Secondary Questions / Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith's plural marriages, including marriages to younger women and women already married to other men.
What the question is
Joseph Smith taught and practiced plural marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo, beginning in the 1830s. Some of these marriages were sealings to women already married to other men. Records vary in detail, and the Church has acknowledged the practice openly.
Where to read what the Church has published
- Gospel Topics Essay — Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo
- Gospel Topics Essay — Plural Marriage in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
How to weigh it
This is among the most painful secondary questions. It does not, by itself, settle whether the Restoration occurred — but it requires the primary questions to bear it.
A reminder before you scroll on
This is one secondary question. It is real. It is not, by itself, load-bearing. The primary questions are. If you have not yet worked through them — or if it’s been a while — start there.
When you’re ready
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