Polygamy in the past, present and future

[Mystery Meat]

By way of disclaimer: I don't have strong opinions on the practice of polygamy itself. While I tend to believe that there will be some polygamy in the next life, it doesn't make up any meaningful part of my testimony. I think the fact of the matter is, however, that it is nearly impossible to have a conversation about polygamy without discussing past, present and future practices of polygamy in the Kingdom of God. D&C 132 is still canon. It has never been walked back or softened by prophets since the days of Wilford Woodruff. President Hinckley said that President Hunter would have both of his wives with him in the next life. The Church's recent essays did not walk back our teachings on the subject. Yes, it is true that we are not expected (and in fact are commanded not to) to practice polygamy in this life, much to my relief.

I would understand why this issue would cause distress to anyone, male or female. I don't think it would be possible for anyone to feel worse about practicing polygamy then I would. It would take a lot of prayer and a lot of fasting, not to mention promptings by the holy spirit. I think comfort and guidance should be provided to those who are struggling. However, I don't think we can provide false answers or hide the truth. Just like we don't shy away from eternal truths when it comes to sexual orientation even if it makes some feel bad, we cannot hide eternal truths about what has been taught concerning polygamy either. D&C 132 is canon. We can and should start there. We can share the positive experiences of some of the early pioneer women (and some of the bad as well). We can also add that not even Elder Oaks, an apostle of the Lord, knows what his eternal polygamy will look like in the next life. But we can trust a loving Heavenly Father to make sure anything required of us makes sense.