LDS, if God only okayed polygamy when there weren't enough people on earth...?

Question

Then how come when the population was at its lowest (Adam and Eve), he didn't make up like 10 Eve's for Adam to reproduce and replenish faster?
Also, are you honestly even able to fathom God saying Polygamy is ok, even just for a short time period? I'm LDS and I can't say that I believe he ever thought it was okay. I joined the LDS church because I like their teachings of the closeness of families and how eternal families are a main focal point. Please explain all this to me as you see it.
Thanks.

If it's only allowed when the righteous population needed to grow quickly, don't you think we would be needing it about now?

Answer 1

I also find it hard to understand why God's laws would be applicable at one time and not at another time. I think it would be helpful for you to read more about the life of Joseph Smith. I would suggest that information from more than one source would also be helpful. There are discrepancies between church-sanctioned historical accounts vs. those not endorsed by the church. I found Fawn Brodie's No Man Knows My History to be quite informative and interesting. I felt that it gave me a more balanced perspective when I was able to read accounts from more than one source.

Good luck with your search.

Answer 2

In my opinion polygamy has only ever been a temporary practice. In the Bible the main reason it was ever lived by the Hebrews was because when a man died, his widow needed looking after, and if they hadn't had children, the brother of the dead man was supposed to marry the widow and help raise up a family to help take care of her. In the 19th Century, you will find that the revelation on polygamy actually pre-dates the revelation on the Civil War by about a year. We don't know for sure what would have happened if all of the men who were killed in the Civil War, who had valiantly fought in that terrible event, would have done if they had heard about the Gospel first. In my opinion when we get to the Resurrection and Millennium, there will be one person for everyone, due to the law of compensation. That means that if you weren't married in this life and died young, or didn't have the opportunity to get married, you still have the time during the Millennium to get those family ties straightened out. It's important to have faith in God and the laws of justice and equity and know that everything will work out. For example, I have at least 5 uncles and great-uncles who died without ever being married, and I am sure they will have an eternal companion at some point in time. Have a happy day, and I send you a gummy bear.

Answer 3

I don't really know why polygamy was instituted at various times in the history of the world. A successful marriage is difficult enough without adding what seems to be extra complications.

I can also imagine a polygamous marriage without pride and jealousy where the wives behave like close sisters who support each other a great deal.

Earth life seems to be full of apparent ambiguities when it comes to truth. I believe this forces us to struggle and thereby learn how to tell the difference between what is wrong and what is right and whether or not we can trust God.

Also keep in mind that earth life is a very short period of time when you consider Eternity.

While I still have unanswered questions, I don't have any doubt about Joseph Smith being a prophet of God. While I'm sure he wasn't perfect, the more I learn about him, the more respect I have for his character.

Answer 4

It's not when there aren't enough people on the earth, but when the righteous population needed to grow quickly. In the time of Adam and Eve, the poplulation didn't need to grow quickly. And they lived for hundreds of years, so Eve probably had quite a few children.

In the Book of Mormon it says that under normal circumstances polygamy is not to be practiced, but the Lord will command it if he needs to raise up "seed". In the early days of the church there were more women than men and the church needed to grow in order to survive. The Lord instituted polygamy for this purpose and when it was fulfilled the Lord ended the practice.

For Pastor Art - Polygamy wasn't even introduced in the Church until 10 or 12 years after it was organized. I don't how you can say that it started out as a sex cult

Answer 5

This is how I see it.
There are things that we are all called to do things in this life, which are hard for us, and us alone. If God asked me to give up ice-fishing for Him to show that I was faithful, then I wouldn't have much of a problem. Now, if He asked me to share my husband, that would be extremely difficult, and I would almost have to say impossible. When we are faithful, humble, and completely obedient, then, and then alone are we going to achieve the blessings we deserve.
This is not any official doctrine. You could say it is the gospel according to cclleeoo.
This is one of the main reasons that I stay in the church. Not the polygamy thing, but knowing that when I am obedient and doing the things I should, then I will be blessed.
It is not easy. No one ever said it would be. I think that is why so many people 'fall away'. Don't let the whole polygamy issue taint your testimony of the church. We are not called to practice it, nor do I believe we ever will be. For now, it is a non-issue that satan is using to anger people towards the church. Cheers.

Answer 6

Have you even READ the bible? Go back through the old testament and all the way into the new and you tell me just HOW MANY CHANGES there were to commandments the Lord gave, that were given, rescinded, modified, cancelled etc. Its one of the reasons many people struggled with Christ "A new commandment I give unto you" "Ye have heard it said by them of old time....but I say unto you...." and that's just two! What do you think the new testament is but ongoing instruction because the former instruction wasn't sufficient or needed to be changed? If you read the bible you would know this - go read it! You'll find it fascinating!

Answer 7

A lot of it has to deal with our faith, and where it lies. If God commands us to read our scriptures everyday, are we going to do it? If God commands us to obey the 10 commandments are we going to do it? How about, when we get into harder stuff, stuff thats harder for us to let go, like drinking or smoking, or certain immoral things? Are we going to do it? Now, lets say He commands us to practice polygamy are we going to do it? The answer is Absolutely! Because HE commanded US, WE are going to do as HE says, right? Why? Because we love Him, we want to obey Him and we ultimately want to return to Him!! And the only way to do that, is by following His every word and commandment.

A good example of something like this would be to take a look at Abraham and his son Isaac. God commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac; He didnt know why, just that the Lord commanded Him to. So he goes to do it. Thats where we need to take a step back and understand that our faith needs to be at the point where we would do ANYTHING for HIM, no matter what it is. For in times of trial, our faith grows and so does our Love and Understanding and Patience and Anything Godly!!

Answer 8

Most LDS women have wondered these exact same things...and you're absolutley fine and normal for doing so.

I found my answer one day while I was reading Jacob 2 (a great chapter on the subject). It took like the 10th time I had read it in my life for it all to sort of click and make sense...I don't really know how to explain it perfectly for you - so I just want to suggest that you prayerfully read that chapter, and see what the spirit will teach you.

best wishes

Answer 9

We don't know for sure that the reason for polygamy in the Church's earlier years was to populate. People have often speculated about that being the reason. Just remember that today's LDS church does not practice polygamy.

gw

Answer 10

In my opinion and only an opinion....There were more women in the church than men. The women needed to be taken care of and they were married to men. Only 15% of the LDS population in the 19th century were practicing polygamists.
for instance, Brigham Young married a lot of widows and elderly to take care of them not for sexual or procreation needs.