Do Mormons Have Multiple Wives? An Updated Guide to Modern Mormon Practices

For those curious about Mormon beliefs and practices, the question of polygamy has long been a topic of interest. Many seek to understand the extent to which these beliefs are still upheld today. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of contemporary Mormon beliefs regarding polygamy, drawing from official teachings and current practices.

The Historical Context of Polygamy in Mormonism

Polygamy was once a central tenet of the Mormon faith, particularly among fundamentalist groups such as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) and the Kingston Group. These groups continue to practice polygamy in accordance with their beliefs. However, it is crucial to differentiate these beliefs from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often simply referred to as the LDS Church).

Mormon Beliefs and the LDS Church

Since 1890, the LDS Church has officially discontinued the practice of polygamy. In 1904, it was declared that practicing polygamy would result in excommunication from the church. This policy remains in place today. The LDS Church teaches the standard of monogamous marriage, and any member found to be practicing polygamy will face excommunication.

Extenuating Circumstances and Current Practices

The Book of Mormon and the Bible indicate that polygamy can be accepted under certain extenuating circumstances, as determined by living prophets. If there are indeed such extenuating circumstances, the church may grant exceptions. However, as of now, no such circumstances exist that would require the continuation of polygamy within the LDS Church.

Policy Enforcement and Excommunication

The enforcement of the no-polygamy policy is strict. Members of the LDS Church who are found to be practicing polygamy will be excommunicated, which permanently removes them from the church. This reflects the church's commitment to maintaining its standard of monogamy and compliance with legal and moral standards.

Perceptions of Exclusivity and Sociopathy

It is important to recognize that attempting to align the actions of certain fundamentalist groups with the broader Mormon community is misleading. The LDS Church does not endorse or support the practices of polygamy as seen in some of these groups. In fact, the practice of polygamy among these groups is often viewed negatively by mainstream Mormons and the broader community.

Conclusion

In summary, while polygamy was once a significant part of the Mormon faith, the contemporary LDS Church adheres to a strict policy of monogamy in marriage. This is enforced through excommunication and is reflective of the church's commitment to legal and moral standards. The practices of polygamy among certain fundamentalist groups should not be confused with the mainstream Mormon belief and practice.

Given the historical context and the current policies of the LDS Church, there is no support for the idea that modern Mormons practice polygamy. For those seeking to explore Mormon beliefs in greater depth, the official teachings and guidelines provided by the LDS Church are the authoritative source.