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Here's the latest in my "for what it's worth" series -- my thoughts about the new LDS essay addressing Joseph Smith's polygamy and polyandry in Kirtland and Nauvoo. The paper ended up being far too long to post normally, so I had to create it as a "google doc." You can access a PDF copy of the paper via the link below.

EDITED TO ADD:

Below is the link to my THIRD revised draft (dated 11/18/14), which tones down much of the emphasis (especially bold font) and adds further discussion about Patty Bartlett Sessions and her "time and all eternity" phrase in her journal entry (on pp. 38-40 of this version):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B22-zr ... t0cHM/view

Rollo,

Excellent analysis!

thanks Rollo. I am working on a response for MormonThink to the essay. I'd like to reference this if you don't mind.

Bill

Mormon Think wrote:thanks Rollo. I am working on a response for MormonThink to the essay. I'd like to reference this if you don't mind.

Be my guest, Bill.

Rollo

Near the end of page 16, in the context of the 1831 revelation on Lamanite concubines, you say:

Be that as it may, should a historical record like this (even if horribly embarrassing) be ignored in an Essay intended to answers questions about controversial LDS history, such as polygamy? I think so.

I think you meant to say either "I don't think so," or "a historical record like this (even in horribly embarrassing) be disclosed in an Essay intended . . ."

Just caught my eye.

lots of work to produce 52 pages...............and you wont even sign your real name to it

Flaming Meaux wrote:Near the end of page 16, in the context of the 1831 revelation on Lamanite concubines, you say:

Be that as it may, should a historical record like this (even if horribly embarrassing) be ignored in an Essay intended to answers questions about controversial LDS history, such as polygamy? I think so.

I think you meant to say either "I don't think so," or "a historical record like this (even in horribly embarrassing) be disclosed in an Essay intended . . ."

Just caught my eye.

You're right. Good catch! I'll make the change. Thanks.

informant wrote:lots of work to produce 52 pages...............and you wont even sign your real name to it

Nah, the only thing I care about is getting out the information.

That's pretty epic, Rollo. I would only say, about the first part of the essay, that the Church has promoted the essays in Deseret News and the Church News, so they are getting the word out. I wouldn't be surprised to see the essays mentioned in an upcoming Ensign as well (although they should print them there too, since that would make them "scripture" to many LDS).

Mormon Think wrote:thanks Rollo. I am working on a response for MormonThink to the essay. I'd like to reference this if you don't mind.

Bill

Peer reviewed!

V/R
Doc