Beyond Bountiful

A Morman's View of Polygamist Marriage

Polygamy, multiple spouses, or "plural marriage" has been cast into the spotlight thanks to Canada's Creston Valley, B.C. and the commune of Bountiful. Bountiful's fundamentalist church teaches that men must have three or more wives and as many children as possible to enter heaven, that the role of females is to serve men, and that women who disobey will burn in hell for eternity. While many outsiders have portrayed the religious practices as deeply exploitive, believers in the doctrine argue it's a way to ensure a large family in the afterlife. This is the story of one man's faith, which he says is less controversial than "outsiders" (or non-Mormons) would believe. The storyteller's last name has been withheld to protect his privacy.

I am part of the Mormon fundamentalist community and I believe in the principle of plural marriage, although I do not live it. I'm in a monogamist relationship and deeply in love with my wife. I have no association with Warren Jeffs or the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS). I was not raised in the faith. I converted first to the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). Later, after studying the teachings and doctrines of early founders of the Mormon Restoration Movement, I adopted a more fundamental point of view.

My wife is from the same faith and was raised in it. Other people in the faith are motivated to enter into plural marriage due to a revelation received by Joseph Smith Jr. in 1843. In Mormon Theology, we enter into such contracts beyond the grave. One may embrace the "principle" of plural marriage and not take a second wife while living, and still be justified before the Lord.

I live "The Word of Wisdom" that calls for the restriction of drinking beer, whiskey or any type of alcohol, coffee, tea and tobacco and drugs. I live the "Law of Chastity," meaning I do not have any sexual relations outside my marriage. And finally, I live the "Law of Tithing," in which I give 10 per cent of my income to the faith.

I feel blessed for keeping my thoughts and actions clean. Others say when they have an impure thought, they'll sing a hymn to themselves or recite scripture until their thoughts are under control. Mormons are not to explore passions. As for polyandry - women taking multiple husbands - it doesn't fit into Mormon theology.