The LDS Church abstains from the practice of polygamy because it has been officially prohibited by the LDS Church. It is not something they avoid simply because of secular laws; however it has not been completely removed from Mormon theology, since a man can still be sealed to multiple women if he remarries after the death of a spouse, whereas women cannot be sealed to more than one man.
The question should not be “could Mormons practice polygamy” but “should Mormons practice polygamy.” Polygamy is a mortal sin.
Yes, and the reason it was officially prohibited is due to pressure from secular law and the threat of disenfranchisement of the LDS Church.
the LDS changed it’s teaching on polygamy right around the time Utah wanted to become a state. the fundamentalist LDS claim this was wrong and still try to practice it. Laws only recognize one spouse so even if they are “married” to others, the law only recognizes one spouse. The reality show Big Love which featured a man with 4 wives was about this issue. To avoid being persecuted, they moved to Nevada. Legally, Corey was married to the first wife only. This comes into play upon his death when the laws of inheritance would be followed. That is why there has been such a push to change marriage laws to allow homosexual marriages. Polygamy which is considered less socially acceptable is not far behind. Reality shows like Big Love was to make it more acceptable.
Actually, the TLC series that you are referencing is called “Sister wives.”
A couple of years ago I was hearing from Catholics serving in African countries, where tribal beliefs and practices include polygamy, that Mormon converts were not required to end their polygamous relationships in order to convert.
In these same contries, converts to Catholicism who are in polygamous relationships must agree that only their first marriage is valid in the eyes of the Church. They are not allowed to continue living with the other wives as husband and wife, but are required to support them and all of their children. Seems to make more sense.
Thanks, I had a brain freeze at the time. I didn’t watch either but have seen interviews with Corey and his wives.
Actually, I was surprised to find there exists a Christian movement for polygamy. I fear that with the passage of same sex marriage laws, polygamy will be come legal. They have a stronger case for marriage than gays, in my humble opinion.
The sister wives are from a different sect of Mormonism not connected with the main line. They are called the FLDS or Fundamentalist LDS.
Exactly, A seminarian in our diocese is the son of a Mormon bishop and clarified the practice to us. Mormons believe in multiple levels of heaven and the top is called exaltation. To be exalted means to be installed as your own supreme god of another planet. The criteria for this level is polygamy and at least 5 successfully reproducing offsprings. Other lower levels would be non-polygamy. People in the process of conversion. Non temple worthy Mormons. And a limbo like state of all worthy Christians (Catholics not include automatic Hell for us
)I don’t believe your source is accurately representing LDS teaching on the subject.
The OP’s question was, “But say A mormon moved to a country that didn’t forbid it. Then according to the Rules of the LDS church would they be okay to practice polygamy?”I think ANYONE can practice polygamy where it is not prohibited by law, not just Mormans.
Could you explain the sealed thing for me? I remember reading about the guy who abducted the young girl…
I live in Mesa, az the second largest sector of Mormoms in the World. I have been told many times of the true teachings and the teachings they proclaim.