Did Joseph Smith Have Sex With His Plural Wives? | LDS Discussions 62 | Ep. 1992
Digest
This podcast deeply examines the evidence surrounding Joseph Smith's plural marriages, focusing on whether sexual relations occurred. It analyzes numerous cases, presenting varying levels of evidence (certain, probable, or lacking) for each wife. The podcast uses primary sources like letters, diaries, and legal depositions, acknowledging the complexities and ambiguities of the historical record. Key figures discussed include Josephine, Sylvia, Patty Sessions, Miranda Hyde, Elizabeth Durphy, Sarah Cleveland, Delsen Sherman, Eliza R. Snow, Sarah Ann Whitney, Martha Knight, Ruth Vose Sayers, Flora Woodworth, Emily Partridge, Helen Mar Kimball, and Melissa Lott. The "raising up seed" doctrine is explored as a potential scriptural justification for polygamy, and the podcast contrasts the Church's official stance with revisionist interpretations. The podcast also addresses the age of some of the wives, the potential for coercion and spiritual abuse, and the inconsistencies in the Church's narrative regarding polygamy. It examines the Temple Lot case and its significance, along with the polygamous practices of other early Mormon leaders like William Clayton, Joseph Bates Noble, and Reynolds Cahoon. The podcast concludes by emphasizing the need for open discussion and further investigation into this controversial aspect of Mormon history.
Outlines
Introduction: Joseph Smith's Plural Wives and Mormon Apologetics
The podcast introduces the central question of whether Joseph Smith had sexual relations with his plural wives, situating the discussion within the context of Mormon apologetics and a previous episode responding to Keith Erickson.
Scriptural Basis and Implications of Polygamy
Examination of Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants passages regarding polygamy, focusing on the "raising up seed" doctrine and its implications for interpreting Joseph Smith's plural marriages.
Categorizing Joseph Smith's Wives and Evidence of Sexual Relations
A list of Joseph Smith's wives is presented, categorized by the strength of evidence suggesting sexual relations. The varying counts among historians and the Church's acknowledgment of sexual relations with at least 10 wives are discussed.
Detailed Analysis of Individual Cases and Challenges in Interpretation
Analysis of individual cases, presenting evidence from primary sources and discussing the complexities and ambiguities of the historical record.
Examining Specific Cases: Josephine, Sylvia, and Patty Sessions
Discussion of the lack of clear evidence for some wives (Josephine, Sylvia), followed by an analysis of Patty Sessions' case, considering the age gap and potential motivations.
Miranda Hyde, Elizabeth Durphy, and the Role of Older Wives
Analysis of Miranda Hyde's case, highlighting geographical proximity of wives, and Elizabeth Durphy's potential role in facilitating marriages.
Sarah Cleveland, Delsen Sherman, and the Nuances of Evidence
Examination of Sarah Cleveland's case, considering Swedenborgian influences, and Delsen Sherman's case, categorized as a "maybe" due to ambiguous evidence.
Eliza R. Snow, Sarah Ann Whitney, and the "Fake Husband"
Analysis of the Eliza R. Snow "staircase incident" and Sarah Ann Whitney's marriage to a "front husband," Joseph C. Kingsbury.
Martha Knight, Ruth Vose Sayers, and Flora Woodworth
Discussion of Martha Knight's case (lack of evidence), and detailed scrutiny of Flora Woodworth's case based on William Clayton's diary entries.
Emily Partridge's Testimony and the Temple Lot Case
Detailed examination of Emily Partridge's testimony in the Temple Lot case, providing direct evidence of sexual relations with Joseph Smith.
Helen Mar Kimball and Underage Marriage
Discussion of Helen Mar Kimball's marriage to Joseph Smith at age 14, analyzing conflicting accounts and the Church's attempts to downplay the age difference.
Additional Plural Wives and Evidence of Sexual Relationships
Examination of additional relationships, presenting evidence from various sources to support claims of sexual relationships.
Melissa Lott's Deposition and the Temple Lot Case
Analysis of Melissa Lott's deposition, providing compelling evidence of a sexual relationship with Joseph Smith.
Further Cases, Coercion, and Abuse
Examination of additional cases, highlighting underage marriages and the potential for coercion and spiritual abuse.
Additional Evidence, Conclusion, and Polygamy Among Early Leaders
Conclusion with additional evidence, including children born to plural wives, and discussion of polygamy among other early Mormon leaders (William Clayton, Joseph Bates Noble, Reynolds Cahoon).
Addressing Polygamy Denial Theories and Lasting Impact
Addressing common arguments denying Joseph Smith's involvement in polygamy, refuting claims with historical evidence and discussing the lasting impact on the Mormon Church.
Call to Action and Final Conclusion
Call to support the podcast and a final conclusion emphasizing the importance of understanding the experiences of the women involved.
Keywords
Plural Marriage (Polygamy)
The practice of having more than one spouse simultaneously, particularly within the context of early Mormonism and Joseph Smith's life.
Joseph Smith
Founder of the Latter Day Saint movement and first prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; his practice of polygamy is a highly debated topic.
Mormon Apologetics
The defense and justification of Mormon beliefs and practices, often addressing criticisms and controversies.
Primary Sources
Original historical materials such as letters, diaries, and legal documents providing firsthand accounts.
Nauvoo Relief Society
A women's organization in Nauvoo, Illinois, whose records offer insights into Joseph Smith's polygamous activities.
Temple Lot Case
A legal case involving the ownership of a temple lot in Independence, Missouri, which included significant testimony about Joseph Smith's polygamy.
Spiritual Abuse
The manipulation or exploitation of religious beliefs to control or harm individuals.
Coercion
The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.
Child Marriage
Marriage involving a person under the legal age of consent.
Polyandry
A form of polygamy where one woman has multiple husbands.
Q&A
What is the main scriptural justification for polygamy within Mormon theology?
The primary justification cited is the "raising up of seed"—procreation of children.
Does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acknowledge that Joseph Smith had sexual relations with any of his plural wives?
Yes, the Church acknowledges sexual relations with at least some wives.
What are some of the challenges in determining whether Joseph Smith had sexual relations with all of his plural wives?
Incomplete and ambiguous historical records, contradictory sources, and subjective interpretation of evidence.
What is the significance of the "raising up seed" doctrine?
It suggests sexual relations were expected, making the absence of children in some cases a point of debate.
What is the main focus of this podcast episode?
Examining the evidence for sexual relations between Joseph Smith and his plural wives.
What role did the Nauvoo Relief Society play?
Its records offer insights into Emma Smith's knowledge of and response to Joseph Smith's polygamy.
What is the significance of the Temple Lot case and Emily Partridge's testimony?
Emily Partridge's testimony provides direct evidence of sexual relations with Joseph Smith.
What is the main evidence presented to support sexual relationships?
Sworn testimonies, journal entries, and accounts of children born to these unions.
How does the podcast address the Church's attempts to downplay polygamy?
By highlighting inconsistencies and evasions in their official statements.
What are the ethical and moral implications of Joseph Smith's actions?
The potential for coercion, spiritual abuse, and lasting trauma inflicted upon the women involved.
Show Notes
Many have asked the question: Did Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith have sex with his polygamous wives? During his lifetime, Joseph Smith engaged in polygamy (which was illegal in the state of Illinois) and his wives consisted of women who were underage, women who were single, women who were widowed, and women who were already legally married. What is the evidence for his sexual relations with them? Additionally a number of the brethren were also commanded to live polygamy, what is the evidence for sexual relations in those unions? Were any children born in polygamy during the prophet’s life? Join us for a unique LDS Discussions episode where we explore these topics and answer these questions.
00:10:50 The purpose of polygamy from the scriptures - Book of Mormon Jacob 2:27-30
00:14:05 List of all 35 of Joseph Smith’s wives
00:19:45 Color coded list of the wives and sexual relations with Joseph Smith
00:26:55 Fanny Alger was Joseph Smith’s first “polygamous” wife
00:32:45 Lucinda Pendleton Harris was the first polyandrous wife
00:38:20 Zina Huntington was already married and was seven months pregnant
00:45:30 Presendia Buell didn’t know if her son was Joseph’s son
00:49:42 Levirate Marriage with Agnes Smith, Joseph Smith’s sister-in-law
00:58:44 Sylvia Sessions Lyon thought her daughter was actually Joseph Smith’s
01:01:15 How can the Mormon polygamy deniers explain this away?
01:12:40 Elizabeth Durfee helped Joseph arrange new plural marriages
01:19:00 Did Emma Smith push Eliza R. Snow down the stairs?
01:22:26 Clip - Emma Smith did not attend Relief Society through all of 1843
01:30:06 Sarah Ann Whitney had a fake or “front husband” after she married Joseph Smith
01:38:00 Joseph Smith visited Flora Ann Woodworth often
01:54:50 Lucy Walker answers the question of why Joseph Smith didn’t have children in polygamy
02:05:36 Helen Mar Kimball was only fourteen years old
02:25:50 Desdemona Fullmer dreamed that Emma was going to poison her
02:36:40 Malissa Lott’s testimony that she slept with Joseph Smith
02:46:10 Human Trafficking in Mormon history
03:03:10 Children born into polygamy
03:08:52 The final count for who Joseph Smith had sex with and who he did not
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