Polygamy

See this page in the original 1992 publication.

[The main article on this subject is Plural Marriage. Under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith, some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began to practice plural marriage, also referred to as "celestial marriage." This was viewed as a divine commandment to "raise up seed unto" God (Jacob 2:30). The revelation of God concerning eternal marriage is D&C 132.See Doctrine and Covenants: Sections 131-132. The latter also contains strong warnings against marital infidelity. See Adultery; Chastity, Law of; Marriage: Eternal Marriage; and Sexuality.

On the federal and public opposition to Mormon polygamy, see Antipolygamy Legislation; Legal and Judicial History of the Church; Mormons, Image of; and Reynolds V United States. On attitudes of Mormon women toward polygamy, see Retrenchment Associationand Woman's Exponent.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially discontinued the practice of plural marriage in 1890. See Manifesto of 1890.

Some schismatic groups have not accepted the revelation of God to Wilford Woodruff, fourth President of the Church, ending Church-sanctioned plural marriage and therefore continue the practice today. See "Fundamentalists".

See generally History of the Church: c 1844-1877, Exodus and Early Utah Periodsand History of the Church: c 1878-1898, Late Pioneer Utah Period; Smith, Emma Hale; Smith, Joseph: Teachings of Joseph Smith; Snow, Eliza R.; Woodruff, Wilford; and Young, Brigham: Brigham Young.]

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