Brigham Young said, “The only men who become Gods, even the Sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy”. (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 11, page 269) Why did the Mormons yield to the pressure of the government and stop practicing polygamy?
Don't you want to become Gods?
2007-06-07 18:26:17 · 14 answers · asked by the shiz 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
As I'm sure you know, the Journal of Discourses makes the current LDS/Mormon church look bad, so they try to ignore it. Good Job!
To the person who answered about why the fixation, why do you care? You don't know anything about the poster, what the church has put them through. You are a great example of your religion.
2007-06-07 18:35:56 · answer #1 · answered by Liesel 5 · 3⤊ 5⤋
so when God commanded polygamy in the bible ie: abraham and other prophets that he clearly states "were in favor of the Lord" that was wrong? God made a mistake? He doesn't know what he is doing? I don't pretend to know why polygamy was ever commandment, i know i would have a really hard time accepting my husband take another wife, but there are a lot of things that none of us know or understand. But i am fully confident that when we get to the other side, that our questions will be answered. I would also like to point out that it is only such a huge issue because of a social acceptance. There other religions in other countries that continue to practice polygamy, and it is not an issue because it is socially acceptable. The fact is it is not socially accpeted here, and it would have caused to many problems for the Lords work to have progressed and go forward and change and touch the millions of the people that the gospel had been taught to. The Lord said polygamy was no longer needed at this time. And probably a lot to do with the fact that it was causing a danger to the saints because of all the animosity and angry mobs that continually saught the saints out. And as with everything, the Lord is on His own agenda and He is all knowing. I just trust and have faith that He's got the bigger picture in mind.
2007-06-07 20:33:52 · answer #2 · answered by pono7 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think Mormons wanted to stay Mormons. If they had resisted further, the Federal Government would have probably sent troops in to enforce the law. The territory also would not have been awarded statehood until this practice was stopped.
This is a rather dramatic example of yielding to social pressure. Another, more modern example would be the change in church policy regarding blacks holding the priesthood. If the Mormon Church had not changed that policy, it would have caused some serious setbacks in missionary work as well as causing problems with their public image.
I grew up in a Mormon family and have seen a dramatic change in the way church policy and doctrine are portrayed. It is no longer possible in this day and age to continue with behaviors that are objectionable to mainstream society and maintain an image as a respectable institution.
2007-06-07 18:49:04 · answer #3 · answered by Rikki 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You forgot this article of faith was written way before the polygamy situation.
12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
(Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:12)
United States did not have a law against polygamy when Mormons take up the practice. When congress impose law against polygamy, LDS as good citizens complied to the law of the land, eventhough they have to separate them selves from their wives and children.
By obeying the law of the land, LDS also obey the law of God to be a good citizen.
As a side note: I think United States is the only country that you will be accepted if you have many mistress', but when you have more than one wife, you get to go to jail.
2007-06-07 20:53:21 · answer #4 · answered by Wahnote 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
There is a difference between accepting that the principle was from God and actually practicing polygamy. There have been times in history where God commanded the practice (e.g., Abraham, Joseph Smith) and times when it was prohibited (e.g., Book of Mormon, see Manifesto). It seems wise to obey God in either case.
2007-06-07 18:56:47 · answer #5 · answered by Bryan Kingsford 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
How many Gods do Mormons have? If the only men who become Gods, even sons of God, are those who enter polygamy, it must be almost as many as their wives. My opinion is way too many.
2007-06-07 18:44:31 · answer #6 · answered by robert k 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Easy does it, Man.
One thing at a time please.
JSmith also said, "Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little..."
Gee, some of us have a hard time trying to make it with one spouse; don't worry; these are only a few years of practice and preparation here.
We grow into the eternities yet.
It won't be Judgment Day for quite some time yet.
Also, as importantly as all the above, also, is that we honor and keep the Laws of the land.
These have opposed 'polygamy' for quite some time now.
2007-06-07 18:32:37 · answer #7 · answered by dr c 4 · 1⤊ 4⤋
Funny! 100!
2016-05-19 21:15:12 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After looking at the questions you've posed, I have to wonder: Why the fixation with Mormons? Have they harmed you in some way? Do you secretly long to be Mormon? Did a Mormon guy with 27 wives take the only girl who would sleep with you? What's going on here? Why are your knickers in a twist?
To paraphrase Shakespeare: "Methinks he doth protest too much."
2007-06-07 18:30:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 3⤋
Tedious.
2007-06-07 18:30:46 · answer #10 · answered by rndyh77 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋