The news has brought the issue of Mormonism and polygamy to the forefront in the minds of many. However, few are aware of how specific the revelations given to Joseph Smith are when they speak about having multiple wives.
The Mormons have three books (The Book of Mormon, Doctrines and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price) they view as being equally inspired as the Bible. In fact, when those books contradict what the Bible says, these books are seen as more accurately giving the truths of God. What do these books teach about plural marriage?
On July 12, 1843, Joseph Smith, the founder of this religion and who received direct instructions from God, revealed these words from heaven, “If any man espouses a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent, and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no other man, then he is justified; he cannot commit adultery for they are given unto him; for he cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth unto him and no one else. And if he have ten virgins given unto him by this law, he cannot commit adultery, for they belong to him, and they are given unto him; therefore he is justified. But if one or either to the ten virgins, after she is espoused, shall be with another man, she has committed adultery, and shall be destroyed; for they are given unto him to multiply and replenish the earth, according to my commandment and to fulfill the promise which was given by my Father before the foundation of the world” (Doctrines and Covenants 132:61-63).
Because of pressure from the government in 1890, the Mormons affirmed they would no longer practice polygamy. However, many continued, so a second manifesto was issued in 1904 repudiating the practice. Those in the news (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) have continued the practice.
What is often overlooked is that for anyone to be a faithful Mormon he must, even in the present day, believe in polygamy or he will be damned by God. The revelation about polygamy was announced with these words, “For behold, I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant; and if you abide not that covenant, then are ye damned; for no one can reject his covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory” (D & C 132:4).
Mormonism is based on Joseph Smith as being a prophet of God, yet most Mormons reject what he said!