Understanding Terminology: What do Mormons Call Multiple Wives?
The term "Mormon" is a nickname commonly used to refer to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's important to clarify that the official name of the church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and while the nickname is widely recognized, church members often prefer to be called Latter-day Saints or members of the Church.
When the question arises, "What do Mormons call multiple wives?", the answer is nuanced and requires understanding historical practices versus current official doctrines and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Historical Practice: Polygamy and Plural Marriage
Historically, during the 19th century, some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints practiced what was called polygamy, or more formally, plural marriage. This practice involved men being married to more than one wife simultaneously.
- Polygamy: This is the general term for being married to more than one person at the same time.
- Plural Marriage: This was the specific term used by early Church leaders and members to describe the practice of polygamy within their religious context. They believed it was a commandment from God.
It is crucial to understand that this practice was controversial, even within the Church at the time, and led to significant persecution and conflict with the United States government.
Official Stance of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Today
Today, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially discontinued the practice of plural marriage in 1890 with the issuance of the Manifesto, a statement by Church President Wilford Woodruff. This was followed by a second Manifesto in 1904, which further solidified the Church's stance against the practice.
Therefore, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today do not practice polygamy or plural marriage. Engaging in such a practice is grounds for excommunication from the Church.
Sects and Independent Groups
It is important to distinguish between the mainstream Church and certain fundamentalist groups that have broken away from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These fundamentalist groups continue to practice polygamy. When these groups are mistakenly referred to as "Mormons," it can lead to confusion.
These fundamentalist groups often use the term polygamy or plural marriage to describe their practice. They do not represent the beliefs or practices of the vast majority of Latter-day Saints.
Addressing the Term "Multiple Wives"
In the context of historical practice within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, men in plural marriages would refer to their additional wives as:
- My wife(s): In conversation, they would simply refer to their multiple spouses as "my wife."
- Sister [Last Name]: In a more formal or communal setting, they might refer to their other wives using familial terms like "Sister [Last Name]."
- Fellow-wife: This term could be used to describe a co-wife in a plural marriage relationship, denoting a shared husband.
However, as previously stated, this practice is a thing of the past for the mainstream Church. Today, within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a man is expected to have only one wife at a time in a marital relationship. If a man's spouse dies, he may remarry, but he is still only married to one person at any given time.
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints discontinued the practice of plural marriage in 1890. Today, the Church strictly prohibits polygamy and excommunicates any member who enters into or solemnizes plural marriages."
Key Takeaways
To summarize:
- Historically, some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints practiced polygamy or plural marriage.
- Today, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially prohibits polygamy and excommunicates members who practice it.
- Independent fundamentalist groups, which are not affiliated with the mainstream Church, continue to practice polygamy and refer to it as such.
- Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today do not have "multiple wives" in the sense of polygamy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did the practice of plural marriage begin in the early Church?
The practice of plural marriage was introduced by Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church, in the early 1840s. Church members believed it was a divine commandment, based on interpretations of Old Testament practices and certain revelations. They believed it was a way to build up the kingdom of God and that it was essential for eternal exaltment.
Why did the Church officially stop practicing plural marriage?
The Church officially discontinued plural marriage primarily due to intense pressure from the U.S. federal government, which enacted laws against polygamy and persecuted polygamists. The Church faced significant legal challenges, including the seizure of Church property and the imprisonment of its leaders. The Manifesto of 1890 was issued to end the practice and allow Utah to become a state, thus preserving the Church's ability to function openly.
Are all people who believe in the nickname "Mormon" polygamists?
No, absolutely not. The overwhelming majority of people who identify with the nickname "Mormon" are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which officially abandoned polygamy over a century ago. Only a small percentage of individuals belong to fundamentalist groups that have separated from the mainstream Church and continue to practice polygamy.
What is the difference between the mainstream Church and fundamentalist groups regarding marriage?
The main difference is that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strictly adheres to monogamy, meaning one spouse at a time. Fundamentalist groups, however, continue to practice polygamy, believing it is still a divine commandment. These fundamentalist groups are not affiliated with the mainstream Church and their practices are not endorsed by it.
