In part 5 of our 6-part series on polygamy within the LDS Discussions project, we discuss “The Happiness Letter,” which was the letter Joseph Smith wrote to Nancy Rigdon to try to convince her to become one of his plural wives.
Special Guest: Nemo the Mormon
LDS Discussion Essay on the Happiness Letter
LDS Discussions 6-Part Series on Polygamy:
- 1673: An Introduction to Mormon Polygamy w/ LDS Discussions – 24
- 1676: D&C 132 – Joseph Smith’s Polygamy “Revelation” w/ LDS Discussions – 25
- 1679: Joseph Smith’s Plural Marriage Proposals Pt 1 w/ LDS Discussions – 26
- 1682: Joseph Smith’s Plural Marriage Proposals Pt 2 w/ LDS Discussions – 27
- 1691: Polygamy Apologetics, Spiritual Wifery, etc w/ LDS Discussions – 29
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Show Notes:
Mormon Stories Content
Official LDS Gospel Topics Essays on Polygamy:
- Plural Marriage in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo
- Plural Marriage and Families in Early Utah
- The Manifesto and the End of Plural Marriage
YouTube
Podcasts
Books
- Todd Compton | In Sacred Loneliness
3 Responses
I will quote this letter at my membership council. Should be fun.
Joe paid dearly for his insistence that he deserved honor and glory for his prophetic capacity. Many l d s lifetimers continue to pay an emotional and in many ways a physical price for following his teachings. Remember 1/3 of heaven’s occupants followed mr. Scratch because he wanted glory . Bending social norms usually ends in this manner. New societies emerge, like Mormonism in isolated Utah circa 1847-1910 and the religion that was grown there has absolutely no semblance of Mormonism today. It’s my opinion that today’s church in many ways is as harmful to relationships and family support, which is what it’s purpose is ,( I .e the temple ) and it’s binding power . This is what obviously happens when you tell our creator how you can enhance his 10 suggestions for a decent happy society. Remember Nancy Rigdon had what most of her age in that time did not , true character. The happiness letter exists today due to her inner compass, pointing in a direction few other women would go at that time . Thanks for a great dive into a subject that has taken many a gospel doctrine teacher right out of the church.
I rally enjoy Mikes insight and deep research on these topics. My only question is how does he stay in a marriage to a TBM and not have issues?