Was Joseph Fielding Smith a Polygamist?
Joseph Fielding Smith, a prominent figure in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), has been a subject of much debate and speculation regarding his involvement in polygamy. As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and later serving as the church’s president, Smith’s personal beliefs and practices have been scrutinized by both supporters and critics. This article aims to explore the question of whether Joseph Fielding Smith was a polygamist and provide a comprehensive understanding of his role in the LDS Church’s polygamous history.
Joseph Fielding Smith was born on June 27, 1876, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was the son of Joseph F. Smith, who later became the sixth president of the LDS Church. As a young man, Smith was deeply involved in the church’s affairs and was ordained to the priesthood at the age of 15. Throughout his life, he served in various leadership roles within the church, including as a missionary, bishop, stake president, and apostle.
Polygamy, or the practice of having more than one wife at a time, was a central tenet of the LDS Church during the 19th century. The church’s founder, Joseph Smith, practiced polygamy, and it was a widespread practice among church leaders and members during that time. However, the LDS Church officially abandoned the practice in 1890, following intense pressure from the United States government and public opinion.
Despite the church’s formal abandonment of polygamy, there is evidence to suggest that some church leaders, including Joseph Fielding Smith, continued to practice polygamy in secret. Critics argue that Smith’s involvement in polygamy is a testament to the church’s ongoing resistance to federal laws and its commitment to maintaining the practice among its members.
Proponents of Smith’s character, on the other hand, argue that he was a devoted and faithful church leader who never openly advocated for the continuation of polygamy. They contend that any involvement in the practice was done in secrecy and that Smith’s primary focus was on serving the Lord and leading the church.
To understand the extent of Joseph Fielding Smith’s involvement in polygamy, it is essential to examine the historical context of the LDS Church during his lifetime. The church’s leadership was under immense pressure to comply with federal laws and public opinion, which were increasingly hostile towards polygamy. In this environment, it is plausible that some church leaders, including Smith, continued to practice polygamy in secret to maintain their personal beliefs and to support their families.
In conclusion, whether Joseph Fielding Smith was a polygamist is a complex question that cannot be answered definitively without access to all available evidence. While there is no concrete proof of his involvement in polygamy, the historical context and the church’s ongoing resistance to federal laws suggest that it is possible he practiced polygamy in secret. As with many aspects of the LDS Church’s history, the truth behind Smith’s personal beliefs and practices may never be fully known, but it is an important topic for those seeking a deeper understanding of the church’s past and its ongoing legacy.
