Why did your church previously practice plural marriage (polygamy)?

Braden Scothern answered…

At many times in the Bible prophets were commanded to practice polygamy. Some of these prophets were Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, and Solomon.

We know that plural marriage is a sin unless God commands us to practice it. In the Book of Mormon the prophet Jacob tells the Lords will on the subject, “for there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife: and concubines he shall have none... for if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things” (Jacob 2:27-30).

So only as the Lord commands His people is it acceptable. While they early saints accepted this it was not an easy commandment to keep. They had many struggles with it and only under the direction of the Lord was it carried out. The Church leaders closely supervised the practice and only those who had been authorized by the Lord were to practice. In addition to that all of the marriages had to be performed by the sealing power of the priesthood which had been restored. It was not a temporary thing when it was practiced.

In 1890, President Woodruff received revelation that plural marriage was no longer acceptable to the Lord. So the practice was stopped instantly. Anyone who practices polygamy now is NOT a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Clayton answered…

Why did Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and Solomon practice plural marriage? Because God told them to. So why did Mormons practice polygamy? Because God commanded us to. There is nothing new about the concept of polygamy. It is only a tool that the Lord sees fit to put in place on his own time.

Any other reasons for it are God's reasons and the fact of the matter is that an all knowing, perfected being, who also happens to be the father of our spirits commanded that it should be done. It really all comes down to your faith in God.

James Bowen answered…

At various times, the Lord has commanded His people to practice plural marriage. For example, He gave this command to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, and Solomon (Doctrine and Covenants 132:1). At other times the Lord has given other instructions. In the Book of Mormon, the Lord told the prophet Jacob “for there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife: and concubines he shall have none... for if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things” (Jacob 2:27-30).

In this dispensation, the Lord commanded some of the early Saints to practice plural marriage. The Prophet Joseph Smith and those closest to him, including Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, were challenged by this command, but they obeyed it. Church leaders regulated the practice. Those entering into it had to be authorized to do so, and the marriages had to be performed through the sealing power of the priesthood. In 1890, President Wilford Woodruff received a revelation that the leaders of the Church should cease teaching the practice of plural marriage (Official Declaration 1).

The Lord’s law of marriage is monogamy unless he commands otherwise to help establish the House of Israel (see Encyclopedia of Mormonism Vol. 3, pp. 1091-1095).

David C answered…

Mormons practiced polygamy because the Lord commanded some of them to do so, for purposes known to the Lord. At the time, there were no national laws prohibiting polygamy. When the Supreme Court ruled that later anti-polygamy laws were constitutional, the Lord directed Pres. Woodruff to issue the Manifesto, and the practice ended in the Church.

Maia Lynay Rodriguez answered…

Many of the prophets of the old testament practiced plural marriage under Gods direction; among them Abraham, Issac, Jacob, David and Solomon. It is an ancient practice. I know that God only allows it's use under his authorization. There have been instances, one in the Book of Mormon to be exact (Jacob 2:27-30) where God has condemned the practice. Given the fact that God has, throughout history, alternately prescribed and condemned the practice I believe that it is a situational doctrine where God, having all of the information, and us not having it all, reserves the right to make a judgment call, taking all things into consideration, and either prescribes it or ends its use, basing his decision on the needs of the moment and all other factors involved. So the answer to this question is that the church practiced polygamy because God prescribed it at that time, and we don't anymore because God revealed that the practice was to be discontinued. When plural marriage was practiced only a handful of men were selected by God to participate. It was, by far, not practiced by all men or women in the church. The ones who participated were obeying a commandment from God, not necessarily seeking out the practice.

Leo Ebbert answered…

The short answer is that, for a time, God commanded it. It was a challenge for those families commanded to practice it, but they accepted the challenge with faith.

There have been many times throughout history that God has asked His people to do difficult things or things that go against the norms of society. For example, God has commanded plural marriage in the Bible. He commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, stopping it at the last minute. He commanded the ancient Israelites to destroy all inhabitants of many of the settlements in the land of Canaan when they returned to the promised land.

The knowledge of these things challenges our faith but we must recognize that God's ways are not our ways and He controls all life.

If plural marriage is something that keeps you from the church or keeps you from investigating further, I invite you to consider this: it really comes down to one thing. Was Joseph Smith a true prophet or not? If he was, then the commandment came from God and He restored His church through Joseph. Answer that question and the rest falls into place. I am happy that I did.

Shannon answered…

Because the Lord commanded it for a period of time. It wasn't easy for those who practiced it. Many, even Brigham Young (the second prophet after the death of Joseph Smith) had difficulty accepting the revelation. It took a great deal of soul searching and personal submission and communion with God for many of those individuals to reconcile themselves to the practice of plural marriage.

Even in ancient times, when the practice was culturally accepted, plural marriage was difficult. Moses, Abraham, and many others who practiced plural marriage because of God's commandment all experienced personal challenges arising from their family situation. But sometimes life is such: God requires difficult things. The difficulties never seem appealing to us, but if we are faithful, we will find that God had reasons for the challenges He gave us.

Jordan answered…

The main reason the Church practiced polygamy is because God commanded it at the time. I have wondered why a lot and as I have thought about it I have determined that God commanded this because of the large number of widows and families with single parents. Due to persecutions, mob violence, and war, many children lost their fathers or mothers. More than anything, this practice was to support these families giving food, shelter, and parental love and teaching. This is not the first time in the history of this world that the Church practiced polygamy and in all cases, the moment it is no longer necessary, God tells us to stop.  This belief is supported by the official statement from the Church "The Lord’s law of marriage is monogamy unless he commands otherwise to help establish the House of Israel"

Steph answered…

Well, I don't claim to be an expert. But one reason I believe our church practiced polygamy is because in the early years of the Church there was much persecution. And this left many women widows, which in turn meant they needed help. By marrying these women faithful members of our church could then help provide for the needs of these women.

Its important to remember too that not all men were asked to practice it. Only select people were asked to marry more than one woman. Also, I truly believe that it was really hard for them to live it. They had a wife they loved deeply, and I imagine living in a polygamous family would be tough.

Kevin answered…

Often, the Lord does not fully explain the reasons for his commands. However, I believe God did explain somewhat through the Book of Mormon prophet, Jacob a reason for plural marriage: "For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people OTHERWISE they shall hearken unto these things." (See Jacob 2:30)

Similar commands seem to have also come from the Old Testament prophet Moses for the people of his time and under special circumstances. see Deut 25:5, and Matt. 22:24. We also know from the Old Testament that many of the ancient patriarchs and prophets practiced plural marriage as well.

Joseph Smith originally instituted the practice with the Latter-day Saints because he was commanded to do so. One might come up with other practical reasons for plural marriage within cultures, depending on the circumstances. However, NONE of these reasons of themselves would justify the Church's practice except that practice were first and foremost a commandment from the Lord.

Tucker LeCheminant answered…

The Lord will, at times, give his people commandments that are for that period of time and not necessarily for his people in another age. Polygamy was one of those commandments. It had it's time and place, and the Lord had his reasons for it. We have always been instructed to practice monogamy except for very choice times when the Lord directed otherwise.

Sarah answered…

Because the Lord commanded it. That is the main reason. The other reasons I can think of include there were more righteous women than men and all of them needed to be take care of, they wanted to be sealed so they could have eternal life with God and needed a righteous spouse in order to do so, so the church could grow and there could be a righteous posterity to carry it forward to the world, and because the Lord restored all things in this dispensation and polygamy was a part of that. It still is a hard doctrine for me to fully grasp because I love my husband so much and would not want to share him. However, as I have been studying it I have come to the conclusion that God is at the helm. He sees all. He knows all. He loves us deeply. And if He commanded it, then it was what was right for the church at that time. I know enough that if I trust Him and follow Him always, only then can I be sure that everything will work out best for me. I know he wants what is best for His children.

Dixon. answered…

I come from a long line of members of this church. My ancestors first heard of this church when in their home countries in Europe. When my ancestors came from Europe to the United States, they too participated in the trek west to what became known as the Salt Lake Valley. I have never thought plural marriage would be a particularly comfortable practice, nor do I have any ambition to make it part of my life. But, from a personal perspective on my family's history, I'd like to share why my ancestors participated in this practice.
First, from reading their journals, my ancestors didn't feel forced into the practice. But I don't want anyone to think they pursued it either. My ancestors were asked to take on additional wives, but only as many as they could support. It wasn't a free-for-all or a competition to see who could outdo who. And, plural marriage didn't work out for every family either.
My 3rd great-grandfather was asked to marry 4 additional wives. Each time, the first wife had to give her consent. I will remind any readers who may think a woman's consent meant little in this time, the Utah territory was the first to grant women the right to vote. Now, each additional marriage was only after the consent of the first wife.
Men during this time were called away frequently to serve missions, open new territories for the church, build cities and roads, defend the country (search for 'Mormon Battalion') and all manner of activities that took them away from their families for long periods of times; sometimes years. Women, then, were left with the children and duties of the home for long periods of time. Plural marriage provided company, assistance, and support to those who stayed behind. Plural marriage also helped to support those women who otherwise didn't have someone to take care of them. Plural marriage wasn't (and probably still isn't) a cure-all for the problems of women who didn't, at the time, have someone to marry. But, it was one way to make sure someone would help them as they crossed the plains, built a new home and established their gardens.
I can tell from the journals of my ancestors that plural marriage wasn't a bowl of cherries. Often, there are references to longing for the husband to return when he was away. But there was the knowledge that he would come back. And, there was the peace that comes from knowing each member was a part of a family. I suspect, that if my ancestors had to live through that time again, they would change little about their practices of that time.
In the end, I'm glad my great-great-great grandfather had more than one wife because my ancestral line comes from one of the succeeding wives. Had he not married again, I wouldn't be here.

Ben answered…

Because God commanded it.

Abraham was commanded to practice plural marraige, and was blessed for it. Yet later David and Solomon did so without the Lord's authorization and it was a sin. In the Book of Mormom, a prophet named Jacob chastises the people for practicing polygamy when it was not commanded of God. He states that God's command on plural marraige is thus; "For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things." (Jacob 2:30) If God does not give the commandment to practice plural mairraige, it should not be practiced.

Now in the early days of the Church, God again commanded us to practice plural marraige for a time. While we do not know why he commanded us, we can guess. For example there were many men killed by mobs and persecutions, leaving widows and children without someone to care for them. Or perhaps the church needed to grow quickly.

The bottem line is that we don't know exactly why God commanded the early members to practice polygamy, but we do know why they obayed; it was because they loved God and wanted to follow his commandments.

Mark. answered…

Short and simple, because the Lord commanded it. Everything we do as a church is in response to the Lord's commandments, regardless of the social ramifications. There were other instances in ancient times when the Lord authorized plural marriage (e.g. with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and others). Monogamy is the rule, and polygamy is the exception that only the Lord makes at times that only He deems appropriate in establishing His kingdom.

Ronald answered…

Polygamy was never practiced by all members of the Church. It is not practiced today. President Wilford Woodruff issued a proclamation banning the practice in the year 1890.

Carl answered…

The same reason the Lord's people practiced it in times of old...because it was a commandment. It was not popular when the church was commanded to do it, but the Lord is not a respector of persons.

Anna answered…

In the old testament, Gen. 4:19, a descendant of Enoch called Lamech took two wives, Adah and Zillah. We would not have been part of the everlasting covenant had Sarah not given Hagar to Abraham to wife and the promise to him to be the Father of many would never had happened, she did this so that to help fulfill Gods promise to Abraham by obedience. Had Jacob not been jaded by his father in law Laban with Rachel and her sister Leah, and had they not given their handmaids to Jacob, we would never have known the 12 tribes of Israel. Just like no child is left behind in schools, when the pioneer Saints were being persecuted and killed for what they believed, no Saint wife and child were left behind to die. God is all about love and obedience. To be in a palygamist relationship when it is called of God is to be obedient as Sarah, Rachel and Leah and their handmaids were and of a love that is more than our mortal brains can comprehend. So to love your neighbor as yourself would advance you to a greater love than you know. It is very hard and I am sure it was for those women who had to endure it in old testament times as well as 150 years ago with the pioneers. Palygamy is practiced regularly in over 150 countries today, however some have laws for it and against it, there were no laws against it when the pioneers had to face it. Just know, it is only for those who are called of God that are able to bear that kind of love. If the Lord requires it of you, will you be obedient?

Ruthie answered…

It was inspired for that time when women didn't have the right to vote or own property. what was a woman to do if she didn't have a husband or supportive family? As I understand it women couldn't even enter into a contract. It has been said that Emma Smith (Joseph Smiths widow) had this problem and that was a big reason why she remarried. It is also interesting that Joseph Smith had no known posterity from anyone than Emma.

Lincoln answered…

There have been numerous time during history when God asks his people to live by certain laws or practices, some out of relevance to circumstances and others out of faith. During the early days of the Church's restoration in the early 1800's the Lord also saw fit to restore the principle of plural marriage as part of a restoration of all things. It was appropriate at that time for God to do so and also a test of faith. Later, God again through inspiration through his then prophet Wilford Woodruff, saw fit that the time for the principle of plural marriage was no longer appropriate.

Personally I have one wife and we enjoy what I would think is a fairly typical marriage with ups and downs but we love each other and most of all we work with God to make our marriage work.

Shon Brodie answered…

Plural marriage was practiced by memebers of the church for 45- 50 years, ending in 1890. I believe Heavenly Father commanded the practice of plural marriage in order to provide families with priesthood leadership and to enable the church to withstand the constant threats for survival.

Nick answered…

If you believe in the Bible yours did too.

Tadlee answered…

The simple answer...God asked them to. Any other questions? :) One thing I have learned from our prophet Joseph Smith is that whatever God asks us to do is right regardless of its popularity. Our Father in Heaven is the one we will be accountable to and no one else. So Joseph Smith made it his rule to follow God and obey him. The practice of plural marriage was revealed to the Prophet Joseph when he asked God why so many people in the Bible practiced plural marriage. He received a revelation that he was told that this practice was to be restored. I don't claim to know all the reasons why, but one reason God himself mentions is to raise up children, just as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were commanded to do.

I assume your next question is "Why did your Church stop practicing plural marriage?" Again, simple answer: God asked us to in 1890, through the Prophet Wilford Woodruff. These are really very easy answers!

And finally, maybe your last question is "How do you know God really did command Joseph Smith to start plural marriage, or Wilford Woodruff to stop it?" The way I know is because I came to know that our church is lead by a living prophet. I have been in the presence of our current prophet, and the Lord confirmed to me through his Spirit that he was true prophet, just as Noah was. I also have read the 'fruits' of the Prophet Joseph Smith, namely the Book of Mormon that he translated. Heavenly Father let me know he really did translate that by gift and inspiration of God. So then I knew Joseph Smith was a prophet, and I knew that his other revelations that he received were true.

Andy answered…

For the same reasons that Abraham, Jacob & others did that we read of in the Bible.

Loren B. answered…

The Lord at times commands his people to practice plural marriage, (which is different from polygamy.) We can see this in the life of Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Moses and others. Other times, God has given other instructions about marriage. In the book of Mormon, God tells a prophet named Jacob that one wife is the rule and plural marriage is the exception. (Jacob 2:27-30)

Early in church history, the lord commanded it, not to the general membership but to worthy individuals. It wasn't a very easy thing for them to do as it ran contrary to common belief at the time but they were obedient. This wasn't some hedonistic macho pleasure cruise but a carefully regulated practice.

The Lord ended the practice the same why he revealed it. By talking to the prophet at the time, he reinstated monogamy.

Cameron! answered…

That is a good question...

Josephine Margaret Mary B. answered…

The very simple answer to this is that it was commanded by God.

Stephen McFarland answered…

Why was it practiced in Biblical times? There may be several reasons why it was practiced early in the history of the church. It was a way to provide support to those in need. It was a way to multiply and replenish the earth. The practice was limited to 2-5% of its members and discontinued in 1890. President Hinckley has said, "I condemn it, yes, as a practice, because I think it is not doctrinal. It is not legal. And this church takes the position that we will abide by the law. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, magistrates in honoring, obeying and sustaining the law."

Riley answered…

When the Lord commands, we must obey.

The Lords commanded the practice of polygamy for a time, but stopped it when it was revealed to a Prophet that is should be stopped. Mormons also wanted to obey all the laws of the land.

Polygamy was not invented by the Mormons.

The practice goes way back in time, and there are worthy priesthood holders in the Holy Bible, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who had practiced polygamy. The Lord commanded it to be back then, and he did, for a time, back in the 1800's.

The Lord knows best. He has a rhyme and a reason for everything, even with this sensative topic of polygamy.

I am happily married to one wife and strive to obey all of the Lords commandments.

Lisa answered…

Sometimes God commands His people to practice polygamy. Except when He has given a special command to certain people, He commands mankind to practice monogamy.
Even though I understand that polygamy is only required of some people, and only during certain periods of time, I often have the same struggle that many people not of my faith have in understanding why the Lord would ever want His children to practice polygamy. Sometime I do not understand why Adam had just one wife, Eve, and Abraham was commanded to have more than one. Personally, I much prefer the practice of monogamy.
However, what is important is for me to not let what I do not yet understand rob me of my testimony of what I do know and understand. The most important thing to understand is that Jesus is the Christ. I trust Him and obey His commandments, even the ones I don't yet understand. We are mortal, and do not have the infinite wisdom of God. I believe that someday, in the afterlife, I will come to understand the things I am not able to figure out during mortal life, despite my best efforts. And until then, my testimony that God directs the propeht in proclaiming His will is enough for me.

Julie answered…

In The Book of Mormon is a tiny verse that helps to explain the Lord's perspective on polygamy. A prophet named Jacob is teaching some people who have justified taking multiple wives and concubines by saying they're following the examples of David and Solomon from the Old Testament. Jacob condemns this activity as "gross crime," "whoredoms," and "abominable." The Lord, he tells them, delights in chastity and requires the people of his church to keep the commandment to have only one wife, and no concubines. However, "For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people otherwise they shall hearken unto these things." Jacob 2:30 In other words, the default standard is for a man to have only one wife. Rarely, under special, specific circumstances, that standard will be suspended temporarily for certain people and a certain time, as dictated by the Lord. Similar to circumstances with Abraham and Israel in the Old Testament, such a suspension was directed in the time of Joseph Smith for specific purposes and specific situations. When the need had passed and more urgent needs supplanted it, the directive was lifted. Seeking a testimony that God calls prophets to speak the will of the Lord to his church is one key to settling the discomfort you may feel with the doctrine of polygamy.

Kelly answered…

When the church first started out, the men of alot of the women were asked to join the army to help fight the warm against mexico. Well alot of the women's spouses died in that battle. Alot of the women had children to feed and children to take care of. And doing that alone was very difficult, so the Prophet took and cared for many of the women and so did many men, not as "wives" but to care and protect them during those very hard times in the wilderness.

Ben answered…

Because the Lord commanded it, just like He did with Abraham and Moses and other Biblical prophets.

Patrick answered…

We practiced it because The Lord commanded us to do so. A lot of doubt and confusion is cleared up on this matter by praying and asking our Father in Heaven if Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God and that Christ restored His church through him. As one comes to know this, it is simple to understand why we practiced it because you will know that Joseph was directed by the Lord to do so.

Alan answered…

Anyone who has read the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, will have the same question. Every once in a while, God sanctions some men having more than one wife. You can't do that in the United States, as it became illegal around the year 1890. The church practiced it because its founder, Joseph Smith, knew the Bible well and asked God why some people like David, Solomon, and others were justified in having more than one wife. It's a logical question that anyone should ask when they read the Bible. Joseph was given a detailed explanation about it and then was commanded to live it for a short time personally. Apparently it's one of those things where "practice makes perfect." As for me, I prefer monogamy. Much easier!

Soozcat answered…

At various times in antiquity, followers of God have been commanded to live the law of plural marriage. Likewise, early Mormons practiced plural marriage because the Lord commanded them to do so, in a revelation to Joseph Smith.

Polygamy was perhaps the most taxing commandment for early Mormons, who came from a culture that practiced strict monogamy. More than any other belief, polygamy was the wedge issue that separated American Latter-day Saints from their neighbors, leading to libel and slander, property damage, violence, murder, even an extermination order against Mormons in one state. As hard as it was for Mormons to experience this mistreatment at the hands of others, the daily hardships associated with living the law were equally painful. Some left the Church over this doctrine.

Some theories have been put forth as to why God would require this particularly difficult sacrifice of His servants -- that it was required as part of the restoration of all things, that it allowed a small, geographically isolated people to attain critical mass in a generation, that it provided for the safety of widows and orphans in a frontier culture, etc. I do not know why God would give this commandment, but I trust that it was for a wise purpose. I also trust that God rescinded the law when it was no longer necessary or desirable for Mormons to live the law of plural marriage. Today any Latter-day Saint who seeks to become a polygamist faces excommunication from the Church.

Danielle answered…

We believe in a living prophet that guides and directs the church just as prophets of old guided and directed their people. Their job is to speak the will of God. Previously, it had been revealed to the prophet by God that polygamy should be practiced among members of the church. After a time, new revelation was received that polygamy should no longer be practiced.

LaRita answered…

Plural marriage was practiced before 1890, then it ended. Most men did not practice plural marriage, some that had the means to support another wife were asked to choose another wife. There were more female members than male members, and many men married another wife, but did not live with them.

My great-grand father had two wives. His first wife choose my Great-grand mother, and asked her to care for the second wives children. She did that, at the time of her illness and her passing (her death.) Without plural marriage I would not be here. I descend from the second wife.

Sherman answered…

If a wife's husband died, she could not keep the property back then because only men could own property. She would be forced to give it up. But if she could marry another, & he loved her, he would have the land in his name & she could keep the farm. Which would help life be as normal as it could possibly be for the children & mom. True there would less of a beloved step dads time, but there probably were not as many good men to go around to have this additional major roll of being a father & husband to another family. Farm accidents, war & sickness easily claimed many men's lives.

Brian answered…

I like the tough questions. Contrary to opinions even in the church, polygamy was not because there were more women than men. If church members were at all honest in the census of the late 19th century, there were more men than women in Utah, which was predominately mormon and where most of the polygamists resided. Polygamy was revealed to Joseph Smith in the course of his communications with the Lord as the church was being restored. We knew from the Bible that polygamy had been practiced by Abraham and Moses and David and Solomon, but it was only instituted in the Church because the Lord commanded Joseph Smith to put it into practice. Joseph Smith was the first polygamist. Brigham Young and others continued the practice, and it eventually was stopped in 1890 by Wilford Woodruff, the President of the church at that time. He explained that it was a commandment of the Lord to stop it. Those who practice it now are not affiliated with the Mormon church, which sometimes the press doesnt get strait.
Polygamy isnt an easy thing to live, we know of the problems Abraham had with jeleousy among his wives. It was lived because the Lord wanted us to live it at that time. Many people believed that it made them less selfish. If the goal of polygamy was just sexual indulgence, there are easier ways to do that than to build an extra home and financially support an extra family. This practice was about obedience to God and a testimony that God spoke to Joseph Smith.

Jorel answered…

At certain times the Lord has commanded his people to practice polygamy. In the Bible we find that Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Moses, and others were commanded to practice polygamy. This commandment was not recieved with enthusiasm even in Joseph Smiths time, but like anything God tells us to do we should do it.
However not just anyone could chose to practice polygamy. They were selected by God through revelation to his prophet. The church banned the practice in 1889 due to a law passeed by congress and anyone who contiuned to practice would be excommunicated. There are people who do practice still today that claim to be mormons however they are not part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Their religion branched off of ours in the early days of the church. Like the Protestants broke off from the Catholics for example.

Kyle answered…

Because our Father in Heaven commanded us to, and to obey God is better than any other sacrifice.

Cary answered…

The short answer is because it was commanded by God through a prophet. There have been specific times and circumstances in Biblical history when God has given specifically authorized men (prophets) the commandment to marry a second wife to an already married man. In all cases, these were times and circumstances in which the number of worthy men was few, and the need for an expanding generation of future leaders was great. The records we have of how this practice was administered, both in the Bible and in the Book of Mormon, tell us that such a program was only ever intended as temporary and very short-lived, that only a very tiny minority of males would be considered worthy and up to the demands of the institution, and that any desires beyond the current marriages were considered sinful. David, for example, was given many wives by Nathan the prophet, but sinned when he looked beyond those and attempted to establish his own relationship with Bathsheba.

Joseph answered…

Put simply, because they believed that God had commanded it. In our day, such a commandment seems out of harmony with our values and principles. However, this has not always been the case. Many great men, women and prophets of the Bible have lived this principle. We believe that they did so with with God's permission. The reasons may at times be unclear to us now. God doesn't always explain why Jacob, or Moses, or Abraham, or David, or other great men of the Bible had more than one wife.

The question of why we practiced it is perhaps difficult to answer. Many have tried. The real question goes back to whether or not Joseph Smith was a prophet of God as he claimed. If he was, then it is really only a question of whether or not we choose to follow the prophet. Would we have done so if it were Abraham or Moses commanding it? Would we have followed ancient prophets? If so, then I also hope we would have the courage to follow modern prophets after prayerful consideration of their teachings and the confirmation through the Holy Ghost of God's will.

In regards to polygamy, there are many, many first hand accounts of the difficulties faced by those asked to live it. They record the crisis of faith they faced, their searching for relief and understanding, and then ultimately their witness and understanding that the Lord expected them to live this principle. Such is not the commandment in our day, but obedience is a principle of the gospel we must all learn.

Daniel C. Barnes answered…

Back in the days, men have been called to war or other callings. He had to leave his family, so other men that did not had to leave recieved a calling to help provide and support for the other mans family to take care and help them out. It was just to help other families that were widows or had nowhere to go.

Alan answered…

The primary answer to this question is that it was direction from God to a living prophet. That's a pattern throughout ancient scripture. God gives counsel and commandments to man. Man obeys them and man is blessed. We believe that God gives us commandments and we are blessed for obeying them. We also believe that when men disobey a commandment, God may revoke the commandment and men will not be blessed.

Adam answered…

The Lord commanded that it be done for a time and a season. I make no speculations as to the exact reason that God commanded it.

Shannon answered…

Even in ancient times, God commanded specific people to marry more than one wife. He did the same during the early days of the Mormon church, and commanded a few specific people to practice plural marriage for a short time.

Emily answered…

Since I lived in other places in the world, and did not just only grow up in America, this was not as weird to me when I learned about it. Some people who only know American culture may really think this is a weird piece of history. But there are many cultures who practice polygamy, including the Jews of the Old Testament.

This church did practice polygamy for a short time when it was new. They did it because they felt the Lord instructed them to do so. I do not know the exact reasons or details because I was not alive then, but they were being obedient at that time. I am sure it served a wise purpose, which we can understand if we study more. However, they did not do it for a long time, and when it had served its purpose, the Lord did instruct again that it was to be done no more. It is no longer practiced in the church, and has not been since 1890. Anyone who practices that is not a part of this church.

I love this example because at the same time, others who were not in the church were confused and scared about this. So I love how the Lord teaches us to be tolerant and respectful of others who are not even in the church, other cultures, all people, so that we can all live together in peace.

Amy answered…

I admit that it sounds outrageous in our era—a man marrying more than one woman with the first wife’s consent and living as husband and wife with children in numerous households. How can that be the Lord’s will? However, if we were to ask Solomon or King David from the Old Testament why they indulged in plural marriage, they would probably answer, “For the sake of posterity of course.” They may even think it preposterous that we would question it.

So, what sparked such a notion in the nineteenth century? Initially, Joseph Smith was praying to know how best to help and support the many widows in the church. These women wanted families, happiness, and prosperity not just charity or quick fixes. To my understanding, when first revealed, neither Joseph Smith nor any of the other leaders embraced the policy. In fact, they rejected it coldly. It took a great deal of faith and selflessness to accept it.

Was it all about lusts of the flesh—evil, selfish men who enjoyed abusing women? Not at all! While reading personal diaries and church history I have witnessed very devout and courageous men and women. It was commitment to service and family, hope for a Zion society, and love of God and His precious daughters that drove them. As difficult as it was, many lives were blessed.

Who are we to judge the thoughts and intents of these hard working pioneers widowed & driven from their homes time and time again? As a descendant of polygamist families, I am grateful for their sacrifices.

Dave answered…

God expects us to be monogamous unless he commands otherwise. In 1843, the Lord commanded some of the early saints to practice plural marriage. The Prophet Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and others were challenged by this command, but they obeyed it. In 1890, President Wilford Woodruff received a revelation that the leaders of the Church should cease teaching the practice of plural marriage (Official Declaration 1) -- The saints of God complied then, and we continue to comply.

In 1870, one Latter-day Saint woman expressed the feelings of many others when she said, "There is no spot on this wide earth where kindness and affection are more bestowed upon woman, and her rights so sacredly defended as in Utah. We are here to express our love for each other, and to exhibit to the world our devotion to God our Heavenly Father; and to show our willingness to comply with the requirements of the Gospel; and the law of Celestial Marriage (plural marriage) is one of its requirements that we are resolved to honor, teach and practice, which may God grant us strength to do." One reporter who was present wrote, "In logic and in rhetoric, the so-called degraded ladies of Mormondom are quite equal to the...women of the East." (Daughters in My Kingdom, Pages 46-49.)

I have learned for myself that people who lived God's laws in 1843 or in 1890 were blessed for it, just as Abraham was, just as people who live God's laws now are blessed for it. I am glad to see these blessings at work in my life.

Geoff answered…

We believe that during the early days of the church certain men were commanded by God to do so. They were righteous men and they actually had a hard time complying with this commandment of the Lord. Similar commandments were given to Abraham in the old testament. It had nothing to do with men's lustful desires for other women. If they were there are much easier ways to do so, but they were not. These righteous men were simply trying to keep a commandment of the Lord.

Jayce answered…

We believe that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Although many things in life and society do change, He does not. He loves His children and will command what he sees fit to best meet their individual dynamic needs. At certain times in the history of the earth, God has commanded some of His children to practice plural marriage in an effort to further His purposes and work. King Solomon and David were good righteous men who were commanded to practice plural marriage. They only sinned in those wives that they took which were not given them(or commanded) by God. Likewise, in the early history of the church in our day, God commanded certain people to practice plural marriage. When God commanded it, the righteous obeyed. When God commanded that it should be stopped, the righteous also obeyed.

Garrett Beecher answered…

God has commanded humans to practice polygamy in many different instances throughout history. Readers of the Bible will remember that Abraham and Jacob Israel were affiliated with this practice. Even the great King David had multiple wives. No human can understand Heavenly Father's reasons for commanding that a man have more than one wife. However, when the representative who speaks for God a prophet says that God wants you to do something, you do it. That is what happened back in the day. God told Joseph Smith that He wanted them to practice plural marriage and so they did.

Tom answered…

Ironically, the only mention of polygamy in the Book of Mormon is when God is condemning people for practicing it when they shouldn't. "Hearken unto the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife" Jacob 2:27. He says that he will command it at certain times, under certain restricted circumstances. "For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people, otherwise they shall hearken unto these things" Jacob 2:30. In other words, under normal circumstances one man is to marry one woman, and the only exception to this is when God commands it for a time for his purposes. The church was commanded to stop practicing plural marriage in the late 1800s.

Bradley answered…

The church practiced polygamy for a time because the Lord commanded it. We believe that when God commands us to do something, that we should do it.

Polygamy is found in the Old Testament, and in different periods throughout history, God has commanded His people to practice it. One such period was early in our church's history.

Currently, the church does not practice polygamy.

Matt answered…

I was asked once during a job interview in the southeastern part of the country, whether I had more than one wife. As shocked as I was at the question, I quickly learned this is a popular misconception about the LDS Church. Popular media and news outlets have documented the polygamous practices of some religious groups not affiliated with the LDS Church but are sometimes wrongly associated with it. Today the LDS Church condemns the practice of polygamy. After nearly two decades of church membership in three different regions of the United States, I have never encountered the practice and can safely say that it is not part of the LDS Church.
It is true that in the 19th century, some early members and leaders of the LDS Church practiced polygamy. Both the Book of Mormon and the Bible set forth a precedent of when God has condoned the practice, and in some cases even commanded it. In these instances God's obedient servants obeyed Him by marrying multiple women according to His laws of marriage.

Steve answered…

Mormon scripture teaches that plural marriage--polygamy--when it is not commanded by God is wrong. It is immoral, inappropriate, and offensive to God. God delights in chastity, loyalty, fidelity, and honesty.

Additionally, if God specifically commands his servants to practice polygamy, for his own reasons, then it is right for them to obey. God delights in obedience.

In Old Testament times, God commanded Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and Solomon, among others, to practice polygamy. These servants of God did nothing wrong when they followed the commandment of God to take other wives. However, when they--David, for instance--took wives that God did not command them to take, they incurred the severe displeasure of God.

Joseph Smith, a modern prophet of God, was commanded by God to marry multiple wives. These wives would be sealed to or "married to" the prophet for eternity. The parents and siblings of these wives would thus also be tied to the prophet for eternity. In this way, a substantial portion of the early Mormons were promised a place with Jesus Christ and with his Prophet in the next life.

Polygamy in the early days of the Church also ensured the swift growth of the Church, enabling the gospel to spread throughout the Western United States and throughout the world. Many of the modern Mormons descend from polygamous ancestors.

However, in 1890, another modern prophet, Wilford Woodruff, was commanded by God to cease the practice. Members of the Church have not practiced plural marriage since that time and remained in good standing. God and His Church do not now permit plural marriage, and entering into one is, once again, immoral and against the will of God.

Ryan answered…

I'm a firm believer that God works in misterious ways to accomplish His ultimate purpose "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). We don't always understand the way He works or why He does what He does, but we can trust that He will always do what will be the best for His children. I've heard it explained that God is the author of a great novel, and knows the times, places, people, and events that must happen, and in what order, to bring the plot to fulfillment. So, why did the church previously practice polygamy? I don't know, but I know it was necessary in His divine plan. He instituted it for a brief time through His duly ordained and authorized prophet, and discontinued it in the same manner, all to accomplish His purposes.

Tyler answered…

While it is commonly accepted that Joseph Smith was aware of the concept of plural marriage being restored as early as 1831, he himself did not practice it until 1836, when Joseph was believed to have married Fanny Alger, his first plural wife. In July 1843, an official revelation sanctioning plural marriage was offered in what would later known in the Doctrine and Covenants as Section 132. The contents of this revelation, though not canonized until 1876, were formally announced in August 1850 by Joseph Smith's defacto successor, Brigham Young. Efforts to phase out polygamy began in 1890, when the Church formally announced its repudiation. Over the next two decades, as the Church worked to mainstream itself, practicing polygamy became grounds for expulsion. Years later, many Latter-day Saints came to view polygamy as a necessary sacrifice in an effort to build the Kingdom of God on the earth.

Rosalyn answered…

I understand my church practiced plural marriage previously for several reasons. Some of them I think I understand and some of them I don't understand, but I trust my Father in Heaven. I believe He would not ask us to do anything that would hurt us. I do not have all the information to accurately assess the decision to practice polygamy in the early days of the church. I believe the adversary obscures and distorts anything given to us from Father in Heaven in order to confuse us and lead us away from His peace and joy. I believe this is the case with polygamy.

Dahlia answered…

It was from God's order out of necessity to take care of many women who were widowed with children and those who were alone. The church abolished it a century ago and whoever enters into it now is surely gets excommunication.

Jinnie Poaletti answered…

At the time it was a commandment given to Joseph Smith. It also was a way to take care of widows who had families to raise.

Bren answered…

The most straightforward, honest, and simple answer I can think of, God commanded it, He had a reason, one that I don't know for sure and might not ever know while in this life, but it was what He saw fit to institute into His church at the time. At this time we view polygamy as a sin, it is not in line with what God commands any longer. Polygamy is something that, if members of the church try to practice it in these days, then they will be excommunicated from the church, it is not something we allow in this church any longer. I'll end with the same last line as given in the official answer from the church

"The Lord's law of marriage is monogamy unless he commands otherwise to help establish the House of Israel." see Encyclopedia of Mormonism vol. 3, p. 1091-1095

Micah answered…

This is something that i used to wonder about a lot as well. At certain times through out history god commanded his prophets to practice plural mariage for example Abarham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses in the Bible were all comanded to have multiple wives. when people think about Mormons and plural marriage they usualy think about Brigham Young, he did have sevrall wives as did a few other early saints and these men were challenged by the comand but they did obey. church leaders regulated the practice, those enturring into plural mariage had to be authorized to do so. Then in 1890 President Wilford Woodruff the 4th president of the church recieved a revelation that the leaders of the Church should ceace teaching the practice of plural marriage. So today plural marriage is band in this Church. You now might know a little bit more about why the early saints sometime practiced polygamy, and you now know that in this church polygamy is prohibited.

Nisjet Lapi answered…

I know it now.

Justin Kay answered…

The short answer is that we were instructed to do it by a prophet of God. If you believe that the apostles in the New Testament were the last humans able to voice the mind and will of God, then monogomy was the last word on the subject. However, I cannot and I will not assume to shut the mouth of God. I have experienced his voice regarding my life and my stewardships of responsibility. So the only question left is how does God give a command like this to His people? When the Lord commands a man to represent Him and speak His word as a prophet, He also provides the listener with the ability to seek confirmation by the the Holy Ghost that the man is truly His prophet. This is true for scripture as well. Never assume to be able to interpret scripture or judge a man's preaching without the help of the Holy Ghost, because your own mind, emotions, ego, education, or lack thereof can cloud your thoughts and your judgement. The Holy Ghost will clear your mind and speak peace to your heart through feelings that you can recognize and know. The Holy Ghost will make you happy, joyful, peaceful, and curious thirsting for more of His influence. I know that the Prophets leading the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints speak the word of God, and gave the correct instructions regarding plural marriage at the proper time. But don't take my word for it.

Juston answered…

Obviously this practice in history can be easily misrepresented, and demonized. I am happily married to one wife who I love and would give my life for. The official church answer describes the practice of plural marriage best, "At various times, the Lord has commanded His people to practice plural marriage. For example, He gave this command to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, and Solomon (Doctrine and Covenants 132:1). At other times the Lord has given other instructions. In the Book of Mormon, the Lord told the prophet Jacob “for there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife: and concubines he shall have none... for if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things” (Jacob 2:27-30).

In this dispensation, the Lord commanded some of the early Saints to practice plural marriage. The Prophet Joseph Smith and those closest to him, including Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, were challenged by this command, but they obeyed it. Church leaders regulated the practice. Those entering into it had to be authorized to do so. In 1890, President Wilford Woodruff received a revelation that the leaders of the Church should cease teaching the practice of plural marriage (Official Declaration 1).

The Lord’s law of marriage is monogamy unless he commands otherwise to help establish the House of Israel (see Encyclopedia of Mormonism Vol. 3, pp. 1091-1095)."

Aaron answered…

A very simple answer to this question is the fact that the reason that this was done was because the Lord commanded us to do so. It is not needed anymore and is no longer required. The Lord in times past has endorsed the practice of polygamy. You can think of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and Solomon. They were given the practice of Plural Marriage from God and they did it, so this practice is not something that is new to us. The Lord's law has been the practice of Monogamy (singular marriage) unless he commands otherwise. We know that God is the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever. The Lord has revealed that Pologamy will no longer be required of us in this day as it is no longer needed to help establish the House of Israel.

Derek answered…

When the members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints practiced polygamy, God had a reason for it. God has during various times in history directed or allowed His children to take multiple wives. Most of the time there were many problems associated with the practice.

When it was practiced during the history of the church of Jesus Christ in the latter days, it was during a very difficult time in church history. I do not know the mind of God in this matter, but I believe God directed the practice of polygamy to relieve suffering of the women and children who had no men to care for them. The men who practiced it were commanded to do so, they did not request it, and many of these men initially balked at the command but submitted to the will of the Lord.

Zack answered…

Probably the same reason that people like daniel and those guys did it, probably because god is the same yesterday today and forever. Probably

Jen! answered…

We don't know. But that's OK--it was a long time ago, and we don't now.

Miranda answered…

Our church is the restored church of Jesus Christ. It has all of the covenants and promises that God gave to all of the prophets throughout the entire history of the world. One of those restored teachings was polygamy. The time for it's restoration has come and been fulfilled. In our church marriage is defined as one man and one woman being married for the rest of eternity.

Domingo answered…

It was revealed through Joseph Smith to enable spirit to be born and raised in righteous family. Plural marriage has been a practice in the olden times as evidenced in the Bible. There are qualification that has been set for a man to enter into plural marriage and this is anchored to his worthiness and capacity to provide.

Jean. 이지은 입니다. answered…

In my opinion, the main reason is that this is a restored gospel, which means everything about the original church was restored - priesthood, bapstism, prophets & apostles, consecration, and even polygamy. Out of all the things that was restored, polygamy and the law of consecration is a few that we don't practice today.

제 개인적인 생각으로는 우리 교회에서 일부다처를 실행한 주요인은 이 교회는 회복된 복음이기 때문입니다. 복음이 회복이 되었을때, 신권, 침례, 예언자와 사도, 헌납, 일부다처, 등 - 주님께서 세우신 교회의 모든 것들이 회복이 되었습니다. 회복된 모든 복음의 원리 중, 오늘날 헌납의 법과 일부다처제는 시행되고 있지않습니다.

John David answered…

Because the Lord commanded it. The Lord has approved plural marriage in certain times, both ancient and modern, for His own purpose. As stated by the Prophet Jacob in the Book of Mormon, its purpose was to raise a righteous seed unto the Lord. Honestly, this is one area I don't understand 100%, but if I did, then I wouldn't have the need for faith! :)

Joe  answered…

The reason why plural marriage was practice among the early saints of the church was because God instructed us to. We no longer practice plural marriege. One can look back and say this and that about how plural marriage benefited those people, or how wrong it was, but regardless how unpopular a commandment may seem we must follow it to receive the blessings He has for us. We must remember that the word of God is law. We can't pick and choose which commandments we want to follow. I don't think the early members of the church knew that polygamy would be a good way to populate the settlements in the Rocky Mountains, or that many men would die on the trek west. We don't always understand the commandments of God until after the trial of obedience is made.

Leon answered…

As one gets into the truth behind the Pioneers, and not the dramatized and down-played need to move west...it is clear that many men fathers, grandfathers, eldest sons and daughters perished due to the trials and times of the early days of the Church. As Heavenly Father has always promised, and shows how evidently He sends assistance through others, He asked of few men a practice in a crucial and warm way. The kind arms of able men that had fought through trials and could physically add other families with his own, were asked to allow for the union of those who had lost such caregivers. Simple as that. No funny business, and no lustful ways were sought in a day where survival was measured by getting land and physically farming on it. God provides for His sons and daughters through all ways and trials.

David answered…

When we first started to practice polygamy it came at a time where our male members were being killed because of their faith and with the members were dying as we were forced to move from community to community. A lot of this came when we moved West in the male members were being killed or dying from the cold and sickness. They were leaving behind wives and kids with no one to take care of them. The other male members would step up and and take care of of the widows and their kids. When our government stepped up and made it against the law of the land are religion stopped practicing polygamy. It is where our religion split up. For our Lord God and Jesus Christ says that we always practice the law of the land. That by breaking the law of the land we are also breaking the law of our God.

Edward answered…

Many people today say that God does not and has not alowed Polygany. That is infact not true! Jacob Married Sarah and Rachel and had Children with them, plus he took there house maid and had children with them. We get the 12 tribes of Isreal from that. Also when Womans husband Died she was to go to his brother and marry him and have children with him even if he was married. If he did not take her he was scornd. Until the Lord removed it in 1890 it was a practice, anyone found doing it now will be removed from the Church. The Churches doing it now are not the true Mormon Church!

Matthew answered…

The New and Everlasting Covenant of Mariage was and is the law of plural mariage. However, it is not just plural mariage. It is a law of Heaven, and one that was given to ancient prophets, such as Abraham and Jacob, to live. The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in modern times constituted a restoration of all things that were previously lost. The Law of Everlasting Marriage was one of these things. The New and Everlasting Covanent of Mariage constituted a restoration of previously lost practices. Polygamy is no longer taught in the Church, nor are its members required to live that portion of the Covenant.  

Peter answered…

There are many possible reasons, and many people will try to explain away what happened, but what we really know is actually quite simple. God commanded his prophets to establish the practice of polygamy in a select number of families for a rather short span of time. This was difficult to accept for many involved, including Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, but they obeyed nonetheless. Eventually the Lord commanded, once more through a prophet, that the practice be stopped. This also could have been due to a variety of reasons, some of which are given in an official church statement from the prophet at the time, but it is enough for me to know that God stopped it, just as he had started it.

The only real question one need ask is whether there is a prophet called of God on the earth today. If there is, and was, then polygamy was indeed a commandment, and it is no longer required, just as God has required different things of His children in the past. The only way to know this for yourself is to study and pray.

To be completely clear, no member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is permitted to practice polygamy today.

Matthew Bruce answered…

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is literally Jesus's church. Just like in times past, the Lord communicates today through a prophet. In ancient times there were prophets at different times who communicated God's will to His children here on earth. Some of those men were Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, etc. Christ Himself eventually came to earth and performed His eternally important sacrifice, but also organized His church. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Today He still communicates to us His children, and He does it the same way He has throughout all history-through prophets. God called Joseph Smith to be a prophet in the early 1800's, to organize His church again today, and to let us know what God wants us to do. There is still a prophet today. The reason Mormons practiced polygamy is because God told the members of His church in the early days (until 1890), through His prophet, that it was then permissible to practice polygamy for reasons probably only known to God. In the Book of Mormon it teaches, "...for by the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets" (1 Nephi 22:2). As Latter-day saints, we believe in being obedient to the words of the prophet because we know that they are called of God. We may not understand why God asks us to do certain things, but we can always know that if we follow His prophets (both ancient and modern) we will avoid drowning in the floods of life.

Will answered…

Well, to be quite honest, that's a question that I don't completely know the answer to. But there are a few things that I have learned about it. First, it wasn't the first time that plural marriage had been practiced. The Bible records that Abraham (Genesis 16:1-11), Jacob (Genesis 29:28, Genesis 30:4, Genesis 30:9), David (2 Samuel 2:2, 2 Samuel 5:13), and Solomon (1 Kings 11:1-4) all married more than one wife without any indication of divine disapproval. In fact, 2 Samuel 12:7-8 states that the Lord gave David his wives. Second, the Book of Mormon teaches the Lord's law of marriage quite clearly - that unless the Lord commands his people to practice polygamy, they are only to have one wife (Jacob 2:27-30). Third, Joseph Smith was a prophet of God who received instructions from Jesus Christ to reinstate the practice for a time. The Church discontinued it when the Lord told the prophet it was time for it to end. The Lord doesn't expect us to completely understand his commandments 100 percent of the time, but he does expect us to strive to be obedient 100 percent of the time. Why did the Lord command Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-2) when the Lord already knew he was willing to do it (Psalm 44:21)? Abraham was obedient when he didn't understand the reasons behind a commandment, and he was blessed for it. The same principle applies to those who practiced polygamy in the early days of the Church.

Leah H answered…

My best answer for this is that this is the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times, which means that this is the time that all that God once taught will be restored to the Earth. The fact that everything that was commanded will be again commanded means that the order He gave to those like Abraham, Jacob, and Solomon to practice polygamy would be taught again. Another reason could be that at the beginning of the church in the 1830's, even before the commandment to practice polygamy, members received much persecution. Many men and women lost their lives to that persecution. The Lord, knowing the need of the widows in his church, asked the righteous men to provide for them monetarily. However, in those times if a man supported a woman who was not his relation it was tantamount to adultery. So, the Lord changed the rules.

Mark answered…

I suppose the shortest answer is that the church was commanded by God to do so. Regarding the church ceasing the practice of polygamy, that was also by revelation from God. As for me, I've got all the wives I could possibly want (one), namely the woman I married 34 years ago.

Whitney answered…

Sometimes we do not understand the reasons behind God's commandments, but we are still expected to follow them. Much like ancient prophets in the Bible (Abraham, Jacob and others), in the early days of the Church the prophet Joseph Smith and a small number of other righteous men were commanded to take more than one wife. This was a great trial of their faith for these men and their families, but they knew that whatever God commands is right. The practice of plural marriage was ended in 1890 through another revelation from God and since then those who continue to practice plural marriage are not affiliated at all with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ed W answered…

We believe that normally a man should have only one wife. In rare circumstances that I don't fully understand, God may temporarily command the practice of plural marriage. The Bible prophets Abraham and his grandson Jacob each had more than one wife, but for the most part in the scriptural record, marriage was one man, one woman.
For a time during the 19th Century, we believe that God, by revelation through a modern-day prophet, commanded some of our membership to practice polygamy. However, it was temporary. Thus after a few decades, the practice was terminated, again by revelation through a modern-day prophet. Now we are back to the usual case--no polygamy.
One day, I hope to better understand all of God's purposes. As I grow older, study the gospel, and gain more life experience, there are many things I do understand better. But I'm also content to realize that there are some things I may not fully understand until after this life. This doctrine is one that I expect might have to wait until then.

Adam. answered…

Polygamy is only practiced when the Lord commands it. We do know that the Lord has commanded his Church in the past to practice plural marriage. The reason He would do that is the same reason Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and other prophets in the Bible were given multiple wives, to raise children in righteousness. When the Lord no longer sees the need for men to have more than one wife, he will end it. At this time, the church does not practice nor endorse it. Those who claim that they are mormon and are practicing it and/or endorsing it either are not part of our church, or who are and will soon be excommunicated as soon as they are caught.

Jeff answered…

This is probably the most asked question that people have about the Mormon Church. It is also one of the hardest questions to answer by members of the Mormon Church. I would like to answer this question by stating first that God’s plans and purposes are His and not ours. He is infinite in His wisdom where we are finite in our understanding. He requires of us to have faith where we, at times, require proof before we accept or believe.

We read the stories in the Bible of great men doing incredible and unthinkable things. For instance, Abraham got word from the Lord that he was to take his son, Isaac, and offer him as sacrifice. The world of Christianity, generally speaking, accepts and believes this story because it’s in the Bible. Frankly speaking, this story is easy to accept because it occurred so long ago and we would say that God would not ask us to do anything like that today. I mean, that was in the Bible times; we are much more sophisticated today. But what if He did? Would we have the faith of Abraham to go and do or would we require some sort of proof first before we act?

We also read in the Bible of fantastic and curious events like when the Lord opened the mouth of a donkey that then spoke to the Lord’s servant, Balaam. We readily accept this event because it’s in the Bible; however, would we readily accept an event like that if it occurred today? We would probably respond with something to the effect that God would not do today what He did in the Bible times because we live in a modern era and we are not using donkeys as our mode of transportation. But what if He did? Would we have faith to accept it or would we require the video proof before we would believe?

So, back to answering the plural marriage question: why did the church practice plural marriage? Simply, God asked (commanded) Joseph Smith and a number of others to practice this principle just as He asked (commanded) Abraham to get to the mountain and sacrifice Isaac. As a member of the Mormon Church I have to have faith in God, not Joseph Smith, that this was a principle He wanted Joseph Smith and others to practice. Not all Mormon men were asked to practice plural marriage, in fact, the majority did not. I would be lying if I said that this was an easy principle to accept or explain. My faith is in God’s wisdom not mine. My faith is in God’s plan not my plan. My faith is in God’s purposes not my own. For that I am glad because I wouldn’t be where I am today if I would have relied on my own wisdom, plan and purpose.

Dan answered…

The short answer is "because God commanded it".

The extended answer would have to deal with details about why God would make such a commandment.

Some of the thoughts worth mentioning is that God has approved of such a practice at various times in history. The Bible shares several stories of great patriarchs revered and loved by all of Christianity and Muslims who had more than one wife. One cannot condemn the practice of plural marriage without also questioning prophets such as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob or King David and King Solomon.

Another important thought is that polygamy is more frequently approved in the scriptures at times when God is wanting to raise up a righteous people. That was certainly the case with Abraham who at large is considered the beginning of the people of Israel and Gods chosen people. At the time when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was commanded by God to accept plural marriage it was certainly also a time for God to raise up another righteous people and foundation for his church to be established for the benefit of the World.
When the practice of polygamy was discontinued it was after much persecution and disapproval from national authorities that lead to the revelation that stopped it. In that situation plural marriage was not benefiting the growth and establishment of the church.

Byron answered…

The church in its earlier years practiced polygamy because God commanded them to just like he did to some in the bible such as Abraham, Jacob and a few others. When Joseph Smith received the revelation from God that plural marriage was needed he was not the first one jumping up shouting for joy. Joseph, along with other leaders of the church did not want to do it because they were faithful to their wives, but to be obedient to the commandments of God they did obey. Why did God command this to happen? Honestly I'm not 100 percent sure, the best answer I can give is that in the beginning of the church many men were dying, whether it was by mobs, or because of the journeys made battling with weather and lack of food. With all the deaths, there were many widows that needed care. Also with the many dead, the Lord needed more people to continue to build his kingdom that had just been restored. I might be stepping out on a limb on this one, but when Christ's church was restored, it wasn't just a restoration of the priesthood, it was a restoration of all things. Since polygamy had been practiced in the past, it was restored for a time. Plural marriage is no longer practiced in the church because God commanded it to be stopped and its purposes were fulfilled. Anyone within the church practicing these actions is excommunicated which is the most serious penalty the Church can impose.

Lana answered…

When the LDS church was restored by the prophet Joseph Smith, everything from the Church prior to the Apostasy, including polygamy, was restored for a time. Polygamy only lasted a short time in history, but when it was banned, Satan bound some Saints to continue to practice it, which is where some of the confusion of polygamy and the Church lies today. In the Book of Mormon, the Lord told the prophet Jacob, "for there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife: and concubines he shall have none...for if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things" (Jacob 2:27-30).

Teresa answered…

Why did Abraham, Issac, and Jacob practice plural marriage and have more than one wife? Because it was the will of the Lord. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been established on the earth since Adam, and throughout many dispensations of time, plural marriage was practiced according to the will and commandment of the Lord. When the church was restored in modern times, there needed to be a restoration of all things, including plural marriage. This was not done to serve men's carnal lusts but was done to help many women who needed the support of a husband for themselves and their children, since many were left widows. This doctrine was very, very, very difficult for the brethern, including Joseph Smith, to accept. It was one of the great trials that the early church members had to go through. It was not a universal practice. Only persons called by God through the prophet Joseph Smith, and later prophets, were commanded to keep this law. The doctrine of Eternal Marriage was also revealed at this time, and that has been forgotten in the controversy of plural marriage, but I can't think of a more wonderful blessing to have; that the sealing power has been restored to the earth, and that a man and a woman can be sealed together for time and all eternity, that death cannot break these sacred bonds of marriage, and that we will be together as man and wife in the next life and eternities to come.

John answered…

It was a commandment from God for a very short time. Now it is against church policy to do so.

Ian. answered…

When the church first started there were not very many members. The church wanted all it's members to be married so they could have children and replenish the earth. Men were allowed to have multiple wives so every woman would have a husband. The church has grown so much now that it is no longer so difficult for Mormons to meet and marry other Mormons. Also United States laws nor forbid the practise of polygamy. President Wilford Woodruff claimed to have a revelation from God that the practise of polygamy should cease.

Jared answered…

I am descended from one of the Elders in the church who practiced polygamy in the early days of the church. It was a commandment of God at the time and was a limited practice. I would like to reference a scripture from the Book of Mormon:

http://scriptures.lds.org/en/jacob/2/5,10,16,21,24,28,31#5

Although these scripture clearly condemn the practice of polygamy, the Lord also notes an exception in verse 30...

"For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things."

This is the key to understanding what happened in those days. There were and are many blessing associated with that commandment. Here is just one example:

"My health was not very good, but I was blessed of the Lord by my obedience in receiving the law of polygamy. For as my husband's other wives were all young girls, and three of them were then with me, they assisted in the work, and helped me with my children; a blessing which I acknowledge was from the Lord. One of them--Mary A. Phelps Rich took all care of my children at night, except the baby; and when the weather was bad I stayed in the wagon with my babe and my meals were handed into me, as all the cooking had to be done by a fire built up in open air, rain, snow, or shine. Meals had to be prepared in this way; and all this time those dear girls waited on me, did the work without a murmur or complaint."

-Sarah DeArmon Pea Rich

Eccl. 3: 1
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"

It was only for a time, and when it was commanded to end the practice, most obeyed willingly. Those who didn't found their way out of the Lord's Church.

Chugg answered…

 The Practice of Polygamy is something that I have been asked a lot about, the best way to answer the question is if we read in the Book of Mormon, in Jacob chapter 2 it tells us how we are to have only one wife and the practice of plural marriage is said to be an abomination. And then it says in verse 30 "For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people, otherwise they shall hearken unto these things." The Lord states here that if He needs to raise up seed unto himself he will command it to be done. Well one might ask themselves, why would the Lord give a command contrary to something he has previously stated? Who are we to say what the Lord can and can't do. One of the great ten commandments states "Thou shalt not kill", but if we read throughout the Old Testament we read that Moses and many others were commanded by God to kill thousands of people! Why would God ask Moses to do something that at first He said not to? Because it was for righteous purposes. In the same sense God commanded that Polygamy be practiced in the early stages of the church for righteous purposes. Why then is it so easy for us to accept Moses as a prophet that commanded thousands of people to be killed, and yet we can't accept the God commanded Joseph Smith to have polygamy practiced again for a short time? We need to open our minds to the fact that God can and will command things to be done if it is needful.

Marcella Ruiz answered…

This is because at the time of Joseph Smith a lot of the men were dying, some husbands were murdered for their faith and this left many families without priesthood authority in these families. It was during this time that the lord instructed his flock to practice plural marriage. In 1890, President Wilford Woodruff received a revelation that the leaders of the Church should cease teaching the practice of plural marriage.

Jessica answered…

We believe that it was commanded of God during that time. God has instituted plural marriage throughout many times in the ancient scriptures as with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Though we no longer practice plural marriage, I am so grateful for it in the early days of the Church. I have ancestors who practiced plural marriage and I cannot imagine the challenges and difficulties they went through, but without those challenges I would not be here.