Faith in God
The Lectures on Faith were the “doctrine” in the 1835 Doctrine & Covenants. When it was presented to the general church membership, it was accepted. The preface to this edition was signed by Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and Fredrick G. Williams. Their words state that they will stand behind this doctrine.
“We therefore endeavored to present, though in a few words, our belief, and when we say this, humbly trust, the faith and principles of this society as a body.
We do not present this little volume with any other expectation than that we are to be called to answer to every principle advanced, in that day when the secrets of all hearts will be revealed, and the reward of every man’s labor will be given him.”
The Third Lecture titled “The Character of God” reads:
Let us here observe, that three things are necessary, in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.
First, The idea that he actually exists.
Secondly, A correct idea of his character, perfections and attributes.
Thirdly, An actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing, is according to his will.
Believing that God is an eternal polygamist interferes with faith—it interferes with a correct idea of God’s character, perfections and attributes.
Here are a few of God’s characteristics and attributes listed in the Lectures on Faith that are contradicted by a plural marriage teaching and Section 132:
God is Just Lecture 4:7
Because of flawed humans and free will, God permits injustice in the world, but God is not the author of injustice. 132 caused me to doubt that the judge of all the earth would do right.
If an LDS woman expresses her concern about this teaching today, she is often assured not everyone will be required to live plural marriage in the highest kingdom, implying she personally will not. Yet this also implies others will. In other words, a woman can be relieved this polygamy misfortune will not befall her, but will instead befall her sister-neighbor—a less-than-Christian perspective that does not engender faith in the justice of God’s eternal plan.
God is unchanging Lecture 3:15
Thou shalt not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14), one man should have one wife (1835 D&C 101:4), Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else (D&C 42:22). See also Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:7, D&C 49:16.
Section 132 changes these commandments to “thou shalt have multiple wives.”
God is love, God is merciful Lecture 3:14, 18
The polygamous lifestyle was and is harmful to families. People sometimes choose harmful lifestyles, but God does not command his children to live in a way that harms His children.
God is no respecter of persons Lecture 3:17
We are all equal in God’s eyes. (D&C 1:35; 38:16; Acts 10:34). D&C 76: 95 says those who dwell in God’s presence will be made “equal in power, might, and dominion.” But polygamy is a statement of inequality.
D&C 132’s purported eternal principles, the current temple sealing policies, and the actual plural marriage practiced by the early Saints reveal women are considered unequal, peripheral beings, helping a man who is central to build up his kingdoms. With eternal, plural marriage requiring more females to equal a male, women are not equal in power, might, and dominion—the numbers don’t add up.
Also unequal is a different set of rules for one group, such as polygamy being practiced secretly by the elite. “Plural marriage was introduced among the early Saints incrementally, and participants were asked to keep their actions confidential. They did not discuss their experiences publicly or in writing until after the Latter-day Saints had moved to Utah and Church leaders had publicly acknowledged the practice.” (Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo)
Painting an incorrect idea of God’s character, perfections and attributes is, in my opinion, a serious and harmful consequence of the plural marriage teaching. It derails faith in God unto life and salvation.