Mormons and polygamy?

Question

Since Mormons believe in continuing revelation, what happened to polygamists when the church banned polygamy in the 1890’s? Also, what does the church have to say about the souls of former polygamists? Were they grandfathered into Heaven under the old laws or were they knocked down a level, from “celestial” to “terrestrial?”

Answer 1

This is my opinion. Emphasis on the word "opinion." I believe that polygamy was a temporary principle, and in the Milennium, following the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the law of compensation will go into effect. That is to say, everyone who lived on earth who died before they were able to get married, or those who have not been able to have an eternal marriage due to war, or health problems, or any other issues, will have the chance to meet the person they would have met if all obstacles - such as the Civil War and other wars, for example - had never existed. I know some Christians will rush to quote a scripture that says people aren't given in marriage in heaven but are as the angels. Well, remember that the Resurrection of most people has yet to occur, and then we will have our bodies again, but in perfect form. We will be living on the earth still, but in its paradisiacal form, under the reign of Jesus Christ. Families will be able to keep having children (after all, it's not fair to tell some people that they can never have children, when they may have been waiting all their lives). So in the case of the polygamists of the 19th Century, those who did their best to live the TEMPORARY principle in an honorable way will be sealed to one wife - their eternal companion, and those wives who were not going to be their single eternal companion will have the chance to be with whoever would have been their eternal companion. Think of all the millions of young men (generally speaking, since most soldiers have been male) who have died without being married. I have studied this for several years, and I have come to my own opinion that there is somebody for everyone, and the Lord's standard is still one man and one woman, except when such conditions existed that He needed to raise up a righteous generation quickly due to small numbers. My opinion is based on personal research of studying how at least 1 or 2 plural wives in the 19th century asked for a divorce and obtained it and then married soldiers who had passed through Utah who were not part of the original groups of Mormon pioneers. Continuing revelation means that God can start and stop practices and programs as needed. By 1890, when the Manifesto ending polygamy was issued, the Civil War had been over for a sufficient amount of time that there was no need to continue polygamy. As for polygamists today, it is my opinion that they do not have divine sanction in what they are doing, in spite of other wars around the world. Anyone who is found practicing or preaching polygamy is subject to discipline and ex-communication. That is why those who are practicing polygamy in southern Utah and Arizona and elsewhere are referred to as break-away groups, because they have not followed the concept of continuing revelation, as when the prophet Wilford Woodruff was told specifically that the time for polygamy had ended, and they are absolutely NOT members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Again, this is an opinion, with emphasis on "opinion."

Answer 2

When polgamy was banned it was through revelation. The prophet prayed and asked if the church should continue polgamy or follow the laws of the land. Since Mormons believe they should follow th laws of the country they live in. It was revealed to the prophot that at this time is would be better to stop polygamy and follow the laws of the land.
Former polygamist can enter Heaven just as easy as anyone else.

Answer 3

Good for you for actually knowing that the church banned polygamy. Some members actually went apostate at that time, ran away, and continued living in polygamy (which is where a lot of those people claiming to be mormon - who aren't come from today).

If I remember my church history right, those who remained faithful to the church, split up civily (legal divorce, lived apart), but still remained married on a spiritual level. Will they still be married in after life? Don't know, I think that's a choice they can make as individauls.

best wishes.

Answer 4

I don't think former polygamists would be knocked down a level for obeying what they were commanded to do at the time.

Answer 5

Mormons "banned" the practice of pluar marriage in this life so that Utah could be admitted to the Union. They still see it as a tenant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If a man loses his wife to death and remarries he can take the second woman and be sealed to her. They believe that he will have both in the Resurrection. They believe that God the Father is a polygamist and that only those worthy of being so can reach the level of Godhood in the hereafter.. Mormons are is serious error with marriage and it's place in the Resurrection and their goal to become a God.... Jim

Looks like our Mormon friends really don't like me much.. But Christ loves them enough to die for them, I love them enough to tell them the truth before it's too late... Jim

Answer 6

although it was banned the church continued this pratice years after. for those who died, if a living sould is "baptized" for the dead then it supposedly cleans their spirt so they can get to a "higher level" of heaven. in saying this, please know that heaven is not a 7 story home. it is all one level, nobady is better than the next and we are not "rated" in heaven. we will all be equal.

Answer 7

good question... You might also ask how polygamy, which was an eternal and everlasting thing, got voted out...did someone forget to talk to God about it...

Answer 8

As long as they were fulfilling the commandments of God and given authority by God they have not broken any law.