LDS Polygamy Dispelled

Some people believe that people who follow the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are a little "weird" to say the least. Of all the topics I have heard debated the most by outsiders to this church is whether or not they believe in Polygamy. I stand to prove they do not.

Polygamy is legal..Not. Latter Day Saints are law abiding people. They follow all of the laws that are placed upon them. Even some extra ones too. They follow what are called Articles of Faith. These articles are the 13 main ideals of the Church. Within these articles, one states: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." That's pretty cut and dry. In simple terms, when a new law is passed by lawmakers, they adapt it as well.

Every member of the Church at some point or another, is given a copy of a book entitled Doctorine and Covenants. This book is also sort of a rule book and gives the members guidelines and insights. After section 138, there is an Official Declaration. Official Declaration 1 was written by President Wilford Woodruff in the late 1800's. It is actually a speech he gave at the semi-annual conference.

Upon receiving reports of polygamist marriages being solemnized after the Church had asked all to forsake the practices of polygamy, President Woodruff attempted to locate all parties involved. One incident in particular involved the Salt Lake City Endowment House. After searching for those involved in that incident he used his power as President of the Church to have the Endowment House taken down immediately. Thus, dishonoring any marriages that had happened there. The entirety of this Declaration can be found in Doctorine and Covenants on page 291.

Even today with the media spotlight upon the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints, (FLDS) the mainline members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints(LDS), are taking fire for the beliefs of the FLDS. These two belief systems are totally different. The LDS have sustained their 16th President. President Thomas S. Monson was sustained during the Semi-Annual General Authority Conference held in April of this year. The FLDS do not acknowledge this man, or any of the other General Authorities that are associated with the LDS church. Thus, separating the two churches.

Upon reading the entire declaration, and doing the research I have, I came to the conclusion that I knew absolutely nothing about the facts surrounding this matter. This has caused me to approach these types of matters with a more open mind. Please take the time to check out the Declaration, you'll be glad you did.