omni Posted January 31, 2015 Posted January 31, 2015 Good point.This reminds me of the story of Samuel in the Old Testament. He told Saul that God wanted every living creature dead. Saul spared the king. So when Samuel find out, he, a prophet of God no less, killed the king himself. And yet we struggle with polygamy.Unreal.Which is why many of us struggle with both.
Stargazer Posted February 1, 2015 Posted February 1, 2015 There may be a double standard for some, but not for me. I find all of it difficult to reconcile: polygamy, Samuel hewing Agag to pieces before the Lord, God commanding the murder of innocents. None of it strikes me as "virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy." Oh, my. Looking for a God you feel more comfortable worshipping, then? One that shares your values? Best pack a lunch because you will be looking for a long time.
Stargazer Posted February 1, 2015 Posted February 1, 2015 Wasn't this limited to if the widow had no children/heirs to look after her or was it in all cases? The issue was not that she had no children to look after her. That was her problem to worry about. Levirate marriage, as it is called, was intended to raise up an heir to the deceased husband. With subsequent children to be heirs of the levirate husband.
Stargazer Posted February 1, 2015 Posted February 1, 2015 Which is why many of us struggle with both. The Flood. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami. Pompei. The 1931 China floods. In fact, have a look at this interesting list: Ten deadliest natural disasters since 1900 And we're all shocked by a few thousand deaths in Palestine? This life is ephemeral. We all go on to a better place afterwards, and some of us go there sooner than others. Don't sweat it, too much.
readstoomuch Posted February 1, 2015 Posted February 1, 2015 I learned about polygamy from Evidences and reconciliations. Also John Henry Evans biography of Joseph Smith. Glad they were there and gave me some foundation since I was asked a million times in my mission.
mnn727 Posted February 1, 2015 Posted February 1, 2015 I'm not really sure how anyone can hear the word 'Mormon' without thinking of polygamy - I knew Mormons practiced polygamy at least 3 decades before I converted. Is it really that much of a surprise to those who grew up in the church?
ALarson Posted February 1, 2015 Posted February 1, 2015 (edited) I'm not really sure how anyone can hear the word 'Mormon' without thinking of polygamy - I knew Mormons practiced polygamy at least 3 decades before I converted. Is it really that much of a surprise to those who grew up in the church?That Mormons practiced polygamy in the early days is rarely if ever a surprise to any active Mormon. It's the details of how it was lived that surprises many long time members when they learn of them. I know many say that's on the member for not investigating or researching it sooner, but it happens so often that it's a great thing the church itself is now publishing information on Nauvoo polygamy, etc. (the essays). (And yes, I know the church has published things in the past. But I don't think it's been anything as detailed as the new essays.) Edited February 1, 2015 by ALarson
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