Polygamy: Joseph Smith’s Letter of Explanation
Posted in Joseph Smith, Polygamy, Mormon History, All Podcasts, Book of Mormon Historicity by mormonmisc on December 20th, 2008 Polygamy: Joseph Smith’s Letter of Explanation
A letter of Joseph Smith on polygamy is well-known to many LDS as an article on Happiness. It was written such that its meaning would be hidden to those who do not know its historical context.
Its history includes a stir among LDS in Nauvoo in 1842, significant confrontations, exchanges in the newspapers, denials, defections and information on the early, private promulgation of polygamy.
Its content gives important insight into Joseph Smith’s views and even includes a revelation. Further, it is an excellent example of a literary form which clearly teaches an impressive message on the surface, but then buried beneath the surface is a deeper message comparable to occasions when Jesus taught something seemingly simple but then invited his disciples to think deeper with the phrase “he that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
Those interested in a copy of the Joseph Smith letter discussed which I have placed in a parallel column with D&C 132 send your request to van.hale@k-talk.com and I will send it to you by email.
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