The topic of Joseph Smith and polygamy often sparks heated debates, raised eyebrows, and, occasionally, a bit of uncomfortable laughter. It feels like one of those awkward family secrets that everyone knows about but is hesitant to bring up at Thanksgiving dinner.
But here’s the thing—it’s a story worth exploring, not just because of its historical intrigue but because it helps us better understand one of the most complex and controversial figures in American religious history.
If you’re here, you’re likely curious, confused, or maybe just looking to win an argument with a friend. Whatever brought you here, you’re in the right place. Let’s untangle the story of Joseph Smith and polygamy with clarity, empathy, and maybe a bit of humor (trust me, we’re going to need it).
Who Was Joseph Smith? A Quick Refresher
Before we plunge into the polygamy bit, it’s helpful to know a little about Joseph Smith. Smith was the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), also known as the Mormon Church. Born in 1805 in Vermont, he claimed to have received divine visions, the most important being an angel named Moroni leading him to golden plates, which he translated (with divine help, of course) into the Book of Mormon.
Smith was a charismatic leader, and the movement he started grew quickly. His theological teachings were groundbreaking, controversial, and, depending on who you ask, either inspired or wildly heretical. By the 1830s and 1840s, Smith had a solid following, and the LDS Church was established.
His life, however, was cut short in 1844 when he was assassinated by a mob. And yet, his influence persists, largely because of the unique and sometimes surprising doctrines he established—including the practice of polygamy.
Why Polygamy? The Context Behind the Marriages
First things first, why in the world did Joseph Smith believe in polygamy? Was it about love? Lust? Power? The answer is… complicated (welcome to religious history).
Here’s a quick Joseph Smith polygamy timeline for quick reference, and below is a detailed breakdown.
Smith began practicing polygamy in the 1830s. According to LDS Church records and accounts, he claimed to have received a revelation from God directing him to practice plural marriage. This was no casual suggestion. The revelation described polygamy as a divine principle, central to God’s eternal plan. Smith taught that practicing plural marriage could bring greater spiritual blessings and was a necessary step for achieving the highest levels of celestial glory in the afterlife. (If that sounds like a high-pressure sales pitch, you’re not alone in thinking that.)
But it wasn’t just theology at play. The 19th century was a time when many religious leaders pushed boundaries, experimenting with different forms of worship, community, and yes, even marriage. Smith believed the practice aligned with biblical precedents like those of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who also had multiple wives. Unfortunately, convincing others of this vision wasn’t exactly smooth sailing.
How Many Wives Did Joseph Smith Actually Have?
Here’s where the plot thickens. Joseph Smith married somewhere between 30 and 40 women. (Yes, you read that right.) The exact number remains a hotly debated topic among historians because documentation from the time wasn’t exactly airtight.
His wives were diverse in age, ranging from teenagers to older women. Some were widows, others were already married to other men in what are called “polyandrous” marriages. (Yes, this gets even messier.)
For some of these women, marrying Smith was a deeply spiritual choice. For others, it was likely an experience filled with confusion, fear, or even coercion. The range of experiences among Smith’s wives is yet another layer to his complex polygamy story.
What Did Smith’s Followers Think About Polygamy?
Unsurprisingly, not everyone was thrilled with the idea of plural marriage. Many of Smith’s early followers were scandalized when they learned about it. Even Emma Smith, Joseph’s first wife, struggled deeply with his polygamous practices. Though she reluctantly accepted it at certain points, she often opposed the practice outright.
The secrecy surrounding polygamy didn’t help matters. For much of his life, Smith kept his plural marriages out of the public eye, and only a select group of trusted followers participated. Critics saw this as evidence of deceit, while supporters viewed it as a necessary precaution to protect Smith and the church from persecution.
How Did Polygamy Shape the Early LDS Church?
After Smith’s death in 1844, the mantle of leadership passed to Brigham Young, who openly embraced plural marriage and made it a hallmark of LDS culture for decades. The practice became one of the defining (and controversial) features of Mormonism in the 19th century, eventually leading to intense scrutiny, legal battles, and even federal intervention.
By the late 1800s, facing significant pressure from the U.S. government, the LDS Church officially abandoned polygamy. It remains a point of division within the broader Mormon movement, with fundamentalist sects continuing the practice today.
What Can We Learn from This?
Joseph Smith’s polygamy raises profound questions about faith, power, and human behavior. Some see him as a prophet who was obedient to divine will, no matter how controversial it was. Others view him as a flawed individual whose practices reflect the complexities and contradictions of his time.
What’s clear is that his story is not a simple one—it’s full of ambition, conflict, secrecy, and faith. Whether you see Smith’s polygamy as a spiritual mandate or a human misstep, it’s a reminder that history is complex, and understanding requires empathy and context.
Closing Thoughts on Polygamy and Perspective
If nothing else, Joseph Smith’s story encourages us to grapple with the messy realities of human history. It’s easy to judge historical figures by modern standards, but it’s far more challenging—and rewarding—to understand them in their own context.
Whether you’re a history buff, a religious scholar, or someone who scrolled here out of sheer morbid curiosity, one thing is certain—Joseph Smith’s polygamy is a story that continues to fascinate, provoke, and educate.
For further reading, check out reputable sources from historians or LDS Church archives. If you’re left with more questions than answers (and who isn’t?), remember that history rarely hands out simple conclusions.
