Are Mormons Polygamists? (No, And Here’s Why)

With TV shows and stories coming out about Mormon men who take multiple wives, for those not familiar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, it seems natural to wonder, “Are Mormons polygamists?”

No, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is commonly known as the Mormon church, does not condone or practice polygamy. In fact, the church strictly forbids it.

Mormons believe in being faithful to one’s spouse and believe that polygamy goes against this principle.

Then Why Do Some Mormons Practice Polygamy?

While the Mormon church no longer practices or condones polygamy, some Mormons in Utah and elsewhere still do. They are not members of the mainstream Mormon church and are often referred to as “fundamentalist Mormons.”

Fundamentalist Mormons believe that polygamy is a requirement for exaltation in the afterlife. They see it as a practice that allows them to become closer to God and follow what they believe are the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Polygamy was once practiced by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but it was discontinued in 1890. There are a number of reasons why polygamy is no longer practiced by mainstream Mormons.

Mormon leaders began to distance themselves from the practice in the mid-1800s as they were trying to get Utah admitted into the United States as a state. If polygamy had been allowed to continue, it would have prevented Utah from becoming a state.

The Mormon church also came under heavy scrutiny from the US government, which was cracking down on polygamy. In 1862, Congress passed the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act, which made polygamy a felony. This led to the arrest of several Mormon leaders and the seizure of Mormon property.

In 1887, the US Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act, further solidifying the government’s position against polygamy.

As a result of all this pressure, Mormon church leaders announced in 1890 that polygamy was no longer allowed and that those who practiced it would be excommunicated from the church.

Even though polygamy is no longer practiced by mainstream Mormons, there are still some Mormon fundamentalists who continue to live polygamous lifestyles. These groups are not affiliated with the Mormon church and do not represent the views of the majority of Mormons.