Mormon leaders have acknowledged for the first time that the churchs founder and prophet, joseph smith. If you have an interest in expanding your knowledge of early mormon history and understanding what the new and everlasting covenant was like for these often overlooked women, you need to. This book is much more entertaining if you read it as a historical novel rather than trying to read it as a religious text. Mar 28, 2011 a motion picture about the life and legacy of joseph smith, the founding prophet of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints who translated the book of mormon.
Twentyfive of joseph smiths plu ral wives followed. Nov 12, 2014 the mormon church has said for the first time that its founder joseph smith had up to 40 wives. Joseph smithpolygamysent husbands on missions to steal wives. Prescindia lathrop huntington buell and her husband norman joined the church in 1836. The brothers had been in jail awaiting trial when an armed mob of about 200 men stormed the facility, their faces painted black with wet gunpowder. Nov 11, 2014 the founder of the mormon church, joseph smith, wed as many as 40 wives, including one as young as 14 years old, the church acknowledged. Mormon church publishes essay on founder joseph smiths. The book of mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the bible, used by latter day saints. The sources of inspiration and content essay further discusses joseph smith s grammatic style in the book of mormon dictation.
I testify that the instrument through whom this divine revelation came was one foreordained. The mormon church has said for the first time that its founder joseph smith had up to 40 wives. Concerning this record the prophet joseph smith said. Book of mormon lost 116 pages anthon transcript restoration latter day saints. Contains a detailed study of the mormon doctrine of plural marriage, the spiritual wife doctrine, the john c. The topic of joseph smiths polygamy 1 tends to polarize those who grapple with it.
December 23, 1805 june 27, 1844 was an american religious leader and founder of mormonism and the latter day saint movement. Smith and some of the leading quorums of his church publicly denied he taught or practiced it in 1852, leaders of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds church. The book of mormon the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. The plural wives of joseph smith, editor of mormonism and early christianity, a contributor to the encyclopedia of mormonism and women and authority. Harris louisa beaman apr 1841 26 zina huntington jacobs oct 1841 20 henry jacobs presendia huntington buell dec 1841 31 norman buell agnes coolbrith jan 1842 33.
In his book nauvoo polygamy, smith provides a list of joseph smith s future wives and the interval between the first encounter with the mormon found and the navuoo marriage. Smith said the gulf stream was the result of the city of enochs being. The plural wives of joseph smith compton, signature books, salt lake city, 1997 doctrine and covenants the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, salt lake city all books available through deseret book and corrections, comments and questions are welcome. Another testament of jesus christ behold, i am jesus christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world 3 nephi 11. The first edition of the doctrine and covenants called the book of commandments, 1835 included a section denying any practice of polygamy. A statue of joseph smith and his first wife, emma, at temple square in salt lake city. Understandably, it is difficult to remain neutral when faced with the fact that joseph smith took at least thirty women as wives, that he physically consummated many.
Smith published the book of mormon in 1830 and shortly thereafter organized a small church of his first followers. Three of the essays were dedicated to different aspects of plural marriage, including the 4,800word plural marriage in kirtland and nauvoo published on october 22, 2014, which acknowledged how careful estimates put the number of smiths wives between 30 and 40. Jackson in nauvoo, exposing the depths of mormon villainy 1844. History and recollections inscribed in this book book 2 on november 19, 1903. While many latterday saints may know that brigham young and other nineteenth century men in the lds religion took multiple wives, they may not realize that joseph smith, their beloved founder, was mormonisms first polygamist. Founder of the largest indigenous christian church in american history, joseph smith published the 584page book of mormon when he was twentythree and went on to organize a church, found cities, and attract thousands of followers before his violent death at age thirtyeight. Polygamy origin of latter day saint polygamy emma smith nauvoo expositor list of joseph smiths wives children of joseph smith parents and siblings smith family latter day saints joseph smith, sr. Hyrum was killed first, having been shot in the face. Nancy black eldredge, hannah mariah savage eldredge, and helvig marie andersen eldredge. Honestly, because of the sheer volume of anachronistic errors contained in joseph smith s book, even trying to read it as a novel is taxing. The wives of joseph smith wife date age husband emma hale jan 1827 22 fanny alger 1833 16 lucinda morgan harris 1838 37 george w. Misrepresenting polygamy, especially that of joseph.
Joseph smith, american prophet and founder of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. There is no solid proof of joseph smith claims, no proof of the book of mormon, no proof of the churchs claims, and thats good enough for a tbm because they know its true. She, as the prophets wife, should be relieved and provided for the remainder of her days. These common grammar peculiarities, however, do not indicate a simpleton farm boy, only someone who wrote as he spoke in the dialect of his geographical location. Joseph smiths wives the question that must be asked is why. The prophet joseph smith and his plural wives this is a landmark recent publication, an ambitious first book by todd m. The church historians press today announced the release of the latest volume of the joseph smith papers. This claim was made in an anti mormon expose entitled fifteen years among the mormons. Todd compton, an active mormon, chronicles the lives of 33 polygamous wives of joseph smith, largely through their own words in thier journals and letters. The plural wives of joseph smith, is a calmly crafted work designed to bring truth and understanding to this segment of latterday saint history which too often has been characterized by either deliberate obfuscation or shameless sensationalism.
The book of mormon is set in north america in the first century. In 1831 emma and joseph moved to kirtland, ohio where the church was rapidly growing. Joseph smith 18051844, the founder of the latter day saint movement, secretly taught and practiced polygamy during his. Joseph smiths wives the question that must be asked is. Not found in book 4, undoubtedly because book 4 was located in the church historians office along with book 3, whereas joseph f. Bennetts spiritual wife system and warned if any man writes to you, or preaches to you, doctrines contrary to the bible, the book of mormon, or the book of doctrine and covenants, set him down as an imposter. The inhouse pdf rendering service has been withdrawn. Learn more about the life, writings, and legacy of joseph smith. Joseph smith 18051844, the founder of the latter day saint movement, secretly taught and practiced polygamy during his ministry, and married multiple women during his lifetime. In april 1844, joseph smith referred to polygamy as john c. I betook myself to prayer and supplication to almighty god. During this period, smith briefly attended methodist meetings with his wife, until a cousin of hers objected to.
Reemerging mormon feminism, and has been published in the american journal of philology. The joseph smith papers is pleased to announce its latest web release, which includes the launch of a new, onlineonly financial records series. Click here for full article prescindia lathrop huntington buell summary. An overview of joseph smiths thirtythree plural wives. Joseph smith said that the moon was inhabited by people six feet tall who dressed like quakers and lived to be 1,000 years old source. Theres no solid proof, posted by ness, on recovery from mormnmism discussion board. Mormon church admits founder joseph smith had up to 40 wives this is a theological problem that needs to be resolved at the highest levels of church governance, she says. Mormons believe that the book of mormon confirms information found in the holy bible. Includes a list of 84 women who may have been married to joseph smith. Joseph smith came to kirtland prior to their move to independence at about the time she finished reading the book of mormon i. He published a five hundredpage book of scripture, organized a new religion, dictated more than a hundred revelations, founded at least three cities, built one temple and began others, and revealed a remarkable theological framework that both expanded and contradicted christian thinking of the era. Louisa beaman was born february 7, 1815, to alvah beaman and sarah burtts in livonia, new york, some twentyfive miles south of palmyra. In a times and seasons editorial, october 1, 1842, the prophet joseph smith, after.
Bennett book, the nancy rigdon affair, the sarah pratt affair and also the martha h. By the time of his death, 14 years later, he had attracted tens of thousands of followers and founded a religion that continues to the present. Foster, and henry jacobs on missions so that he could steal their wives. The book of mormon by joseph smith, paperback barnes. The book of mormon makes it clear that the lord may, under some circumstances, command the practice of plural marriage.
December 23, 1805 june 27, 1844, a treasure seeker and money digger, occultist, polygamist, freemason, deceiver, and false prophet, was the founder and leader of the mormon church, which includes such sects as the church of jesus christ of latterday saints and the community of christ. We have imagined and supposed that god was god from all eternity, i will refute that idea, and take away the veil, so that you may see teachings of the prophet joseph smith, compiled by joseph fielding smith, p. Well researched, and one of the probable reasons the mormon church has been forced to confront its history and admit that joseph not only married multiple wives, but sent other men away on missions for years at a time and then claimed their wives as his, appointed. Did joseph smith have children by his plural wives. The book was written by ancient prophets through the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Prophet joseph smith the prophet joseph smith s own words about the coming forth of the book of mormon are. Nauvoo museum development the book of mormon exploration challenge was not idle. Mormon origins is created to make available historical information andor documents relating to the beginnings of mormonism in america. Mormon church admits founder joseph smith had up to 40 wives this is a theological problem that needs to be resolved at the highest levels.
The first plural marriage in nauvoo took place when louisa beaman and joseph smith were sealed in april 1841. Joseph smith tried to write himself into the bible youtube. Timeline of joseph smiths life the joseph smith papers. I told the brethren that the book of mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to god by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book. The beginnings of mormon polygamy joseph smiths polygamy. Mormon great consternation over the years, even though this doctrine officially ended in 1890.
Book by lds historian todd compton, documents josephs 33 secret marriages, his physical consumation behind his wifes back, and the resultant loneliness of. Before i get flamed i would like to point out three of the more glaring anachronistic errors. Documents, volume 10, released 4 may 2020 the joseph smith papers. Theres no solid proof, posted by ness, on recovery from mormnmism discussion board, 7 february 2914. A motion picture about the life and legacy of joseph smith, the founding prophet of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints who translated the book of mormon. This book was written by nelson winch green, who reported what estranged member marry ettie v.
While i was thus in the act of calling upon god, i discovered a light. October 1st is the anniversary of a little known event in early church history that i believe, in consequence of significant research progress, now deserves recognition for identifying a region of major book of mormon lands and for initiating book of mormon archaeological historicity research. Urim and thummim places the book of mormon translation on trial, presenting the latest research in one of the most comprehensive treatments of the translation process to date providing encouragement for latterday saints who fear they have been betrayed by the translation history taught by the church for over 190 years did joseph smith study and. As a leading woman of early mormonisma poet, female activist, secret polygamous wife to latterday saint lds church founder joseph smith, and later a. Mar 30, 2015 history and recollections inscribed in this book book 2 on november 19, 1903. Mormon stories do a search for polygamy on that page. Joseph smith, the founder and leader of the latter day saint movement, and his brother, hyrum smith, were killed by a mob in carthage, illinois on june 27, 1844. Dec 01, 1997 todd compton, an active mormon, chronicles the lives of 33 polygamous wives of joseph smith, largely through their own words in thier journals and letters. Pdf version of remembering the wives of joseph smith. The essays seek to explain the events in an easy to understand format for both members of the church and other individuals that may be interested in mormon history. Smith, who noted an 1869 affidavit of beamans brotherinlaw. Well researched, and one of the probable reasons the mormon church has been forced to confront its history and admit that joseph not only married multiple wives, but sent other men away on missions for years at a time and then claimed their wives as his, appointed by god through. An account of lehi and his wife sariah, and his four sons, being called, be. Smith kept books 1 and 2 in his personal possession.
To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, click here notes john dehlin, questions and answers, mormon stories podcast 25 june 2014. Smiths wives and families, modern readers may find the open, celebratory discussion of plural marriage in the relief society magazine the official publication of a church auxiliary organizationalmost thirty years after the manifesto, a bit surprising. Stewart claims that here is a difference between joseph smith s plural wife doctrine and the promiscuity practiced at nauvoo, many people including some members of the mormon church cannot make this distinction. Brother whitney brought the prophet joseph to our house and introduced him to the older ones of the family i was not in at the time. Smiths followers revere him as a latterday prophet who is now. Documents, volume 10, which includes papers from may through august 1842, covers a time during which joseph smith oversaw missionary work, encouraged the construction of the nauvoo temple. Subjects include polyandry, young brides, theology, children, and emma smith.
The essays seek to explain the events in an easy to understand format for both members of the church and other individuals that may be. Behold, david and solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before mefor there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife. It is a record of gods dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the americas. The founder of the mormon church, joseph smith, wed as many as 40 wives, including one as young as 14 years old, the church acknowledged. This series features joseph smiths financial transactions, both personal and related to various organizations and businesses, to be published over the next few years. Feb 16, 2017 three of the essays were dedicated to different aspects of plural marriage, including the 4,800word plural marriage in kirtland and nauvoo published on october 22, 2014, which acknowledged how careful estimates put the number of smiths wives between 30 and 40. Mormon essays publishes links to the recent essays written by the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, or the mormon church. In addition to joseph smith, the lord provided for eleven others to see. The mormon religion is based upon the story and religious teachings of joseph smith. Revelation locating mormon gathering place in missouri. As such, i propose josephs initial study of stephens in the times and seasons in 1842 was the beginning of book of mormon archaeology, and may have even been the first invitation to pursue archaeological investigations of stephens ruins in middle america. Very interesting book documenting the lives and views of the polygamous and polyandrous wives of joseph smith. In 1852, leaders of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints acknowledged that smith had practiced plural marriage and produced a written revelation of smiths that authorizes its practice. Joseph smiths practice of plural marriage religious.
What do latterday saint churches believe and teach about polygamy today 3. The plural wives of joseph smith signature books, 1997 788 pages, cloth, isbn 156085085x. Stewart claims that here is a difference between joseph smiths plural wife doctrine and the promiscuity practiced at nauvoo, many people including some members of the mormon church cannot make this distinction. Latter day saints portal book v t e joseph smith, the founder of the latter day saint movement, secretly taught and practiced polygamy during his ministry, and married multiple women during his lifetime. Joseph smiths plural wives after the martyrdom mormon historic. Smith and some of the leading quorums of his church publicly denied he taught or practiced it. By june 1844, when joseph died, approximately 29 men and 50 women had entered into plural. Joseph smith 18051844, the founder of the latter day saint movement, secretly taught and. Many of the essays address controversial issues from the churchs history.
In addition to joseph smith, the lord provided for eleven others to see the gold. Plural marriage in kirtland and nauvoo church of jesus. Joseph smith was a conartist, impostor, necromancer. Nov 11, 2014 a statue of joseph smith and his first wife, emma, at temple square in salt lake city. Joseph smith made his own translation of the bible and added quite a lot of new and interesting content to the original, including prophecy about joseph smith. Smith was the founding prophet and first president of the church.
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