why me Posted September 13, 2012 Posted September 13, 2012 I think that for many members the lying and dishonesty surrounding the polygamy issue is more of a problem that the polygamy itself (which many grow up knowing about). You can disagree and justify all you want. It doesn't make the pill easier to swallow.Emma had a right to informed consent.And she was informed in section 132 of the D&C. But what happened? She just couldn't get with it. And yet, Joseph was commanded to practice it. What was he to do? Disobey god? We need to look at the situation that he was in. Also, emma knew about his polygamy. And she wavered at times with a yes and a no.
KevinG Posted September 13, 2012 Posted September 13, 2012 (edited) The intent of bringing up the more shocking aspects of Joseph's sex life (as if we actually know anyting about his sex life) is to cause the Saints to lose their confidence in him or warn off (scare away) potential converts.The problems are this. Sealings do not necessarily mean there was a connubial marital relationship (as evidenced by the men Joseph was sealed to and the absulute lack of progeny from the sealings to women). Judging marriageable age in the 1800s by 21st century standards is a clear case of presentism that would condemn many of our own g-grandfathers as cradle robbers. And the outrageous stories told about the situations people were in when being sealed that just don't match up with journal records or the testimonies of those who were involved.A dash of presentism, a dose of rumor and voyeurism and a pinch of outright lies and you have the perfect recipe for shaking the faith of someone who is uninformed or looking for an excuse to doubt.I happen to like Bushman's treatment of the issue and I think it is very fair, showing the difficulty, the struggle and the challenge without having to be salacious or make assumptions about what went on in private.The assumption that Joseph's actions were all about sex is a symptom of why monogamous marriages are failing in today's society. Sex has become the focus of marriage and its not balanced or healthy. Edited September 13, 2012 by KevinG
divinenature Posted September 13, 2012 Posted September 13, 2012 And she was informed in section 132 of the D&C. But what happened? She just couldn't get with it. And yet, Joseph was commanded to practice it. What was he to do? Disobey god? We need to look at the situation that he was in. Also, emma knew about his polygamy. And she wavered at times with a yes and a no.When was she shown D&C 132 and is that really a fair way for god to inform her about polygamy? When did Joseph begin to take on additional "wives?" Before or after showing Emma D&C 132?Also, D&C 132 is very convenient. It absolves Joseph of all his sins and threatens to DESTROY Emma if she doesn't go along with it. How much agency does one really have if the choice is "do it or die?" Why is God so unkind towards Emma and give so much allowance to Joseph? This all starts to look very fishy to people when they begin to delve into it.
KevinG Posted September 13, 2012 Posted September 13, 2012 This all starts to look very fishy to people when they begin to delve into it.Well that is the intent of making it about sex and then raising suspicions isn't it? I'm sure a few people raised questions about Moses violent past in order to undermine his crazy visions and political ideas.Thread closed, see board rule prohibiting sex threads.
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