Originally Posted by BYU71 (Post 128139)

I don't know how it happens. I supsect this is how it happened to me. I was taught JS brought or polygamy was revealed to him. He really didn't want to do it. Emma was against it but consented because he had to have her permission, first wife. He married a couple of other gals and it was mainly because they needed to be helped. Later I was taught polygamy was primarily practiced because there was such a huge ratio of women to men.

None of that seemed like such a big deal to me. Anyone who even suggested this might not be the whole truth was either shouted down as apostates or laughed at.

It must cause some great fear to some, that people can openly talk about other possibilities. I think that is why Indy, Lingo and Tex take shots on occasion about this site and the heretical things they think are said here.

Originally Posted by Tex (Post 128182)

Look, I'm genuinely sorry for derailing the discussion. I think the suggestion that "Joseph was a horndog" or that he abused his prophetic call to get sex is among the most pernicious claims a person can make about him. Thus, I responded in the strongest terms I can.

It wasn't meant necessarily as a personal attack on marsupial, or to say that I am better than anyone ... simply that I think it is DEAD wrong, and rude to boot.

I certainly do not win the award for the rudest or most inartful debater on CG. The truth is, my views are tremendously unpopular here, and thus I take a lot of flack for it.

Originally Posted by marsupial (Post 128205)

How do you explain Joseph marrying women who were already married? Did they need his sacred seed to be redeemed?

What about him marrying Orson Hyde's wife after he sent him on a mission? I don't how to explain it, Tex. Maybe someday it will all make sense to me. If that day comes then I will say, "Prophet Smith, I am sorry that with all the information I had on earth I just thought you were using your authority to take advantage of women. But now I know that 'marrying' other men's wives, your household helper and teenage girls was all a part God's beautiful plan to restore the gospel in the Latter-days."

Originally Posted by Requiem (Post 128254)

Based on Marsupial's post (and my earlier one), I am interested in responses re: the JS polyandry issue. As I stated, it is not a testimony breaker; I would just like to know the context, justification, etc. This is a classic case where candid information is preferable to hearsay - particularly in view of the specific information contained in the link below that indicates JS married at least 11 women who were already married:

http://www.wivesofjosephsmith.org/home.htm

Originally Posted by Requiem (Post 128254)

Based on Marsupial's post (and my earlier one), I am interested in responses re: the JS polyandry issue. As I stated, it is not a testimony breaker; I would just like to know the context, justification, etc. This is a classic case where candid information is preferable to hearsay - particularly in view of the specific information contained in the link below that indicates JS married at least 11 women who were already married:

http://www.wivesofjosephsmith.org/home.htm

Originally Posted by Requiem (Post 128254)

Based on Marsupial's post (and my earlier one), I am interested in responses re: the JS polyandry issue. As I stated, it is not a testimony breaker; I would just like to know the context, justification, etc. This is a classic case where candid information is preferable to hearsay - particularly in view of the specific information contained in the link below that indicates JS married at least 11 women who were already married:

http://www.wivesofjosephsmith.org/home.htm

Originally Posted by Archaea (Post 128261)

Bushman only verifies sexual relationships with three or four.

I really don't know what to think about it other than he was a horny dude who some how was able to repent for this sin.

Originally Posted by Archaea (Post 128261)

Bushman only verifies sexual relationships with three or four.

I really don't know what to think about it other than he was a horny dude who some how was able to repent for this sin.

Originally Posted by Requiem (Post 128254)

As I stated, it is not a testimony breaker; I would just like to know the context, justification, etc. This is a classic case where candid information is preferable to hearsay - particularly in view of the specific information contained in the link below that indicates JS married at least 11 women who were already married:

http://www.wivesofjosephsmith.org/home.htm

Originally Posted by Flystripper (Post 128297)

While it may not be a testimony breaker for you, it is most definitely a testimony breaker for some. Joseph was willing to lie to his followers about his practice of polyandry. It is not that big of a leap to come to the conclusion that he possibly lied about other revelatory experiences. While we all know our leaders are not perfect and they make mistakes, this "mistake" seems more insidious than even adultry. It is difficult to reconcile the prophetic call of Joseph with these actions.

I have prayed asking for peace of mind concerning these things and am still left wanting. I have not left the church but it troubles me greatly.