It is one of the great ironies of Mormon history that…
““It is one of the great ironies of Mormon history that Smith, who set the polygamous movement in motion, never experienced it in practical terms. He was content to marry the teenage women who lived in his home and then let them depart when Emma objected. And he was content to let his polyandrous wives live with their first husbands, so he never bore the responsibility of providing for them, financially or emotionally, on a day-to-day basis. He never witnessed the toll practical polygamy would take on an Eliza Partridge...””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Early Mormon leader Smith avoided personal responsibility for polygamy, highlighting contradictions in practice versus doctrine.
In simple terms: Smith ignored personal duties in polygamy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize gaps between belief and action.
Themes
religion
hypocrisy
responsibility
history
Mood
critical
historical
Type
church:1
lds:1
mormonism:1
polyandry:0
polygamy:1
privation:0
polygamous:0
polygamous movement:0
practical polygamy:0
polygamy eliza:0
When to use this quote
- historical analysis
- faith community discussions
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
polygamy
leadership
ethical conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities were avoided?
- How do doctrines align with practice?
A Different Perspective
Complexities may be oversimplified.