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May 5, 2008
A response from: Elder Marlin K. Jensen, Church Historian, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Timothy Egan claims that the way polygamy is practiced today by members of the FLDS sect in Eldorado, Texas is the same as it was practiced by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) in the 19th century. In fact, a closer look at history contradicts his simple reductive characterizations of “Mormon polygamy.”
Nineteenth-century Mormon women were not timid, subservient, and backward, as the image of FLDS women portrayed in recent days in the media has shown. Rather, women in both plural and monogamous marriages were politically active and participated in territorial elections, taught school and were active in publishing and literary activities. In addition, Mormon marriage then was not controlled by the arbitrary authority of one individual, and the consent of individual women was always honored in any marriage proposal. Both men and women were free to refuse offers of marriage they found unacceptable.
Marriage in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sacred and ordained of God. The family is the basic social unit in this life and in the next. The social, emotional, and spiritual health of all family members was then and is today the primary concern of every Latter-day Saint mother and father. Mr. Egan’s cavalier comparison of FLDS polygamous practices with those of 19th century Latter-day Saints is historically unsupported and simply wrong. By implication, he also unfairly impugns the integrity of all Latter-day Saint marriages and families, the very institutions they hold most dear.
We have posted further commentary on the topic at LDS.org
In addition, Mormon marriage then was not controlled by the arbitrary authority of one individual, and the consent of individual women was always honored in any marriage proposal. Both men and women were free to refuse offers of marriage they found unacceptable.
asbestosman wrote:In addition, Mormon marriage then was not controlled by the arbitrary authority of one individual, and the consent of individual women was always honored in any marriage proposal. Both men and women were free to refuse offers of marriage they found unacceptable.
So he claims. I've heard claims to the contrary at least when it comes to Joseph Smith and Emma. Who is right? I dunno.
Nineteenth-century Mormon women were not timid, subservient, and backward, as the image of FLDS women portrayed in recent days in the media has shown.