Intro

Attorney Mark Tensmeyer sat down with Rick Bennett on the topic of Joseph Smith and polygamy. The discussion centers on debunking arguments made by individuals skeptical of Joseph Smith’s involvement in polygamy.

Key Themes:

  1. Rules of Evidence: Tensmeyer emphasizes the importance of understanding rules of evidence when evaluating historical claims. He highlights that hearsay has exceptions and that third-party testimonies are admissible in court. He critiques the demand for “hard physical evidence” like DNA, pointing out that testimonial evidence holds weight, especially when corroborated by various sources. Polygamy skeptics often reject any evidence after Joseph Smith’s death as hearsay. Quote: “If that was the definition of hearsay, then the only person who would testify in any criminal case would be the defendant.”
  2. Secrecy and Denial: The secretive nature of early polygamy is acknowledged, attributing it to legal ramifications and potential societal upheaval. Joseph Smith and other early Church leaders’ denials are contextualized as attempts to protect the Church and its members.
  3. Evolution of RLDS Position: The interview traces the historical shift in the RLDS Church’s stance on Joseph Smith’s polygamy. Initially denying it, the Church eventually adopted an agnostic position, acknowledging the presence of significant evidence. Key figures like Paul Hansen and Richard Howard played roles in this evolution. Quote: “So, he was the B.H. Roberts of the RLDS Church.”
  4. Cochranite Influence: Polygamy skeptics who deny Joseph practiced polygamy must come up with how polygamy entered into the LDS Church. The claim of Cochranites introducing polygamy to the Church is challenged. While early missionaries like Orson Hyde encountered Cochranites, their journals express disapproval of their practices. Tensmeyer suggests alternative pathways for Joseph Smith’s potential exposure to the concept of plural marriage. Quote: “Their journals, I’ve read them, but they think it’s awful.”
  5. Evidence from Nauvoo: Tensmeyer presents various pieces of evidence from the Nauvoo period supporting Joseph Smith’s involvement in polygamy:
  • Private Evidence: Journal entries, family Bible records, and veiled language in letters hint at plural marriages.
  • Public Evidence: Rumors, investigations, and legal charges related to polygamy emerged in Nauvoo, culminating in the publication of the Expositor.
  • Third-Party Accounts: Statements from individuals outside the LDS and RLDS Churches, including those who left the Church, corroborate accounts of a polygamy revelation and practice in Nauvoo.

Addressing Skeptical Arguments: The interview systematically tackles common arguments employed by polygamy skeptics:

    • Lack of DNA Evidence: Tensmeyer explains that the absence of confirmed offspring doesn’t negate polygamy, citing infant mortality, possible birth control methods, and infrequent sexual relations.
    • D&C 132 Forgery: The accusation of D&C 132 being forged is countered by examining its provenance, corroborating witness testimonies, and inconsistencies in skeptics’ claims.
    • Brigham Young’s Admissions: Statements attributed to Brigham Young as confessing to originating polygamy are analyzed in context, revealing they don’t definitively prove his sole authorship.

    Call for Peer Review: Rick challenges polygamy skeptics to subject their work to rigorous peer review if they seek serious consideration from the academic community. Quote from Mark: “So, if you want to engage the academic community, if you want them the academic community to respond to you, that is how you do it. That’s how it happens for any discipline.”

      Conclusion:

      The interview provides a comprehensive rebuttal to arguments against Joseph Smith’s involvement in polygamy. Tensmeyer advocates for analyzing historical claims through the lens of evidence and context, encouraging a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding early Mormon polygamy. He ultimately champions seeking and accepting truth, however challenging it may be.

      It is interesting how many polygamy skeptics jump all over this interview without providing anything substantive in rebuttal. Why do you think polygamy skeptics arguments are becoming more popular? Do you sympathize with any of their arguments?