abraham to take a second wife? Sarah did? and she did it because she did not believe she would have a child...and Abraham listened to her.
I believe what God intended in 'the beginning' when God said, "it was good." One man; one woman, that was the ratio. Jesus re-states that in the N.T.
Then sin came into the world...what happened? A prideful 'Lamech took two wives' Gen 4:23,24 Read how he talks to them and listen to his boost in killing. See anything righteous about the introduction of polygamy in the Bible? In fact, find me one incident in the O.T. where polygamy was a blessing...where there was no hate, anger, jealousy between wives and jealousy among the children. Acts of incest, desertion and favoritism of one wife over another. The whole practise of polygamy wreaked of sin.
American Monogamist | 12:44 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
If God considers polygamy to be sinful, why would he sanctify Jacob's
polygamous family to become the origin of the House of Israel?
Polygamy in Old Testament times was so common that is was not considered to need an explanation, but is referred to often. Hannah, the mother of Samuel, was the second wife.
David, when anointed to be King of Israel, because of his righteousness and the fallen nature of King Saul, was given all the wives who belonged to Saul, by the prophet Nathan. Where was the sin in that?
It's alien to our culture, but it was not alien, or sinful, to theirs.
Polygamy in Old Testament times was so common that is was not considered to need an explanation, but is referred to often. Hannah, the mother of Samuel, was the second wife.
David, when anointed to be King of Israel, because of his righteousness and the fallen nature of King Saul, was given all the wives who belonged to Saul, by the prophet Nathan. Where was the sin in that?
It's alien to our culture, but it was not alien, or sinful, to theirs.
Convert | 6:54 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
As a 17 year old girl, I joined the LDS Church even though the plural marriage
thing really made me uncomfortable, and still does after 25 years. It is an
issue that I have never been able to feel good about, and in fact I feel that
the practice is and was evil. I am very active, have an active family, teach
Relief Society, but no matter how hard I try to get rid of those negative
feelings, they are still so strong, it is the only aspect of the Church that I
have ever felt negatively about, and have been taught that this is how the
Celestial Kingdom will be, dosen't seem like heaven to me.
Bear Rug | 7:13 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I don't know how the men in a polygamist society function. I have one wife
and five kids--I don't need 10 wives and 50 kids. Could you imagine having
a "honey-do" list from 10 wives? Could you imagine 50 kids asking for
the car keys? ;)
Cathy in TX | 7:40 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Adding to Rebecca Stone's comment.
See Doctrine & Covenants 25:11.
See Doctrine & Covenants 25:11.
Emma | 7:53 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
There were NOT a shortage of men in Utah. You simply need to read the Census
reports for facts.
David | 7:57 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
The first polygamist in the scripture is a murderer, Lamech. Abraham because
polygamist only because he lacked faith that God would do as promised. And the
list goes on and on. God didn't command polygamy, but tolerated it though
sinful.
Bill | 8:00 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Brian Gardner
You are right, you are not a Bible Scholar, nor of the Book of Mormon. Verse 30 of the passages you sited gives what you are looking for. In that verse is the language that states when polygamy is authorized.
But when it all comes down to it, the question is whether you believe in modern day prophets and Joseph Smith as one of those prophets. All other argument are superfluous.
You are right, you are not a Bible Scholar, nor of the Book of Mormon. Verse 30 of the passages you sited gives what you are looking for. In that verse is the language that states when polygamy is authorized.
But when it all comes down to it, the question is whether you believe in modern day prophets and Joseph Smith as one of those prophets. All other argument are superfluous.
BoobyJean | 8:11 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
There's a shortage of common sense in Utah.
me | 8:26 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I'm still working on Faith in Jesus Christ. If I follow him then
that's all that matters. He is the savior and Redeemer of the world.
Anti-Anti-Mormon | 9:17 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
"Abraham beca[m]e polygamist only because he lacked faith..."
David, you've got to be kidding me...
That's like saying your namesake in the OT lacked courage. That's like saying Isaiah lacked vision. Read the scriptures friend.
David, you've got to be kidding me...
That's like saying your namesake in the OT lacked courage. That's like saying Isaiah lacked vision. Read the scriptures friend.
Misunderstandings | 9:32 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Polygamy served a purpose? Because of it we are the fastest growing church now
(not true, by the way)? You can go online and check the US census numbers,
summaries, for the Utah territory for 1850-1880 (the 1890 US census was
destroyed). The number of males slightly exceeded the number of females. There
was no basis for polygamy based on the false premise that there was more women
than men. In fact the polygamous wives had fewer childern (usually 2 or 3) than
non polygamous wives. Whatever we may want to believe the reason for polygamy
was, it WAS not to "raise up seed". It hindered that. My opinion, is
that this whole thing was a mistake, which will eventually (gradually) be
admitted as such. But it is embarrassing so they don't want to even talk
about it. I can understand that.
One answer | 10:35 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I haven't read all of the posts, so maybe this has already been answered.
The best answer I have heard for the purpose of polygamy is to, "raise a
righteous generation" as it says in Jacob in the Book of Mormon. To be the
descendent of Brigham Young or John Taylor or Joseph Smith could be a powerful
influence for good.
To wake up - How do you know how many wives Noah and his sons had? Also, as mentioned before, look at Jacob and many of the patriarchs. Without polygamy there would be a very small house of Israel, more of a hut of Israel. I am not advocating polygamy, just saying sometimes God doesn't just tolerate it, but requires it of righteous men and women. Sorry, Mr. Jeffs; you don't qualify.
To wake up - How do you know how many wives Noah and his sons had? Also, as mentioned before, look at Jacob and many of the patriarchs. Without polygamy there would be a very small house of Israel, more of a hut of Israel. I am not advocating polygamy, just saying sometimes God doesn't just tolerate it, but requires it of righteous men and women. Sorry, Mr. Jeffs; you don't qualify.
David | 10:55 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Anti-anti-mormon,
Abraham lacked faith that God would multiply his descendants as promised, so he took Hagar. God didn't command Abraham to impregnate Hagar, it was Abraham's own lack of faith that God would do as promised. Would you deny that Sarai gave birth to Isaiah, despite her old age? Perhaps, you read the scripture for the words and not the meaning. I noted that you couldn't deny that the first scriptural polygamist was indeed a murderer, Lamech. Again, God tolerated polygamy, not sanctioned it.
Abraham lacked faith that God would multiply his descendants as promised, so he took Hagar. God didn't command Abraham to impregnate Hagar, it was Abraham's own lack of faith that God would do as promised. Would you deny that Sarai gave birth to Isaiah, despite her old age? Perhaps, you read the scripture for the words and not the meaning. I noted that you couldn't deny that the first scriptural polygamist was indeed a murderer, Lamech. Again, God tolerated polygamy, not sanctioned it.
two cents | 10:05 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
God clearly sacnctioned Old Testament polygamy. It's silly to even argue
about it. The Old Testament is full of stories that make little sense to the
modern mind with our Greek inspired logic. It seems to me that a lot of cultural
leeway is and was given by God. For example, Jesus noted that divorce was
sanctioned by Moses, but said that "in the beginning it was not
so."
This also explains the BOM characterizing unsanctioned polygamy as an abomination, with the caveat that the lord will sometimes command it to build up his seed.
Polygamy was necessary for the restoration of all things. It was necessary to make the lord's people a peculiar people, and separated the wheat from the chaff. It served a purpose in raising up a seed unto the lord. Finally, it served as a social welfare system in a time of great need.
I am convinced Joseph Smith did not want polygamy, but was compelled to take multiple wives. The fact that he had children with Emma and nobody else ought to suggest that many, if not all of his plural marriages were never consummated.
This also explains the BOM characterizing unsanctioned polygamy as an abomination, with the caveat that the lord will sometimes command it to build up his seed.
Polygamy was necessary for the restoration of all things. It was necessary to make the lord's people a peculiar people, and separated the wheat from the chaff. It served a purpose in raising up a seed unto the lord. Finally, it served as a social welfare system in a time of great need.
I am convinced Joseph Smith did not want polygamy, but was compelled to take multiple wives. The fact that he had children with Emma and nobody else ought to suggest that many, if not all of his plural marriages were never consummated.
angel | 10:07 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I live in Puerto Rico and we have sects here that practice poligamy and they are
mostly of evagelical origin, and no relation with the mormons. They got the idea
of poligamy by reading the bible.
SLC gal | 11:24 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Polygomy was commanded in the pioneer days given only to select men, first of
all.. not the whole kitn' kaboodle. This was neccasary as MORE women then
Men became converted to the gospel. This was done so more children could be
raised in the gospel. When they came west, this commandment helped settle many
of the towns we know today.
From PA | 10:30 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I don't think the article was specifically about polygamy being good or
bad. It is a way of a lifestyle that is accepted by each individual.
Shouldn't we be more open-minded and understanding of others?
Shouldn't we be more open-minded and understanding of others?
Marty | 11:38 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Nathan tells David "thou art the man" 2 Samuel 12:7,8.
And makes it clear that his wives were given to him by the Lord.
This was not a sin. Only Bathsheba was a sin.
Our objections to plural marriage are cultural - not scriptural.
I believe the Holy Bible, so I believe in plural marriage. However i would be very unhappy in such a situation, as I am not culturally prepared to handle such a relationship.
To me it's much like adopting children - even when you and your wife have several children of your own.
And while the sex is appealing to any heterosexual man, most of us get enough from our spouse.
I confess I am a modern man, who enjoys his personal time, and discretionary income, and would not be excited about supporting a second family, no matter how attractive my mate was.
Women today feel the same way. But in the 1800's if you had to choose between starving - and marrying a prosperous man as a plural wife, it would not be so easy.
And makes it clear that his wives were given to him by the Lord.
This was not a sin. Only Bathsheba was a sin.
Our objections to plural marriage are cultural - not scriptural.
I believe the Holy Bible, so I believe in plural marriage. However i would be very unhappy in such a situation, as I am not culturally prepared to handle such a relationship.
To me it's much like adopting children - even when you and your wife have several children of your own.
And while the sex is appealing to any heterosexual man, most of us get enough from our spouse.
I confess I am a modern man, who enjoys his personal time, and discretionary income, and would not be excited about supporting a second family, no matter how attractive my mate was.
Women today feel the same way. But in the 1800's if you had to choose between starving - and marrying a prosperous man as a plural wife, it would not be so easy.
LazyEDna | 10:41 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Who cares how many wives or husbands someone has as long as it is consenting
adults and they aren't dependent on welfare for subsistence. And they
better have clearly written estate plans for the offspring, or their name will
be excoriated by their children.
Religion is wacky. I don't care what people believe as long as they harm no one else. But religion is wacky.
Religion is wacky. I don't care what people believe as long as they harm no one else. But religion is wacky.
Neil | 11:02 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
The article was interesting, but there is one issue. I thought that Emma Smith
was the one who first compiled the hymn book, not Eliza R. Snow.
Sanction Smanction | 11:04 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
If God did not sanction polygamy then Moses, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and
Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Heber C Kimball and many others are fallen
prophets. If God tolerates such adulterous sin then the D&C is not a true
quote of God's true view on sin and its allowance. The reference to Lamech
is one of homosexuality and murder, not plural wives. See Pearl of Great Price
for a clearer and fuller story. If Abraham was such a wicked man, may God bless
me with the same blessings or wickedeness Abraham perpetuated be/c his lot is
one of fulness as we speak D&C 132:29. Open your minds and you will receive
more understaning.
It all comes down to... | 12:06 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
All of this argument all comes down to whether or not you believe that Joseph
Smith was a prophet. If he was, then he was commanded by God to take multiple
wives. If not, well you judge for yourself. If he was, then it is also
believable that prior men such as Abraham, etc. were also commanded by God to do
the same. No believing Mormon can disregard the fact that Joseph Smith took
multiple wives and instituted polygamy among the leadership of the Mormon
Church.
Tenderheart | 11:10 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
My sister has never married. I wept when I found she had baby clothes
hidden in the back of her closet hoping someday she'd need them. I also
have an unmarried daughter who yearns for a family.
I don't like the idea of sharing a husband one bit, but since I love and sympathize with the single women in my life I can see the wisdom of polygamy in some cases. There are never enough good men to go around.
It would take an enormous amount of sacrifice, love and patience to do well.
I don't like the idea of sharing a husband one bit, but since I love and sympathize with the single women in my life I can see the wisdom of polygamy in some cases. There are never enough good men to go around.
It would take an enormous amount of sacrifice, love and patience to do well.
Kevin | 1:49 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
In the mid to late 1800's, the difference in the age at first marriage for
men and women was much larger than today. This created a situation where there
were more women of �marriage age� then
men. Throughout the country, the excess non-married women ended up in convents
or as divorced wives of serial polygamists: men who marry a woman, divorce her,
and then marry a younger woman.
Today, the U.S. gap in the age at first marriage is only about 2 years (27 men, 25 women). In 1800�s men married reached �marriage age� in their mid twenties while women married in their late teens. In Utah the gap in age at first marriage was even larger than in the rest of the country.
There were more female members of the Mormon Church in 1850, but early Utah settlers were predominantly men.
Today, the U.S. gap in the age at first marriage is only about 2 years (27 men, 25 women). In 1800�s men married reached �marriage age� in their mid twenties while women married in their late teens. In Utah the gap in age at first marriage was even larger than in the rest of the country.
There were more female members of the Mormon Church in 1850, but early Utah settlers were predominantly men.
RPS | 1:59 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I am not a native Utahn nor am I Mormon, however I enjoy living here and call it
home. WIth that being said, some of the comments rationalizing polygamy make it
no wonder that so many Americans have a negative stereotype of Utah.
Law of the land! | 2:08 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Your forgetting the victums..1890 this is a felony. How can a person who knows
this is being practiced recieve their temple reccomend as in honest in all your
dealings. And some of these posts are from the very ones who accuse others of
always looking back not forward!Noah, etc. had their time but to look the other
way , condone is to accept this higher order on much less level such as the LOST
BOYS and their plight. Get these nitwits out in the open. In a land that is
known for freedom , how can such a thing be fair?
a_little_taller | 2:18 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
One example of the Lord giving WIVES in the old testament (to answer the person
who said there is no such evidence for it).
In chastising David for sinning by having Uriah killed and taking his wife, the Lord, through the prophet Nathan said:
2 Samuel 12:8 - "And I gave thee thy master�s house, and thy master�s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things."
Then he goes on to say he would take away his wives and give them to another.
Read your scriptures!
In chastising David for sinning by having Uriah killed and taking his wife, the Lord, through the prophet Nathan said:
2 Samuel 12:8 - "And I gave thee thy master�s house, and thy master�s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things."
Then he goes on to say he would take away his wives and give them to another.
Read your scriptures!
Angel Y-C | 2:38 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Just to say this young lady is doing a good job as she see's it is enough
and remember we all come from different cultural back grounds mine is Native
american and I cling to a proverb from that culture " There would be no
rainbow for the soul. If there were no tears for the eyes." I know we all
have opinions on polygimy but we were not there then and are not the judge of
what God decides is right or wrong. I belive and practice my faith as it is
taught now and listen to our prophet for daily guidence. I am a very headstrong,
opionate lady and believe me I question anything that does not feel as if God
has his hand in it before I do it. Pray , Listen then Listen some more and have
a nice day.
Dear Anonymous | 2:55 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
You are truly bibilically illiterate and a Mormon hater to beat that.
One women Man | 3:01 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I think that I could be married to more then one women, the problem is I would
have to marry all sisters. ONE mother-in-law is all I can handle.
Mindy Call | 3:02 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Dorothy Soloman is an inspiration to all. Any chance you have to read any of her
books or listen at her feet is a moment treasured by me!
Angel Y-C | 3:25 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
What the heck are you talking about? Sounds like both sides of the pie-hole!
British Convert | 3:34 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
In this day and age, I cannot imagine agreeing to polygamy as so many did in the
early days of the Church. I also cannot comprehend leaving all that was lovely
and familiar in England, and pushing a handcart, or walking across the plains,
losing husband and children along the way, and especially in the sub-zero winter
weather with inadequate clothing or supplies, to arrive in a desert with future
hardship ahead of me.
Thank goodness the strong and faithful were available to accept whatever callings they did at that time. Who are we to assume we know what was in their hearts and minds. Second-guessing is the same as Monday-morning quarterbacking - it doesn't mean anything.
Sounds as if this lady overcame great obstacles to reach the position she has, and is suffering from being separated from her family. Her faith and strength brought her to this point. I applaud her.
Thank goodness the strong and faithful were available to accept whatever callings they did at that time. Who are we to assume we know what was in their hearts and minds. Second-guessing is the same as Monday-morning quarterbacking - it doesn't mean anything.
Sounds as if this lady overcame great obstacles to reach the position she has, and is suffering from being separated from her family. Her faith and strength brought her to this point. I applaud her.
One Voice | 3:49 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I am the son of a polygamist. Altough I only have one wife, I must say that I
wouldn't trade my upbringing for the world. True there are many many people
who abuse this sacred law of marrige, but there are also many who live it
virtuously. I love the LDS church's mission, but the reason I'm not a
member is because if I take advantage of one of the greatest principles reveled
to Joseph Smith, personal revelation, I face excommunication. The Lord says in
sec. 132 that "all (-plural-not just one man or the prophet, but all)who
have this law reveled to them must abide the same" Who's to say that I
can't talk to God? The same mold that said Joseph was a fool when he talked
of seeing God the Father and Jesus? I love my HUGE family that can have a
Thanksgiving football game without invitng the neighbors.:)
Polygamy Problem | 4:11 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
One can argue scripture and prophets to your hearts content. The problem is
that polygamy is evil. It is evil today, it was evil yesterday, and I'll
bet it will be evil tomorrow. What it does to womens self worth to be in such a
patriarchal structure with polygamy on top of it is wrong. To argue its
necessity or goodness in the past is not doing anyone any good. Polygamy is
nothing more than an example of people in power taking advantage of their
position. We love to throw rocks at it today, but because it is not popular to
throw rocks at it in the past we don't.
Anonymous | 4:25 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
It's not a "mistake" to associate the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon) with polygamy. After all, it's described
as part of the "law of the priesthood" in D&C 132:61:
"And again, as pertaining to the law of the priesthood�if any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent, and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no other man, then is he justified; he cannot commit adultery for they are given unto him; for he cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth unto him and to no one else."
This verse remains in the LDS version of the D&C -- sustained by every temple-going Mormon as scripture -- and is the foundation "revelation" upon which fundamentalist Mormons continue to practice plural marriage.
Furthermore, Wilford Woodruff never renounced polygamy, either. His official declaration clearly encourages Mormons to stop *practicing* polygamy because of political pressure from the government.
Duwayne Anderson
Author of "Farewell to Eden: Coming to terms with Mormonism and science"
"And again, as pertaining to the law of the priesthood�if any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent, and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no other man, then is he justified; he cannot commit adultery for they are given unto him; for he cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth unto him and to no one else."
This verse remains in the LDS version of the D&C -- sustained by every temple-going Mormon as scripture -- and is the foundation "revelation" upon which fundamentalist Mormons continue to practice plural marriage.
Furthermore, Wilford Woodruff never renounced polygamy, either. His official declaration clearly encourages Mormons to stop *practicing* polygamy because of political pressure from the government.
Duwayne Anderson
Author of "Farewell to Eden: Coming to terms with Mormonism and science"
Anonymous | 4:36 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Way to go, Dorothy! Tell it like it is!
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