Navigating a Difficult Topic in Church History (namely Polygamy)
Navigating a Difficult Topic in Church History
(namely Polygamy)
By Angela Halliday
My experience with polygamy in the history of the Church is much like many others'. The idea made me squirm, wince, and blanch. Most often when reading about it (even in my own family's history), I tried to not think about it too much and hoped I'd never need to be subject to it myself. While participating in our Stake's Spiritual Empowerment class, we were taught to face issues head-on, using a balanced approach to understanding. This balance requires work. It requires faith. It requires time. It requires personal revelation.
I estimate I spent about 15 hours on this topic alone in reading, listening and watching various resources. The 40-60 hours I'd studied in the previous few weeks concerning faith, truth, and questions helped me to be ready to receive. Slowly, my mind and my heart opened to understanding. New information, as well as the Spirit, distilled upon me, leading to a profoundly beautiful revelatory experience. I no longer squirm, or wince, or blanch when the topic of polygamy (plural marriage specifically) arises.
Several principles were helpful in this process. First, we (individually and the Church members historically) have made a lot of assumptions. Assumptions need to be carefully evaluated (over and over again if needed) as they often take us away from truth and cause problems when we are confronted with things that just do not make sense to us. Second, we cannot view history through our modern-day lenses. It's not fair to the people who lived before, and it's misleading for us. Third, people are fallible. ALL people are fallible. EVERYONE (excepting Heavenly Father and Jesus) has made mistakes.
After using all of my previous knowledge and experiences and studying faithfully and diligently, the Lord blessed me with peace, understanding and hope. My eyes were opened. My heart was soothed and softened. And my mind was gloriously expanded. Those early saints who participated in polygamy have my elevated respect and admiration. Their obedience and faith and work inspire me as I try to navigate the complicated nuances of earthly life. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love ME. They love every single person. Their plan is perfect. I do not know all yet, but that day will come. In the meantime, I have what I need.
