Clarification

2007-6-4 14:11:00

John C writes:

Then could you please explain the following statement from the archives?

"In a polygamous situation, for instance, someone is almost always out of balance and, historically, this type of relationship has only been able to exist under the influence of a strong authority. Only through the fear of God, secular laws and authority, or by the sheer power of money has a physical multiple relationship been able to be maintained without some type of open rebellion."

John C quoting me:

"One may ask as to why some of the greatest members of the human race have then practiced it. Among them are Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Isaac, Jacob, Mohammed, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and many others. In addition many great men, and a few women, in history have carried on multiple relationships with just as close of an association as plural marriage."

http://www.freeread.com/archives/428.php

So, are you saying here that Joseph Smith practiced it, or are you saying one would ask why it would appear that he practiced it?

JJ:

My writing (of many years in the past) was making a point using the common acceptance of history. Technically it was correct according to my belief because he did have a plural relationship with Eliza R. Snow for a time.

John C:

There are records of such sealings, and perhaps from these records sprang the rumor that he was actually practicing plural marriage, and then Brigham Young came along and took this a bit more literally. Can we say this? I'm just trying to find a way to reconcile all the various points of view with what we know.

JJ:

That would be my understanding, but because of our imperfect knowledge other alternatives are possible.

John C:

Could we just say this, then? As a foreshadowing of the molecular order Joseph sealed additional wives to himself, and additional wives to other church officials, and in some instances men to other men, not that these relationships should be physically consummated, but that the individuals would have a bond between them which would carry over into the resurrection, or into multiple lifetimes to come?

You have written before about groups incarnating together, and if so, why not also couples incarnating together? From a Mormon understanding, this is "marriage for time and eternity", but from an understanding of reincarnation, "time" repeats itself over and over, for many lifetimes.

JJ:

Yes, I believe he was looking ahead to future lifetimes.

John C:

"...should the time ever come that this man B. Young should lead the Church that he would lead it to hell."

This is not necessarily a bad thing.

JJ:

Yes, Brigham made mistakes, but he was still a very intelligent man of great accomplishment. Even though he made Joseph nervous I think he gave him great respect and both of them were good friends.