The history of Mormon marriage practices is a rich tapestry woven with threads of faith, controversy, and adaptation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also called the Mormon Church, started in 1830. In the early days of the church marriage practices included polygamy, with the founder, Joseph Smith’s having wives but the modern emphasis in Mormonism is on eternal relationships, called sealings. The evolution of Mormon matrimony reflects the dynamic nature of religious belief and societal change within the Latter-day Saint movement.
Polygamy
One of the most distinctive features of early Mormon marriage practices was the practice of polygamy. Rooted in the belief in the restoration of ancient biblical practices, including plural marriage, polygamy was embraced by Joseph Smith and his followers in the 19th century. Smith’s own practice of polygamy, which included marrying multiple women, as well as marrying women who already had husbands, sparked both fascination and outrage among contemporaries.
Polygamy was not merely a social custom for early Mormons but a religious principle believed to be divinely sanctioned. As Mormons believe in modern prophets and continued revelation, they believe that God revealed that polygamy was important to the prophet Joseph Smith. The doctrine of celestial marriage, which encompassed polygamy, was seen as essential for exaltation in the afterlife.
The records from the period at the beginning of the Mormon practice of polygamy are often more difficult to find because the general membership of the church did not practice polygamy. The practice was introduced slowly, beginning with the families within the leadership of the church. There was also a period in which Joseph Smith’s descendants, including his son, denied that Joseph Smith ever practiced polygamy. Because of this scarcity of records, historians believe that Joseph Smith married somewhere between 30-40 women, although the exact number is debated.
Many of Joseph Smith’s polygamous relationships were non-sexual and were viewed as eternal relationships, particularly Smith’s marriages to younger women and already married women. Joseph Smith’s wives ages ranged from 14-56. For some, the younger ages of these wives might be viewed as evidence of impropriety. However, defenders argue that such marriages were not uncommon in the 19th century, and most certainly not illegal.
The Mormon practice of polygamy brought significant social and legal challenges to the church and its people, including persecution and the eventual exodus of Mormons from Nauvoo, Illinois to the Utah Territory. However, because of their religious convictions, Mormons continued to practice polygamy into the latter half of the 19th century under the leadership of Brigham Young, who himself had multiple wives. Polygamy became a defining characteristic of Mormon identity, setting Mormons apart from mainstream American society and contributing to tensions with the federal government.
Transition and Disavowal
The latter half of the 19th century witnessed a shift in Mormon marriage practices, especially as the United States government intensified efforts to punish polygamists, enact violence against Mormons, and eradicate polygamy. In 1890, the LDS Church officially announced that polygamous relationships would no longer be sanctioned by the Mormon Church.
The transition away from polygamy was marked by considerable upheaval within the LDS Church. Many members struggled to reconcile their deeply held beliefs in polygamy with the new directive from church leadership. Some splinter groups, known as fundamentalist Mormons, continued to practice polygamy outside the auspices of the mainstream Mormon Church.
The disavowal of polygamy by the LDS Church marked a significant turning point in Mormon marriage practices. While polygamy was no longer openly practiced or endorsed by the church, its legacy continued to influence Mormon identity and perceptions within American society. In fact, many people still associate polygamy with the Mormon faith.
Emphasis on Eternal Sealings
Following the renunciation of polygamy, Mormon marriages continued to place emphasis on eternal sealings. Central to LDS theology is the concept of eternal marriage, where couples are not just married for time only, but are sealed together for time and all eternity in sacred ceremonies performed in temples. Eternal sealings are believed to bind couples not only for the duration of their mortal lives but also for eternity, ensuring continued companionship and progression in the afterlife. These sealings are considered essential for exaltation in the highest degree of heaven, or what Mormon theology calls, the celestial kingdom. Generally, this is the ultimate goal of faithful Mormons.
Contemporary Perspectives and Practices
In modern-day Mormonism, a sealing or marriage officiated in a Mormon temple is regarded as a sacred covenant between a man, a woman, and God. This marriage ceremony is performed by a priesthood holder. Monogamy is the standard practice within the LDS Church, with marriage ceremonies conducted in temples and officiated by priesthood leaders.
The legacy of polygamy remains a sensitive and sometimes difficult topic within Mormonism, it is officially disavowed by the LDS Church, which excommunicates members found practicing it. Only fundamentalist Mormon sects continue to practice polygamy, which are not associated with the Mormon church, at large. However, fundamentalist Mormons’ existence often perpetuates the legacy of polygamy outside the broader Mormon community. This is especially true as these sects make the news with abusive community practices or pop culture television shows.
Contemporary Mormon marriage practices reflect a blend of traditional values and modern sensibilities. While eternal sealings remain central to LDS theology, Mormons also navigate the complexities of marriage in a rapidly changing world.
Conclusion
The evolution of Mormon marriage practices from Joseph Smith wives explained, polygamy, to eternal sealings, represents a continuum of change and continuity within the Latter-day Saint movement. While polygamy once defined Mormon identity and brought significant challenges, the transition to a singular emphasis on eternal sealings reflects a reaffirmation of core principles of faith, family, and eternal progression.
As Mormons continue to navigate the complexities of marriage and family life, they draw upon a rich heritage of religious belief and tradition that has evolved over time. While the practice of polygamy may remain a contentious issue, the emphasis on eternal sealings serves as a testament to the enduring significance of marriage within Mormon theology and community.
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